[Rhodes22-list] What to do...what to do?

[Michael D. Weisner]

Wally,

Option 2 or Option 3, I would think.  Option 3 for least outlay of cash,
although the situation will not improve over time.

If Option 3, consider this solution.  I also tow infrequently (we moor the
R22 in the Nissequogue River) but when I do, I like to feel safe and "in
control".  Last year I sold my '91 Isuzu Amigo 4WD 4-cyl on eBay and bought
an '05 Nissan Xterra 4WD w/4L V6.  I am not sorry.  I highly recommend the
vehicle for towing (up to 5500 lbs) without any worries.  Gas mileage is
good for class of SUV (18 mpg around town and 22 on highway, when not
towing).  Lots of power and 6-speed stick (automatic is also available).
Very stable in all weather and conditions.  It is now my "only" vehicle
instead of my "other" vehicle.

Mike
s/v Shanghai'd Summer


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "TN Rhodey" <tnrhodey at hotmail.com>
To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 1:48 PM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] What to do...what to do?


> About a month ago the transmission on my 94 S10 Blazer started acting up.
I
> purchased the vehicle used in 97 and it has about 230K miles. The
> transmission was rebuilt 100K or so miles ago and it was getting ready to
> go. I also needed new tires, brakes (with rotors), AC work (at worse
vacuum
> leak, maybe compressor). After I got all of that fixed i would still have
a
> motor with 230K miles. All in all way more than I wanted to spend on my
old
> truck.
>
> So I traded in and I am now driving a 2005 , 2 Door 5 speed Civic Ex. This
> is my third Honda and second Civic. What a great little car! I am getting
> about 37 MPG in town running AC. I am used to driving my old Blazer or
even
> older 84 Mitsubishi Pickup.  The Civic is fun to drive and quite peppy. I
am
> saving about $130 a month in gas! So far so good.
>
> Now I have to make a decision about tow vehicle replacement. My beater
> pickup is a 4 banger and in no way capable of safely towing my R22. It can
> tow my Bantam just fine. So decisions time...
>
> Option 1...instead of buying tow vehicle I could sell my R22 and purchase
a
> sailboat in the 28 - 30 foot range. I already pay slip fees year round and
> it is $35 more monthly for larger slip. I realize haulout, bottom jobs,
> sails and so on are all more exspensive. We are not towing the R22 at all
> now. If I get the urge for new horizons we have free unlimited (other than
> time) access to my Uncle's 35 foot Pearson in Cocoa FL.  We cruised up the
> SE coast last summer and are just lacking time to put together next
cruise.
> Most likely destinations are Bahamas or the Keys. Of course if my Uncle
ever
> decides to sell his Pearson this option goes away.
>
> Option 2 ..Keep my R22, sell my 84 pickup, take my time and look for a
good
> used truck for projects and towing. As gas and the cost of maintaining
> dedicated tow vehicle keep going up this option is becoming less
attractive.
>
> Option 3 (most likely)..Keep my R22, keep my 84 pickup and don't purchase
> replacement tow vehicle. Use the money I save to get R22 painted, new
> breaker box, purchase all new cabin cushions and sails. Borrow or rent
> pickup for local haul out.
>
> When I first purchased the R22 I was thinking I would tow more often. What
I
> found is my local waters are so nice that we really haven't had the desire
> to tow. The R22 has filled every need but we sleep on the boat a bunch.  I
> must admit more room inside would be nice. I am not going to rush into
> anything. The last thing I want to do is make a decsion that will cause me
> to actually sail less.
>
> Any comments?
>
> Wally
>
>
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