Back To Chrysler Cult After 15 years
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 9:23 pm
I've just purchased a 1978 C26 from Stockton Lake in Missouri, and hauled her 700 miles to Dauphin Island, Alabama. I'm refurbishing her now and hope to get her wet by spring 2016.
I sailed a 1977 C22 "Haiku" for 16 years back in the late 80's, and I truly loved that boat. I met Caroline during this time, and we sailed the Chrysler often and fell in love. But, for some strange reason, along the way, we decided to go bigger...MUCH BIGGER!
We bought a 1977 Irwin Center Cockpit Ketch, "Boola Riki." We've owner her for 15 years, and I've got to say, it's a totally different experience.
To go from portapotty and outboard to inboard diesel and two marine heads was truly a learning experience! Big boats mean big "systems" and big maintenance. I loved sailing the ketch, but the catch was all the work a boat that size requires. My weekends became divided between work and play. I'd check the wind forecast each week, and would have to choose; play on the best day, work on the other. I had two lists of projects; things I want to do, and things I HAVE TO do to keep her afloat.
I'm not a spring chicken anymore, and working upside down beneath the sole while hair soaks up bilge water is for younger bucks. We made the decision to sell the ketch and go back to our first love...a Chrysler. This was when we decided to move to the gulf, and we couldn't imagine trucking such a big hunk of boat so far.
My wife liked Haiku (C22), except for the total lack of privacy in the head. So, we agreed to get the 22's big sister, primarily for the enclosed head compartment. Sure, she seems tiny compared to our 37 footer, but we are at the point in life where we just want to scale down. Simplify. We want to play most of our boating time, and not have all the systems and expense of maintaining them.
We are antsy to get this boat in the water (and properly named), but we're going to make her a new, old boat first. We're redoing everything. New cushions and foam, new wall coverings, carpet, ventilation...as I said, EVERYTHING. This will be our coastal cruiser (now that we live on an island in the gulf), and my retirement vessel. We have big plans for our golden years, and the simplicity and sturdiness of Chrysler will be the perfect compromise for us.
So...that's who we are. Die hard sailors who have returned to the "Chrysler Cult" after a long lesson in being truly satisfied with less. Mama's happy with some privacy aboard, and I'm thrilled with the sheer simplicity of the C26. I think we'll make a happy 3some.
I've just re-joined this forum after many years away, and wanted to introduce ourselves and give you the sordid story (the Readers Digest Version). Once I remember how to post photos I'll put up some progress pictures. I look forward to participating and sharing here, among like-minded ancient boat enthusiasts.
Fair WInds,
Ira & Caroline Madsen
Dauphin Island, AL
I sailed a 1977 C22 "Haiku" for 16 years back in the late 80's, and I truly loved that boat. I met Caroline during this time, and we sailed the Chrysler often and fell in love. But, for some strange reason, along the way, we decided to go bigger...MUCH BIGGER!
We bought a 1977 Irwin Center Cockpit Ketch, "Boola Riki." We've owner her for 15 years, and I've got to say, it's a totally different experience.
To go from portapotty and outboard to inboard diesel and two marine heads was truly a learning experience! Big boats mean big "systems" and big maintenance. I loved sailing the ketch, but the catch was all the work a boat that size requires. My weekends became divided between work and play. I'd check the wind forecast each week, and would have to choose; play on the best day, work on the other. I had two lists of projects; things I want to do, and things I HAVE TO do to keep her afloat.
I'm not a spring chicken anymore, and working upside down beneath the sole while hair soaks up bilge water is for younger bucks. We made the decision to sell the ketch and go back to our first love...a Chrysler. This was when we decided to move to the gulf, and we couldn't imagine trucking such a big hunk of boat so far.
My wife liked Haiku (C22), except for the total lack of privacy in the head. So, we agreed to get the 22's big sister, primarily for the enclosed head compartment. Sure, she seems tiny compared to our 37 footer, but we are at the point in life where we just want to scale down. Simplify. We want to play most of our boating time, and not have all the systems and expense of maintaining them.
We are antsy to get this boat in the water (and properly named), but we're going to make her a new, old boat first. We're redoing everything. New cushions and foam, new wall coverings, carpet, ventilation...as I said, EVERYTHING. This will be our coastal cruiser (now that we live on an island in the gulf), and my retirement vessel. We have big plans for our golden years, and the simplicity and sturdiness of Chrysler will be the perfect compromise for us.
So...that's who we are. Die hard sailors who have returned to the "Chrysler Cult" after a long lesson in being truly satisfied with less. Mama's happy with some privacy aboard, and I'm thrilled with the sheer simplicity of the C26. I think we'll make a happy 3some.
I've just re-joined this forum after many years away, and wanted to introduce ourselves and give you the sordid story (the Readers Digest Version). Once I remember how to post photos I'll put up some progress pictures. I look forward to participating and sharing here, among like-minded ancient boat enthusiasts.
Fair WInds,
Ira & Caroline Madsen
Dauphin Island, AL