- The price ($5600).
- How simple it is for a production boat. There are very few parts on board that can break and very few systems to learn. It has tiller steering, an Atomic 4 engine, one electric bilge bump, one manual bilge pump, a VHF radio, a CD player with two speakers, pressurized water, an alcohol stove, a Jabsco marine head, roller furling and a very simple interior construction.
- The keel is not bolted to the hull, it is integral to it and encased in the hull. This was one thing that made not getting a survey less worrisome.
- I've heard that tiller steering is more responsive and I hope that it makes learning to sail (I know sailing basics but need lots of practice) easier. The tiller can also be folded up while not moving to make room in the cockpit. Conversely, while underway it can take up more space while it swings in the cockpit.
- The headroom is high enough (barely) for me to stand up in (6'1").
- The companionway steps are manageable by Amanda's dog.
There are also some things that we dislike.
- It has a fin keel and a spade rudder which are more performance oriented. I'd prefer a full keel or a skeg hung rudder for some more durability.
- The five foot draft is a little deep for Florida waters. This shouldn't be too bad though.
- It is a little on the small side, but starting small is probably better.
- The table folds down from the bulkhead, I'd rather have a permanently mounted one.
Some other things to note that aren't necessarily likes or dislikes.
- We plan on adding air conditioning (either a window mount or portable unit) and an electric cooler for refrigeration.
- The engine is a gasoline Atomic 4. I really like how quiet it is and the lack of vibration compared to the diesel motors I've seen run on sailboats. I don't like that gasoline fumes are heavier than air and can sit in the bilge waiting for a spark to ignite them. With proper precautions (our blower, sniffer and awareness) should mitigate this though.
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