Is A Motorsailor Still A Blowboat?

[jim rosenthal]

Actually, someone promoted me without my knowledge; I have no idea why. My job doesn't seem to have changed at all.

As far as places to stay, some suggestions: Northern Bay, try Rock Hall- nice marinas, three of them I think. I think there is space for transients at Tolchester, but I am not sure. (comments, anyone?) You can also try the ones in Kent Narrows, like Piney Narrows Yacht Haven or Mears Marina- Piney is better. All fine for transients. South of Annapolis, I would try Herrington Harbour, Solomons, Smith Point Marina, which is in the Little Wicomico River- I have not been in there, but a friend mentioned it- said you have to go around South and East of the entrance and then circle back up to get around the shoal that is at the mouth of the Little Wicomico. South of that, probably Windmill Point, which is at the mouth of the Rappahannock River- that is the Tides Inn and related marinas. If you can, get a Chesapeake Bay cruising guide. They are very useful to have in this area. In Norfolk, it is fun to stay at Waterside Marina, which is downtown Norfolk, but they don't have diesel. Tidewater Yacht Agency, or whatever it's called this year, is right across the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth and they have fuel etc. When you get down into the ICW, Atlantic Yacht Basin is a great place to spend the night- it is right below the Great Bridge locks. Cheap fuel, generally quiet water, and decent food within walking distance. Lots of snowbirds will be heading down the ICW about then, you'll have company.

Where you stay kind of depends on your cruise speed and what the weather is doing. A two-day run to Norfolk through the Bay sounds about right to me- I think it is about 160 sea miles from Annapolis, but I am not sure. The lower Bay can get fairly rough, and the middle Bay is generally rough when you are crossing the area where the Potomac enters the Bay.

As always, comments from those with "local knowledge" are welcome as I haven't been down past Solomons in a number of years. Hope this is helpful.

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

For someone who boats on the Tennessee and is thinking of living in FL a blowboat won't get it, period. I've seen too many move down to the Carolinas and after 2 years trade (Up) to a trawler type. The ditchs just don't work for a blowboat.

Unless you live on the Chessapeak Bay or Long Island Sound (that's 3 words) or some large body of deep and relatively sheltered water (world travel withstanding) you will be begging out of that "stick boat" soon - which is what they are because where I boat you never see any "jibs, genoas, spinnakers or reaches of any kind. And if you ever needed to pass one you better do it very sloooooowly - even though in most cases you throw out more wake in the process, or they will vehemitly make benign reference to your ancestors.

Of course, on the other hand, blowboats generally don't have swim platforms (and subsequent problems therewith).

Capt'n Bill

 

[Freebird]

Capt'n Bill,

I've already healed from my earlier brain fart. If I do the blowboat thing, it'll be my secondary mode of transportation and sleeping quarters. Still like the looks of that MacGregor 65 though if I decide world traveling is the way to go. That sucker is one slick canoe that will haul some serious ass. But since my ass is hardly ever serious, it may not be for me!

 

[labrador]

Randy, don't even think of a Macgregor 65. There is more room in my dink than the inside of that boat plus unless you're always going downwind they stink. Those things can't point worth a damn, oh forgot you're not a sailor, that means about 55 degrees off the wind is the best you can hope for. You'd never get where you were going.
Dr jim, thanks for the info, I'll try to plot something out tonight.

 

[Freebird]

Okay, I'll forget the MacGregor then. You still offering free sailing lessons and free beer if I just keep my AquaFinn?

 

[labrador]

Sure no problem. Just make sure you come to New Bern with it!

 

[Freebird]

You did say with it, not in it, right? I could haul a bunch of barbeue back in that sucker huh? I'll give you a holler as I plan to make a trip to the east coast sometime in October. Don't worry, I'll give you plenty of time to board up the windows and hide before I show up! Just tell the neighbors you're taking storm precautions. See ya later Skipper!