GL: Subject: 49' for Loop

[M S]

Dis'n the defever:
 
What value would have been derived if a handful of comments came back that the
dever is a great boat for the loop?
 
I guess this is what I like about these groups. You hear the good, the bad and
the ugly. Take it all with a grain of salt and you can make an educated
decision.
 
Example: I still think 49' is a big boat for two people, but you see lots of
couples out there on boats that size. Part of the solution: When you do a test
ride and are serious explain the concern to the owner and ask to take it in
and out of a few slips of various sizes and types with only two persons doing
everything and no dock hands ashore (maybe have extras ready just in case).
Another thing to try is raise the anchor without the windlass to see what
would happen with a windlass failure.  You may walk away feeling good, you may
walk away with some ideas to address issues or you may just walk away, but
better to do it before buying.
 
Another note since you indicated you would anchor out a lot: If you are going
to anchor out, a bigger boat will provide more comfort, but...Before moving
aboard, we liked to spend the weekend anchored out. We thought we would anchor
out much of the time. Not as fun when it was all of the time. Going for a walk
is a 20 minute project to just get to shore and again on return. We still like
anchoring out once in a while, but most of the time we want the convienence of
being tied up. A bigger boat with a bigger dingy may address some of the
issue, but I suggest looking into the costs and marina availabilty for a
boat that size and what it would do to the budget. If the cost scares you,
it's another factor to consider when choosing a boat.
 
Mike & Tammy
Valhalla II