Hood 40/Gulfstar

Back in the late 1970's there was a collaboration of Ted Hood and the Florida production boatbuilder Gulfstar. The seventeen boats that were built were clearly to another standard, relative to the stock Gulfstar. The outcome was a very nice (and expensive in her day) keel-centerboarder of moderate to heavy displacement. I sailed on a sistership here on the Chesapeake that served two families over a twenty five year stretch of time, equally well as a cruising boat and point to point race boat. I ran across this boat offered for sale in South Florida by a friend of mine. What a great boat for the Keys and Bahamas!

Bruckmann 34 Sea Trial

We had the pleasure of running the 34 Bruckmann this past week with Captain Pat Teeling at the helm. The 440 Yanmar offers great performance through a wide range up to and including 25/26 knots with four people and a half load of fuel. The B34E is not a light boat. To me she feels more like an Eastbay under way than many lighter weight counterparts.With her deep-vee entry and wide chines she is quick to plane and cut through a nasty chop with ease and no hint of pounding.....Mark Ellis got this hull form just right!
We will be double checking our data from the sea trial with Jeff Leitch of Bay Shore Marine to be sure that the Yanmar and associated drive train are just right for the new owner. Look for the B34e at the "un-boatshow" May 1 @ Chesapeake Harbor in Annapolis,Md.

Hinckley Bermuda 40 Sale

I had the pleasure this month to work with Dick Zimmerman of Hartge Yacht Sales on the sale of a lovely Bermuda 40. "DickZ" is one of the true gentleman in the industry and takes great care of his clients. At this point in his lengthy career he has likely forgotten more about boats, sailing, and design than the average broker will ever absorb!
The new owners will base "Ondine" to be renamed "Sometime", at Hartges alongside of hull#1

Freedom 35 "Suzee"

There is an accepted offer on "Suzee", the Gowards 35' 1994 Freedom. She is pictured here sailing on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The boat is on our display deck about one boat width from where they purchased the boat six years ago! There is little doubt that displaying a good boat on the "deck" is an effective means of finding a new owner...purchase is subject to sea trials and marine survey.