You are obviously a master of the art of rigging and de-rigging, Ray.Raya wrote:I find the Investigator perfect for 2+ day cruises as the time/effort spent preparing and getting away is considerable compared to the small beach craft, it's not really a daysailer unless left rigged up somewhere.
I can’t say that I agree with the above. (The first five words I agree with). I’ve owned my Investigator for twenty-five years now and have only ever used it for day sailing. Most days, I launch mid-morning and am back in the afternoon.
It only takes me, (and I do this on my own), about half an hour to stand the mast and attach the sails. Taking them down is always quicker. I spend less ramp time launching and retrieving the boat than a lot of the jetski guys.
I wouldn’t want anyone to be put off owning an Investigator by thinking that rigging it is an onerous task. It just takes a bit of practice and preparation.
I am in the two day outing camp. Firstly I have to do everything single handed. Secondly, But importantly, I am guilty of over-protecting the boat. The boat is on the street down a steep driveway from the house. Protected by a heavy, large cover, which takes a while to put on and take off single handed. The rudder, motor ,fuel etc are all stored up in the house. Always start with fresh fuel. Always flush the motor and drain the carby. Always clean out and refill the porta potty. Always top up the water tank. Set up the solar trickle charge for the battery. And on it goes. Even hooking up the trailer takes longer when there is no one guiding the reversing, and you are on a slight hill.
So for me, a weekend outing is best. However, overnighting is fun, and part of the on-water experience.