New Ariel owner

[DouglasMc]

I just bought the Alabama Ariel sight unseen and hope that most of the pieces are there. Appreciate that there is such a devoted group that preserves this classic design and shares their collective knowledge and experience. I was drawn to this boat after sailing a Cape Dory 19 on Lake Superior and marveled at how seaworthy a small boat Alberg designs. My background is sailing modern fin keel racer cruisers. My hopes are to be able to ply southern waters with the Ariel during our long winter months. I am telling myself that I must only head further south with this new adventure. Looking forward to making new friends and seeing new ports... Doug

[bill@ariel231]

Doug
congrats and welcome aboard... is she the dark blue ariel that was posted on ebay?
http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/showthread.php?t=1779
cheers,
bill@ariel231:)

[c_amos]

Congrats Doug!

I think that you will be very happy with the boat. Even if it has some suprises, they are worth the effort to tackle. Where are you planning to keep the boat? The economy seems to be opening up some slips here on the gulf coast.

Enjoy, and welcome aboard!

[Tony G]

Buying an Ariel sight unseen is not crazy or regretable in any way, shape or form. Even if a few things are missing you're going to come out ahead in the end anyhow. You, Doug, obviously recognize the intrinsic value of these boats, probably from your Cape Dory, and realize it has nothing to do with a dollar amount.

Heading south only seems to make sense. I think most people at this Latitude would agree with you. But if you ever head west across the state I'd be more than happy to wash down some boat talk and plans with a cold one. Er...maybe a hot toddy this time of year:confused:

By the way, Congratulations and welcome aboard.

[DouglasMc]

Yes it is the dark blue Ariel that apparently has been listed on Ebay several times this fall. My plans are to go down to Alabama and find a place to work on it and then move it south via the Tombigbee. I have no idea how practical this is yet as I won't know what is involved in making her seaworthy until I have a first hand inspection. I work on boats for a living on Lake Superior and the only time I can get off for my personal boating is wintertime when it is to cold to heat our boat shop, so I am hoping this Ariel can be my southern boat/home and a way to explore the coasts of Florida and Mexico.