Marples 35

by Marlene Anne Sassaman
(Indialantic, FL)

It has been two years since I wrote a note or two in the DIY Wood Boat Forum.

During this time adding a personal blog has been on my to do list.

After 14 months of retirement living in my wood/epoxy cold molded mobile home I am taking a few minutes to share mostly facts about my Marples 35.

Be forewarned I am a vain, socially and emotionally charged female. Intertwining the zen of solo sailing is sure to be squeezed between the facts.

Where do I start?

How about suggesting you view an excellent video (see the comments below).

It was recorded by the grandson of wooden tris, Jim Brown. I say grandson because Arthur Piver is given the honorable title of grandfather of tris.

Jim studied with Arthur. The easiest way to access the video is through a google search: Marples 35 for Sale

The video was recorded when Jim Brown joined the former owner, Jo Hudson and another dude on a voyage from Maine to the Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

As legend has it Jo was preparing 'Good Enough' for some trans oceanic solo sailing.

Upon arrival at the Catamaran Hotel on the western side of the Rio Dulce. As Jim tells the story the two men embraced their arrival while conceding that their sailing days were over. It was a bittersweet moment when these two comrades, who had sailed together since they were 'kids' realized that octogenarians need to stay a little closer to the motherland.

At that time the boat was named, "Good Enough." I came to be her owner through a chance of being in the right place at the right time. Buying points for me included:

a) wood floats

b) what a legend she has

c) if she is "Good Enough" for Jim Brown well, she is "Good Enough" for me

d) 35 feet seems like a good size - not too big, not too small

e) rrunning rigging was laid out for single handling

f) engine room - clean and easily accessible from front and rear

g) yanmar engine

h) affordable

i) getting to sail her back to Florida

j) having an experienced wooden boat builder, Captain Kirk, survey the boat

k) sturdy

l) opened a friendship between me and my hero Jim Brown, whom I had read so much about......

Hopefully, I can keep up with this blog or import what I write on my SEA KNOTS blog.

Now that I am living the life of a solo sailing cruiser it is my hope to inspire other women to take to the seas.

Heck, if I can figure out how to get things done (not necessarily doing them myself) others can.

I am not technologically savvy, my carpentry and fiberglass skills are poor at best, and my attention to detail leaves a lot to be desired.

Still, I manage to get things done. Heck I solo sailed from Florida to New Jersey. sailed alone from Bermuda to Port Canaveral and two months ago left Everglades City alone for a 3 to 5 year odyssey.

Won't you join me?