Looking again in Victoria

[Yara50]

I know how you feel Mel. I have been eyeing off keelboats for years, but every time I inspect one in my price range, I come back to how much better the Investigator 563 is for me. Having spent years setting it up, it has all the mod cons I need, plus some extras like a full boom tent that I have never used. It would be hard to part with Yara, so I probably will end up with a fleet. You are familiar with that scene!

Keep in touch with Phil. It is common with boats, that buyers appear hot to trot, and then fall over.

Thanks everyone,
It seemed like a whole batch popped up for sale all at once.
I have had a great chat with Phil. Incredibly, it turned out that Phil was once the owner of the Cal 14 I now own. He set it up beautifully and I still have his name on some of the safety gear. Talk about a small world!!
So I have no doubt that Phil's I563 will be set up superbly; I just can't bring myself to commit to parting with the Cal, which I need to do to afford anything over $5K.
Decisions decisions.
Appreciate all the comments.
Best wishes,

[PeterY]

I like the uncluttered interior. No need for a lot of stuff below if the boat is only used for day sailing.
For the record, this boat is Investigator #4 Seabreeze Osprey, later renamed Solitaire.

I bought the boat from Phil and can confirm that he set it up beautifully. He did mention the name Solitaire, but I got the impression that he hadn't really named it. So I have called the boat Tricksy.

One meaning of "tricksy" is "neat and trim" which sums the boat up well. I don't like unnecessary gadgets, so I was quite happy at the absence of a radio and instruments. I do have a removable Speed Puck which is enough for me. But all the gadgets that Phil installed are practical ones that I would have done myself if I was a bit handier like Phil. So I am very happy with the boat and although it is the oldest of my three Investigators, it is definitely the best.

Weirdly, Mel and I almost got into a race to buy it. Mel and I also both own CAL 14's. Mel's boat Charlie was previously owned by Phil and is fitted with his trade-mark venetian blinds as is my new boat Tricksy.