All that varnish on the other one is what I was referring to.

HInckleys are really good boats. For me, whenever I see one I can't help but think that the person who purchased her made the decision to own a Hinkley for the status it brings you. Mention that you have a Hinckley and everyone who knows boats oohs and ahs as if you are a member of the elite. We have a friend with a big Hinckley and I get tired of everyone drooling over the fact that she owns one with her usually having an arrogant look on her face.

Fact is, most of the Hinckley owners are members of the elite. At least the new big ones.

Funny, if you have a Hunter you generally fall on the other side of the spectrum.

We find that when we say we own a Gulfstar we do a bit of defending the brand. Most people think of Gulfstars a cheap boats. Inexpensive yes but not cheap. They made good boat for the money. Hell, most of the sailing Gulfstars were designed by Ted Hood. Ours design was a combination of Ted Hood and owner Vince Lazarra.

Our favorite for cruising would be a Chuck Paine or Dieter Empacher design. Perhaps a Morris or Kanter.

Merry Christmas.
Dan