The Times They are aChangin'

Dragon III is up for sale because we bought Signature, and Tom and Sue's Spontaneity is up for sale because they are about to buy Dragon III, and who knows how far it will trickle down. The best way to buy a boat is from people you've known for years, whose boat you've raced on and know the history of, so that's what we're all doing.

For our first outing we sailed in the the Partridge Bowl with Mary, Cole, and Tiberius. It's a chase race so we started after everybody else had left, but managed to catch up with them before the got to the club property on Wolfe Island. It was an upwind race in very light wind, which certainly helped us win the cup.

Signature has all the racy stuff, but will still take a while for us to get her in cruising form. First on the list are a variety of details revolving around the engine, electrical, and plumbing systems. Hardly romantic, but rewarding.

The raw water pump leaks a few drops per minute while the engine is running and I don't know yet if it's a loose screw, or needs a new gasket. There's only about 2" of clearance for those screws, so I need a special tool, or better yet new hex-head screws. The plate inscription says Volvo Penta 829895 8323, which should help tracking down parts.

All the Volvo stuff says it is important to know the engine Model (2003 or maybe MD 17 D) and Serial Number (21255)

at least as show on this plate on the crankcase. A partial list of fixes so far:

New diesel fuel supply/return lines

Raymarine SX-5 Autopilot

Relocate the chart plotter back to the helm station on a makeshift binnacle to figure out ideal positioning

Standard Horizon AIS VHF with remote mic at the helm

Spin pole supported tent over forward hatch

Remove the shore power to comply with code

New throttle cable to replace broken and McGivered version on Partridge Bowl.

Dragon III For Sale - A Bargain at $21900!

After many years and lots of great memories, Dragon III is for sale. We would have kept her for many more, except a great opportunity came along to move up to a bigger boat. We have been upgrading all along, including a brand new RayMarine Wheel Pilot this spring, so you can benefit from our unexpected opportunity. The list below covers the major equipment, most of which is fairly recent (years approximate). Dragon III rates 144 under PHRF-LO if you are inclined to race. I will add more pictures later.

For Sale!

Hughes 35, built 1979 and launched 1980         CDN$21900

Sparkman and Stephens Design

Atomic 4 Engine with Gori Folding Prop, Spares, and Moyer Marine Manual

Balmar 60W Alternator and Smart Regulator/Charger (2005)

2 Trojan Deep Cycle Batteries with 130W Solar and 20 Amp AC Charger(2009)

30 Amp Shore Power and 50' Cable

V-Berth Double, Quarter Berth 1.5 and Main Cabin Queen+ with Frohli undersprings

Hot and Cold Running Water in Galley and Head with Shower (2012)

New Head Tank (2013)

Isotherm Holding Plate Refrigeration (2005) 

Origo 4000 Alcohol Stove

Dodger and Bimini

Stereo with PolyPlanar Cockpit Speakers (2012)

Standard Horizon DSC VHF with AIS and Cockpit Controls (2012)

Raymarine ST60 Speed / Depth / Wind (2003)

Raymarine SPX-5 Wheel Pilot (2014)

NavMan Chartplotter (2007) with Lake Ontario (2007) and Lake Huron (2012) Charts

Rigged for Spinnaker with Pole, Lines, Harken Mast Track (2004)

3 Spinnakers (0.5, 0.75, 1.5 oz)

Ultra-Furl Headsail Furling System

KSL Dacron Main and Heavy #1 (2003), #3 Blade (2005) 

Sobstad Mylar Light #1

Older #2 and Storm Jib

2 Lewmar 46 Self-Tailers and 6 Other Winches

Nautos Solid Vang (2005)

Navtec Integral Hydraulic Backstay Tensioner (2009)

2 Anchors, Chain and Rode

and much more...