Comments on: Hard Decisions

By: tracy lagondin

tracy lagondin — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:55:11 +0000

Sounds like you have yourselves a good boat. I heard the riverqueen is a solid boat. I just want to thank you for creating this blog and letting us get a chance to read about your amazing lives. Your stories are really interesting, I have not met anyone else like you guys.

By: fester

fester — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:34:00 +0000

Hey i’ve lived on a 69 riverqueen for 10 years would’nt trade it for nothing (the experiences not the boat ) good luck you’ll need it mike

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:23:00 +0000

hey howdy, sounds like you’ve got a plan. I’ve been living on a “69 riverqueen for 10 year or better would’nt trade it for nothing but due to health have to go shoreside. If you are looking to buy a profess maintained vessel, we’re down here in mississippi on the Tombigbee (it’s paradise) mikeywrench1@yahoo.com

By: Strathy

Strathy — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:49:00 +0000

Hi Don,

Thanks for the advice. Ultrasound was done as part of the survey and some 200 readings did not turn up any thin spots. There was a fair amount of corrosion but it appears to be mostly surface corrosion due to a poor application of anti-fouling over steel. It does not appear that there was much of a barrier between the anti-fouling and the steel. Two dis-similar metals together don’t mix. It is to be sandblasted, epoxied and new anti-fouling - should be done next week. The cabin sides are solid steel and neither I nor the surveyor found any problems at all there. It needs some TLC, but that is about it.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

I really enjoy your blog and all pictures on you site. I am refitting a gutted A30 and your pictures have really helped me figure it out. As a Marine Surveyor I offer a note of caution regarding River Queens (or any older steel boat; Please have an ultrasound done on the hull and the cabin sides checked with a density meter. I have surveyed several including a total loss that sunk when it encountered a minor collision with a floating object that punctured the hull where corrosion had made it very thin. It was not readily apparent with the layers of fairing compound that had been used to fair the bottom, the ultrasound revealed it right away. Many of the cabin sides had dry-rot that was hidden behind the laminates that was revealed by the density meter followed by a visual inspection by removing a small plug with a hole saw.
Best regards, Don

By: Jamie

Jamie — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:34:00 +0000

I must second bowiechick’s sentiments ~ it’s not really like you’re turning to the darkside or anything! As a fellow pregnant lady living aboard, I must say that the value of slightly wider passageways may be just the ticket for your lovely wife!

By: bowiechick

bowiechick — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:10:00 +0000

living on a stinkpot ain’t so bad. Good luck in your endeavours!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:47:00 +0000

Glad to hear that you are staying on the water, although a houseboat is basically an apartment on the water.I have to say that you will sit on the deck eyeing all the sailboats saying “wow, what a beautiful sailboat, I wish I had one”. Will a houseboat make your heart jump like your Alberg did? I am about to sell my house and move aboard in San Francisco!
All the best,
“Bestfriend” (thats my internet sailing handle, it was the name of my Dad’s boat.)

By: susan

susan — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 04:40:00 +0000

Thanks for both your and your wife's blog. How much does a boat like yours cost?

I am considering living on a boat and writing for a living.

Can you tell me a general budget for buying a boat that is comfortable for one person, hermit writer, and monthly costs?

Thanks.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 01:24:00 +0000

Is that a kitchen I see - complete with oven??? I can see why A. would be for it!!
Hope your search turns up more”family” room!! I want to come visit some time.

Auntie