06/15/2021
After we made the tough decision to sell our wonderful 1985 Niagara 35 and get a newer, more complex boat, the next tough decision was what kind of boat (length, model, age, etc.) would prove itself the perfect boat for us. After some serious soul-searching (and boat p**n ogling) we finally settled on ... (drumroll please) ... the Outbound 46!đđ Read more on the blog up at HaveWindWillTravel today to learn more about our decision.
Why the Outbound 46? First, the Outbounds are not mass-production boats. They generally only build between one to two Outbounds a year, because they build them right. Phil Lambert commissioned the design from Carl Schumacher, with the idea that every feature be designed to be capable while comfortable. One word sold us. MODERATION. Lambert wanted a boat that was exceptionally strong, with a fully-glassed hull and encased keel, that did not sail like a tank. Schumacher fulfilled with a moderate draft, beam, and mast height that proved a fun day sailer, a capable ocean-crosser, and a spacious, luxurious liveaboard home simultaneously. Sailing in brisk winds and choppy seas, Lambert described the experience below as âbeing in a library.â In addition to the immensely impressive tankage and power/water generation systems that would allow us to go comfortably off-grid at any time, a thousand other little commendable features sold us: clear visibility from the helm, no ducking down the three, wide companionway stairs, locking floorboards, a crash bulkhead in the bow, fuel vents located high on the stanchion posts, curved counter edges, an island queen vberth bed. All of this in a boat with a beam of only 13â6â and a draft of 5â6.â Every element spoke to a commitment to moderation, which I feel speaks to so many elements of life: work, play, food, wine. Enjoy, imbibe, thrive, but do them all in moderation.
Now. The next tough decision. New or used? We will share soon! You might say we didnât really find our ânext chapterâ boat. She found us. Stay tuned! đ