Finally!

[Elandra]

Hi all, after a year of refurbishment since purchase I've finally put the boat in the water and travelled over to Rottnest Island. Almost cancelled due to a strong wind warning but there was a window of moderate winds which we took advantage of. I was a little concerned after all my work and expense on the boat that i would be disappointed in its performance especially after looking at videos with badly set sails and the boats barely limping along. However i was very impressed with the way it handled the conditions which ranged in wind speed from 5k to about 20k in a moderate sea. At wind speeds of about 13k we doing about hull speed of 5.4k which is very satisfactory. The sails set well after installing full length sail tracks, there was little weather helm and the motion was quite comfortable especially for such a small boat. It is quite stiff after initial heel and i have confidence that it could handle fairly bad weather. I bought this boat on a bit of impulse not knowing anything about them other than the usual internet resources so it was a bit of a gamble. Initially with the idea of just sailing on Perth waters but I'm convinced it will take me much further with coastal cruising on the West coast. A really good choice for someone on a limited budget, mostly solo sailing, ease of trailering and with time on their hands (semi retired).

The last time i was in the bay pictured was around the year 2000 in my S&S 39. Three boats later and now the smallest vessel ever it makes me smile that what i paid for this is less than the value of most of the tenders of the other vessels shown and i have the same view. much more room around me and a free beach mooring. Hard to beat that!

Andrew

[Ozzie]

Well done Andrew. Given you are an experienced keelboat skipper, then it’s high praise indeed for the mighty Investigator. I went out to Rottey in 94, but in a large steel hulled tourist gin palace and in subsequent WA trips we’ve observed the Freo Doctor in full swing from the coast so this should inspire potential 563 owners in WA to take the plunge.

It just so happens I have one for sale and having just got back from the Nullarbor earlier this year it’s a lovely drive