[Rhodes22-list] Buying & Outfitting a Rhodes

[Caesar Paul]

Hi List Members,
   
  You are a great help to us wannabes, and to new Rhodes owners.  I really appreciate the sound advice that flows from minds, schooled by much experience.
   
  Geankoplis: it is good to have you back.  What kind of weather did you come back to in southern Oregon?  I like the items on your "must have" list, but noted the absence of a VHF Radio and mast head antenna.  Any reason for that?  I am inclined to include it, and have Stan install a mast head antenna.  I too like the captain's chairs, it is not a necessity, but, buying a Rhodes for me means having it transported from coast to coast, so I am thinking about ordering it.
   
  David: Glad to learn that like me, you are exploring and enjoying the beautiful north west.  I have been to neither locations, but maybe when I get my Rhodes .   You have lots of water to sail in in Seattle, but is trailering to these inland lakes somewhere in your future?
   
  I have done a bit of bending sails, reefing sails, changing sails on a bobbing boat, so I am sold on the IMF and furling Genoa.  Are there any real advantages to having a bulkhead mounted compass?  Donna and I like the marine head, but when we visit Stan we will examine both, do the sit test, listen to Stan and make a decision.  Do marine heads misbehave often?  Your steering attachment is neat, I will add it to my list.  Do not hesitate to give me a call if and when you plan to visit Pullman.
   
  Dave C. Lewis:  There was no need to apologize for the length of your response, for I have read every word more than once.  We have decided to visit Stan on the last weekend in October instead of December.  I am told that the chances of sailing and overnighting on the Rhodes is better at this time. 
   
  I appreciate your thoughtful and balanced opinions on the many decisions one has to make in outfitting a boat.  I don't think I would need a large bulkhead compass anytime soon. 
   
   I will be trailering and there is a pump-out facility not far from my home. I have seen marine head in Dave Bradley's boat, my wife has not. We will look at both at Stan and decide.
   
    I can see the wisdom in getting and using the boat in order to better decide on what kind of sailor one is going to be, and what one really needs. 
   
  I would like to know more about Art's boom room.  Art did you make it yourself?  Is the green top a separate cover? How does it compare with Stan's in terms of set up, take down and storage?  That might be a tricky question, but it does look great.
   
  Does anyone have any experience with the "new" main sail with vertical battens that I have read about somewhere? How does it affect or improve sailing performance of the boat, and equally important, how does it affect IMF function?
   
  I quite enjoy this list, and to think that I will enjoy the boat more.  Hmm.
   
  Cheers
  Caesar