THE SEARCH WAS ON: {fall 2005-early 2006}

RAISED SALON vs. DECK SALON these terms can be quite confusing when it comes to different manufacturers. Even the term MOTORSAILER sometimes gets thrown in the mix. Sometimes you can see out of the salon while sitting, other times you have to be standing. There are even times that you cannot see directly out, but the windows [ports] are so large that they let in an abundance of light. We looked at new boats, used boats, custom boats, attended the Newport and Annapolis shows and took a trip to Florida specifically to search this specific market and purchase a boat. We came very close as we had an offer on a 50 footer, beautifully maintained and built by a highly respected custom builder in Maine. However prior to coming to an agreement we decided to take a step back. Did any of these boats we’d seen offer better performance under sail?, Under power? Were the guest staterooms anything more than glorified quarter cabins? Were the cockpits any more comfortable or roomy? After the excitement of buying a new boat wears off, would it stand the test of time? Would it answer all or most of the requirements? In all fairness, purchasing a boat requires willingness to compromise. Many of the boats we looked at are well constructed and beautifully finished. It was time to sit down however, and refine the basic requirements into something more. And then we would have to ask the question, “Does this boat currently exist?” If it does, then we've been unable to locate it.