First boat- Part 1

[Versasail]

Well we did it, bought our first boat that is. We pick up our 2005 "M" from Arena in San Rafeal on the 9th of April. It's a white hull (Don't mind the speed penalty) Powered by a 50 Etec Evinrude some of the time and a main and 150 Genoa on a furler most of the time(hopefuly).
Most of our sailing will be in the Gulf Islands of BC in the summer time and California in the winter months. We got a good deal from Dan and a great sailing/orentaition from Jeff.
We went with Arena for a number of reasons:
Price- very close to Inmons, probably less when you consider all the extras they included at no charge.
Setup- As I've been able to gleen from the posting on this Board, this is a major issue with alot of boats. The demo boat we took our first sail on was easy to control under power at slow and fast speeds. Sailing was also easy and fun. Conditions ranged from 5 to 10 knot winds with a heavy tidal flow near San Refeal to 20+ knots and 3 to 5 foot swells( the special kind the bay is famous for) between Alcatraz and Angel Island. On the way back in under power( 4500 rpm), we had a quarting following sea and the same wave conditions. At no time did I feel that the boat was hard to handle or spooky. I'm a private pilot with multi engine and seaplane ratings so I know what spooky handling means. I believe with Dan's power boating and Jeff's sailing experience they realy know how to set these boats up.
Service- I feel the personal service they have exhibited so far has been great. We will see if it continues after the sale is complete.
After picking the boat up I'm going to take it to nearby scales and check axle and hitch weights. I'll post those findings and trailering impressions on the 250 mile trip home as soon as I get a chance.
Thanks for all the help, this board has been a great resource.

[Tom Spohn]

Congratulations!!

If you are new to boating consider the Power Squadron or CGA safety class. Also check out the CanAm 2005 link on the "Upcoming Events" section of this board. Maybe you can join us in the Gulf Islands and San Juans this summer.

[Frank C]

Arena has a good rep - I bought from his father's dealership across the Bay in Alameda - gone now, I think.

You should add your home port and boat info to your profile info (see left). Congrats on the new boat!

[Moe]

Congratulations! I think you're gonna love that E-TEC motor. Could you give us more information on what controls they used for it and how they routed the cables?

Let me also second Tom's recommendation for a CGAux or US Power Squadron's boating safety course, not only for you, but for the whole family. It may even get you a break on your insurance.

--
Moe

[Versasail]

Thanks guys for the greetings and suggestions. Will be looking into the training suggested and hope to see you at the CaAm 2005 this summer. I think I updated my info as well.
Garry Legare

[Captain Steve]

I teach trailering in the USCG Auxiliary BS&S classes. The students like it because they get a chance out of the class room for4 hrs and I get to show off my mac, as a prop for my lecture. Several people have asked for a sail demo and 2 have bought Macs.