As a fellow cruiser gazed around the torn-up main cabin of our 1982 Stevens 47, Totem, his eyes grew wide. He asked a head-scratcher: "Why?" Why not buy a newer sailboat? Why take on so much work? Why not be anchored at a remote Pacific Island right now instead of dry-docked in a dusty shipyard?
Because this boat-our home of 15 years through dozens of countries along a path around Earth, classroom for our three children, magic carpet to unimaginable experiences-is our Totem. Named as an homage to our home waters in the Pacific Northwest, the tribute became our truth. Totem is as much a symbol as a safe conveyance for our family. This boat has cared for us, and we now care for it, with a refit centered on its 40th year.
The Stevens 47 is a storied Sparkman & Stephens design, praised by experienced sailors for seaworthiness, sturdiness and performance. We dispute none of this, but even well-proven boats will age into meaningful needs. All materials degrade sooner or later, especially when they're subjected to extended use in the harsh marine environment. Some boatbuilding practices become dated. Plywood-cored decks become spongy. Fiberglassed-in chainplates become a rusty, unsafe mess. Totem wasn't built with either, but she has original flaws. Below the lovely teak and juniper cabin sole is a plywood subfloor that is delaminated and rotten in some areas. My husband, Jamie, has been known to quip that "everything on a boat is consumable." And ultimately, it's true.
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Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de Cruising World.
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Off Watch
A1A is not only my favorite Jimmy Buffett album, but it's one of my favorite records ever. If I were marooned on an island and could bring only five CDs with me, this would be one of them
PREPARING A VESSEL FOR SURVEY
Trying to hide a boat's problems never ends well for the seller. Follow these tips to have a successful day
THE WESTERN WAY
Instead of buying a pricey custom canvas awning for my schooner, I made my own \"covered wagon.\"
HIDDEN GEM
BUT ALL AROUND IS A PARADISE FOR SAILORS WHO LOVE TO LINGER AND EXPLORE
Last Man Standing
During the past four decades, the once-thriving business of American production sailboat manufacturing has nearly vanished, and dozens of companies and builders have fallen by the wayside. And then there's Tartan Yachts of northeast Ohio, which, in some aspects, is as vibrant as ever. Longtime Tartan stalwart Tim Jackett, a marine-industry lion in winter still making a stand, might be the central reason why
Boat of the Year 2024
With sweet, early autumn sailing conditions on Chesapeake Bay, a strong fleet of 19 contenders competed for top honors in our annual Boat of the Year competition. Once the spray had settled and the votes were tallied, the judges awarded prizes in seven categories for monohulls and multihulls. The overall winner? The surprising, innovative Jeanneau Yachts 55.
On Watch
Sometimes, a seamanship or safety issue requires sailors to give up and turn around. But other times, it's just fear taking control of a situation that can be handled
Sailor & Galley
This rich, steaming stew from the Pacific Northwest warms chilled sailors' bones and brings back a lifetime of memories.
Seamanship
George Eldridge first published the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book in 75. Its new edition, published by the sixth generation of his family, is an impressive feat of continuity
Island Time
It's impossible to rank these favorite destinations by beauty. Instead, sailors should set a waypoint based on what they want to experience
