Our own search for the perfect ocean cruising sailboat sets the tone, content and spirit of this book. Since we are sailors this book emphasizes the sailing side of buying the "perfect vessel" experience. The ideas of organizing for a "objective approach" to boat buying is applicable to all types of vessels and I feel that whether your dream includes a power yacht, a trawler, or even a river barge, you will find this book helpful in realizing your dream. The buying process is detailed to make sure any pitfalls are avoided in the process.
About the Author: Author Steve Steakley developed his interest in sailing in his early 20's crewing aboard the Chris Craft 31 SV BarTom and participated in club races at the Fort Worth Boat Club on Eagle Mountain Lake. In three years of racing, the crew of BarTom placed only one time during a Frost Bite Regatta when the weather was so bad the other three starters turned back. Later, he bought his first sailboat a Catalina 250 in 2001 and joined the Hill Country Yacht Club on Canyon Lake, Texas where he became a volunteer Boating Certification Instructor for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He and his wife participated in club races placing several times in the Cruising Class. Summer of 2002 they crewed with HCYC friends on a chartered bare boat in the British Virgin Islands. They took their first American Sailing Association Keelboat Certification in Corpus Christi with Captain John Lillard. In summer of 2004 they purchased Hey You a 1986 Catalina 30 and moved their sailing to Lake Travis, Texas. Here he learned to restore boat systems and stop leaks. In 2005 they earned their 103 Coastal Cruising, 104 Bareboat Cruising, and Navigation ASA Certification in Kemah, Texas on Galveston Bay with Captain Ralph Brannem. In 2006 they chartered a Fontain Pajot 46 Catamaran in Belize with friends from HCYC. In the summer of 2007 Steve secured a position as a boat captain for Just For Fun skippering 50 passenger party barges, 80-foot houseboats, and working with the SeaTow operations. August of 2007 they bareboat chartered a Tayana 42 for a week of sailing in the San Juan Islands. In November of 2007 He earned his USCG Merchant Marine 50 ton Masters with sailing and towing endorsements for inland waters. In July of 2008 they bought their beloved 1986 Endeavour 42 "Wand'rin Star" in Poulsbo, WA and sailed her to Port Townsend for decommissioning for the trip back to Texas. Steve crewed aboard the Erickson 36 Apotheker during two Harvest Moon Regattas, a overnight race down the Texas coast. The crew celebrated a third place finish in 2010. In November 2011 they tossed off the lines in Corpus Christi and Coastal Cruised the GICW and Coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico for two years to Marathon, Florida and back again on a seven-day voyage across the Gulf of Mexico from St. Petersburg, FL. to Corpus Christi, TX. Steve and Lynn now sail the waters of Puget Sound. Steve volunteers at the Center For Wooden Boats for as a Sailing Instructor in their Sail Now! program.