1982 Hans Christian 33t
As of July 14, 2011, my husband and I are the proud owners of Sundown, a 1982 Hans Christian 33t. She’s a traditional sailing vessel who’s been only day sailed and used lightly, but slightly neglected for several years.
The systems need updating and Sundown needs to be equipped for the blue-water sailing for which she was designed and how we intend to use her. Beyond that she needs a lot of TLC in the form of varnishing, painting and polishing. I’m greasing my elbows in preparation for working side-by-side with my best mate who, in a former life, was a boat builder in Maine. (He also was a chef and now is a paramedic, so has a myriad of skills that will prove invaluable on a boat and will provide great fodder for future blog entries.)
Currently, Sundown is in Superior, Wisconsin, on Lake Superior, at Barker’s Island Marina. Her first home port was somewhere in Maine. She was commissioned on Lake “Kitchi-gummi” in May 2008. We’re in the process of getting her ready for transport to Fort Collins, Colorado. Yes, you read that right. We’re bringing her to the state best known for its Rocky Mountain high country adventures and completely void of any ocean front property. But “The Fort” will be a temporary home.
Once Sundown arrives, she’ll be placed on jack stands at a secure storage facility near our house where we will give her the attention she craves. We plan to complete the work in a maximum of three years and then have her transported to a yet-to-be-determined coastal launching site. At that time, we’ll set sail for destinations unknown and begin a cruising life.
The circumstances and events that have led up to this point are a bit surreal, but definitely worth sharing. Next up: How to Find Your Dream Boat.
– krs
W00T !! Happy for you to be heading in that direction ! But come on Clay- YOU + Boat-THREE years of work ? Naw… a few months is my guess.
Best wishes from Me. !!!
Thanks Mark, who knows….you know the ol’ saying…time and no money….money and no time? There is a lot of sweat equity and a fair amount of good old fashion real equity to take care of. My first order of business is to make sure via some artistic drilling the condition of the deck core. Feels solid but there are some little clues in the fore-peak under the windless that are suspicious. Exterior bright-work, 12v and 120v systems all need replaced/upgraded. Thanks again for the best wishes!
[…] And so We Own A Boat. […]
[…] I mentioned in my first blog, “We Own a Boat,” Sundown has been neglected for several years. There’s varying amounts grease, grime and mildew […]