It's been 2 months since Tami and I became Stolen Moments new owners. It will be at least 3 more until we can get back up to Lake Superior and start getting her ready for her splash. We've been biding our time by diving into Blue Water literature. When we got into trailering and coastal cruising 18 years ago there really wasn't much to read. We knew how to sail and we had raced the small boats in coastal areas enough to understand the system. We learned mostly by doing and consulting this forum. Preparing to voyage on the oceans is a whole new ball game.
First of all, we are well aware that learning by the seat of our pants isn't an option. There's too much at stake. I've often been an inventive tinkerer, but at other times, like learning how to rig and tune the Thistle, I knew that copying the experts was the only way to go. I leaned heavily into the inventive tinkering with the Oday, but with this boat it will be all about learning how the experts do it, doing it that way, or paying to have it done.
When we bought the boat I knew that we were getting a blue water capable boat, but hadn't formed a solid idea about what we might do with it. Certainly I had the Caribbean in mind, but I also have long thought about actual crossings. Now we are both diving into the many great books. I didn't share a lot of what I was thinking with Tami, but I encouraged her to read the same books. Now that she has read about storm tactics, watches, and sharing the skipper responsibilities she has come along with no coaxing required!
Several of the books discuss what kind of boat we should have. I knew that the Crealock 31 was designed for ocean sailing, and I knew that a smaller boat would be more manageable for a couple, particularly at our age. I also knew that after the purchase we would have plenty of funds left for a refitting as needed. It's been a delightful surprise to read over and over that we have made a really good choice, for many more reasons than I had based my decision.
The boat needs some rudder maintenance, but other than that, should be ready to sail back to Lake Erie. One item on the upgrade list is AIS, and I'll probably get that done before next season's adventures. The boat was designed as a cutter, but many buyers, including our original owners, had opted on a sloop rig. The sale included some of the components to make it a cutter, but we'll need running back stays, a stay sail, and a storm jib. After that I know that we will want wind vane steering. I'm also thinking that our windless might need an upgrade, and we'll need to beef up our ground tackle inventory. I'm sure that we'll find that some of the other components will need updating as well. We'll also buy a new main and jib, replace most of the lines and halyards, and also the lifelines.
So, we are making solid plans to outfit the boat to go voyaging, while holding off on specific plans about what we might do. Our options are open.stolen m3.jpgstolen m2.jpgstolen m1.jpg On the hard on the Superior shore.
When you check off an item on the ToDo list, write it back in at the bottom of the list. You will probably need to do it again when you get back to it.
No doubt. Never ending stream of projects and cash.
I also forgot to mention solar. We'll want to add that. We have a 30 gallon diesei tank. For a 25 day passage we would be able to run the engine about 2 hours a day. If solar could eliminate 80 percent of that use that would leave fuel for motoring some.
I used West Marine for my lifelines a few years ago, happy with price, service, and product.
The local store doe not make them, one of their rigging centers on the East Coast fielded my questions and did the work. Now I just need to find that missing stanchion so I can install them... ::)
Quote from: rfrance0718 on Jan 11, 2026, 11:45 AMNo doubt. Never ending stream of projects and cash.
I also forgot to mention solar. We'll want to add that. We have a 30 gallon diesei tank. For a 25 day passage we would be able to run the engine about 2 hours a day. If solar could eliminate 80 percent of that use that would leave fuel for motoring some.
Is a wind turbine for electric generation on your list?
I like the sound of solar 😎.