INVESTIGATOR 563

Hi Guys

Been going around and around in circles until I'm back here as the Investigator seems the right boat for me. I am a novice sailor having only had a pacer which is still sitting in the back yard looking a tad sad. I live in Melbourne - 15 minutes from the St Kilda Marina, have a Nissan Xtrail, a 6-7 metre parking spot and a partner not to keen on being on the water. So as you will realise the Investigator is probably the ideal boat for me. I've looked at Ultimate's and Careels but...

Anyway, looking at a couple of listed options, Speers point ($4k), Bangarra QLD $7.5k) and one in Tweed Heads $8k) but the added costs are looking a bit much, maybe Speers Point.

I'm not much of a mechanic, nor welder or electrician but could cope with regular stuff and realise that the tinkering is half the fun. I'm also aware that safety in sailing and towing is going to be a major thing for me to look at.

As for sailing I have a few mates and a couple of daughters who will be up for an occasional sail but I might be in for a few solo trips (in time) which does not concern me. Generally it will be Port Philip, Westerport cruising with the odd trip down to Geelong and Sorrento (by road at first). A couple of weeks ago I did a trip from Geelong to Sorrento and back to Williamstown on a 32 foot keel boat, loved it... except for the snoring of the skipper and first mate.

In time I might do the odd race for the fun off it. (The Queenscliff to Geelong sounds good to me) Then... Lakes entrance, Mallacoota, Lake Macquarie, the Whitsundays and... Well, we'll see.

So, I've found out lots of information here (and trailersailerplace) and maybe somebody knows somebody who might be thinking of trading up or out... please let me know.

Regards Neil

Hi Neil.

I am thinking of trading up and Im in Melbourne, you are more than welcome to come around and have a look at my Investigator.

cheers Kevin
Please text as i often don't here my phone 0439638464

Western Port is a lot different to Port Phillip since it has much higher tidal variation. This means strong currents that smaller sail craft can't sail against. On our first sail there we went from Hastings all the way to opposite Point Leo, and then back again just as quickly. This is for me, I thought, until my wife said, "Wasn't that anchored ship facing the other way when we started!"

We'd sailed out with the tide and back in as it turned. Every other time I went out we struggled against tides, up to 8 knots at times. Port Philip is a dream compared. But with a nice large cat, Western Port is very enjoyable.

The British have to deal with tides, and we are lucky that in most of our cruising grounds it is not a big problem. Guess if you want to sail Westernport bay you need to work the tides.

Well 'Compass Rose" has a new home the other side of the Bay, thanks to Ian and Heather. I was hoping to get do my maiden voyage as the the new skipper today but the wind gods were against me...

Anyway, I'm a very happy camper at the moment and I hope you guys you will cut me a bit of slack as I bombard you with naive questions, speaking of such, what is the deal with insurance? Worth it? Must have it?

I have also been talking to David at Mastmate (Who has been quite unwell of late!) in regard to some of his stuff - I'm already reconciled to the idea of solo sailing as being the main deal, although maybe the older daughter's keenness may bear some fruit. As to my land-lubber mates, probably depends on the quantity of the esky...

So.Hi and I hope I can add some value to this forum.

Regards Neil McClure