Isolated incidents, a good case against corporate friendly tweaks, and did someone say "Zombie"?
Over at Attainable Adventure Cruising there is a pretty good post and discussion on the idea that there is a need for a "Model T" bluewater cruiser... Not that I actually agree with most of it but it is a good starting point for a discussion. Personally, my take is that the idea of a "VolksCruiser" makes a lot of sense but it is impossible to do it within the current marine trades mindset without losing the greed factor and getting rid of all the marketing input... So, I'm not going to hold my breath (then again, I'm told that with a big enough trebuchet you can make a pig fly).
The funny thing is with current tech developments it is actually a lot easier to produce a good boat for less money these days. For instance, carbon and other fibers of the same ilk used correctly really can have an amazing cost cutting effect on a boat build resulting in a stronger, lighter and more easily built hull and boat...
Of course, that is not how the marine trades work, so any cost savings wind up as added profit and the use of carbon and other miracle materials becomes just another way to jack up the cost.
That said, in the real world, home builds or rehabbed classic plastic and other older no longer fashionable boats are the real "VolksCruiser" and wishing for the marine industry to changes its stripes is simply wishful thinking and forum fodder...
On a serious note, rehabbing an older boat is a much more sustainable and ecologically sound practice than a new build and if your sailing needs can be met by an older boat all the better and the world will be a whole lot better for it... just saying.
Listening to the new album from Mr Big
So it goes...
Bruce+
18 hours ago
