I bought my Westsail 32' "Thumper"(as in the rabbit, I plan on changing the name when I get a chance) in May 2003. I have done a lot of work since getting it on the hard for a survey and purchasing it. After taking care of the bottom paint, bootstripe, removal of water tanks, painting the bilge and a hundred other things, I was able to get her back in the water. She was at the very reasonable South Park Marina/Boatyard on the Industrial Duwamish River in Seattle, Washington. My wife and I then sailed/motored her around to Seabeck, Washington on the Hood Canal, which is beyond beautiful and much closer to home.
We have sailed her several times since, enjoying the experience and sharing it with family and friends.The Westsail is a boat that you either love or hate and I just love the lines and am proud to be with her on the many adventures to come.
I was thinking of building a steel boat, as I have been a welder for 30+ years(shoutout to my buds at KPT) and have built houses and cars from the ground up. My wife convinced me to get a boat that was ready to sail and I am glad we did as trying to find time to start and finish a boat would be a daunting task.
So now we're loaded for Bear and are slowly learning / relearning the art of sailing, navigating and seamanship. There is still plenty to do, but that is part of the experience, A yardworker in South Park once told me that BOAT stood for Break Out Another Thousand, I quickly responded that I thought it was Bend Over And Takeit. Whatever it is, it's just great to finally be back on the water after not owning a boat for 25 years.
To be continued...
-Guy |
