Hello to 'Davidite'

As you know, we love sailing. It's both adventurous and relaxing at the same time. And you get to be in the middle of God's creation, right there on your own boat. Our daysailer has been a great way to learn to sail, but it's time for a boat we can overnight on.

This week we purchased a Catalina 22, in great condition, and for an excellent price. It was built October, 1976 - the month and year of my own birthday. And it's named the "Davidite" - in honor of the previous owners father (a fellow we know from church!), and fits right into our family as David is the name of my own father and son.



First business was troubleshooting the outboard which wouldn't run past idle. I spent most of the weekend pulling the head off, pulling the valves and giving them a good cleaning, checking all the gaps, replacing the gaskets and putting it all back together. In the end it looks like it was electrical trouble - I have it running better now, not completely smooth, but after a few more parts arrive it should be purring.



After that it was time to practice rigging the boat. Pretty neat boat - Double backstay with downhaul. Folding rudder. Main sail with ratcheting main sheet blocks, reefing system and traveler. Jib halyard lead to cockpit with jack for tightening, and winches for each jib sheet. 150% Genoa, Jib, and Storm Jib. Nice anchor off the front pulpit. Steaming and night lights. And a new paint job that makes running it all look great.





Inside is a tight but practical cabin. On a nice evening we may be able to camp together as a family on the boat. But for the most part I see taking one or two kids out at a time for a night or two together. A pop-top extends the headroom while anchored, and an included boom tent will keep the cockpit area fairly dry as well in the northwest drizzle.

The kids have been hanging out on the boat these last few days while I've been working on the outboard.







It would be nice to get this out on the water one or two times before winter hits, but mostly we are looking forward to the spring and starting some overnight sailing trips on the Columbia or a few long weekends up in the Puget Sound area.

Over the winter we'll be getting our Interlake 18 ready for sale - I'll miss her beautiful lines, big sails, and easy setup - the Interlake can't be beat for a day sailor! Almost everywhere I take her I get comments from total strangers. The Catalina won't bring that sort of attention, but I am looking forward to short "cruises" aboard our Davidite.