Hello

  • December 13, 2014 9:47 AM
    Message # 3169763
    Deleted user

    Just joined the forum but have been interested in Westail boats for years.  Have sailed extensively in the Chesapeake Bay and spent some time in the Navy, but am now land locked in Fort Worth Texas.  My wife and I plan to buy a boat in the future and move to the Texas coast.  The Westail 32 looks to be that boat.

    Hope to learn more about the 32 on the forum.  I'd love to get a 32 and put it on one of the lakes for now, but that seems like overkill.  For now, I will read and learn and wait for the right time to step aboard.

    Salute!

  • December 13, 2014 11:08 AM
    Reply # 3169788 on 3169763
    Deleted user

    Mark, Welcome aboard!  I bought my W32 in '05 - it was a basket case, derelict in a farm field in northern MI for nearly ten years - and plunged into a complete restoration that took seven years. I'm still adding and fine-tuning all the time as I learn more.  I couldn't have done it without the sage input of Bud Taplin and the other owners on this site who were so generous with their information and experience.   They won't steer you wrong and the W32 is a great boat.  It will take a lot more than you can!   

    Just remember that, as my savvy old Marine drill instructor said,  "Opinions are like *%$#holes - everyone has one!"  Read everything, ask questions, look at other boats, and then compare it with yours and the type of sailing you plan to do and you won't go far wrong.   There are some really experienced sailors on this site.  I was navy as well, cruisers and destroyers, and this ain't the navy anymore, although your experience will serve you well.  - Tom

  • December 14, 2014 7:12 PM
    Reply # 3170199 on 3169763
    Deleted user

    Tom - thanks for the reply.  Yes, I've read a lot of the W32 negativity - "wetsnail" and all that stuff.  You're right, of course, everyone has an opinion.  I value seaworthiness above all else; the W32 inspires confidence.  I'm not put off by all that hyperbole.

    Cruisers and destroyers, huh?  I spent my active duty time on a Sprunance class destroyer.

    Thanks again for the welcome!

    Mark

  • December 15, 2014 4:51 PM
    Reply # 3170841 on 3169763

    Hello Mark,

    As a Newby, you are permitted ONLY one use of the denigrating, Westsail, nickname in public. Any further use of the word and you WILL be FIRED.  This is a long standing policy of most of the Westsail owners.     Well. at least, some of them.  OK.  Gary and I for sure.

    On the lighter side, Welcome to our group. Yes there are some culls, but mostly they're a good and fun bunch.

    Also, it is important that you sail on New Years if you have a boat, because it is tradition.

    Anonymous

  • December 17, 2014 12:09 PM
    Reply # 3171914 on 3169763

    Hi Mark and welcome! As Dave says THAT name is never repeated!

    Its like fingernails on a chalk board :)

    Hope you find a boat soon and join the group - there is huge experience and information to be found here.

    Best wishes and happy Christmas

    Gary

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