The Cruising Adventure Begins-Leaving the Dock on our Tartan 37 Sailboat-S1Ep2

Holiday casts off the dock lines! After years of planning and a final 2 months of intensive boat prep, we move aboard permanently and leave Cortez to head for Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa.

[@chriskilmer6670]

Great explanations and dialogue. You don’t say it, but nervous about going in the gulf for the first time. I’m going to be doing that next month, and only hope to be as cool a cat as you were that first time.

[@Funonholiday]

Thank you! Yes, we were definitely nervous. Congrats on your upcoming passage! Just make sure to prepare well and study the weather.

[@rob4503]

I assume the bimini frame has proven strong enough to handle having the solar panels mounted to it. Have you ever felt the need to dismantle it and store the panels down below in a big blow? Cheers and thanks.

[@Funonholiday]

Yes. 5 years and no problems. 50 knots numerous times and never really something we have to think about. We did take them down during hurricane prep for Irma and would always do the same for tropical storm prep.

[@rob4503]

Thanks for the quick reply. 50 knots, that is definitely impressive. Do you have 7/8in tubing or is it 1in ? Thanks again.

[@Funonholiday]

Ours is 1", but I think 7/8" would do the trick as well. Important to check the set screws at the attachment points from time to time. We also check the u bolts that hold the panels to the tubing annually.

[@eddie1v]

Did you buy the tartan already refitted?

[@Funonholiday]

It was definitely in good shape, but we outfitted it for liveaboard cruising and seem to be constantly "refitting" it. Knowing what I know now, I couldn't imagine buying a project boat.