About SV Zero Altitude (#2)… our second sailboat
In June 2023 we upgraded our MacGregor 25 sailboat to this 1984 Hunter 34. It’s a great sailing vessel that matched most all our criteria for our next boat and, with just a couple of clean-up and upgrade projects, she’ll be ready for some of the Great Lakes sailing trips we have planned. I may even venture to the East Coast and back down into Florida with her… we shall see how adventurous I get after the sailing season here. In the meantime, we’ve decided to also keep our first sailboat (below) and just keep it in Florida to have something to play with there. Be sure to check the blog on this website for updates on our progress and adventures… hope to see you on the water!
| Year | 1984 |
| Manufacturer | Hunter |
| Model | 34 |
| Length | 34.42′ |
| Beam | 11.58′ |
| Weight | 11,820 lbs. |
| Draft | 5.5′ |
| Keel Weight | 5,000 lbs. |
| Sail Area (Main & Jib) | 567 sq. ft. |
| Cockpit Dimensions | 6’8″ L x 5’8″ W |
| Mast Height | 46’3″ (51’6″ above waterline) |
| Inboard Engine | Yanmar 3GM 22 hp |
| Number of Berths | 6 |
Equipment Aboard:
| Conveniences: | 25 gallon fuel capacity 65 gallons fresh water tank capacity 25 gallon sewage capacity |
| Electrical: | Renogy 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panels (QTY: 2) HQST 100 Watt Solar Panel PowMr MPPT Solar Charge Controller (20 Amp) EverStart 27DC Marine Battery (109 Ah) |
| Navigation: | Raymarine Axiom 7 Multifunction Display Raymarine EV-100 Autopilot Navionics (iPad & iPhone) |
| Communications: | Standard Horizon GX1850G VHF Marine Transceiver Yaesu FT-897 HF/VHF/UHF Ham Transceiver Starlink Satellite Internet (GEN 2) |
| Safety & Emergency | McMurdo E3 EPIRB McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Garmin InReach (Satellite Tracking\Messaging) Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress Signal Kit Intex Explorer 300 Inflatable Life Boat Eyson Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket Lift Jackets & Storage Bag (QTY: 9) Waterproof First Aid Kit |
About SV Zero Altitude (#1)… our first sailboat
This was the first sailboat that I purchased in 2021 and learned to sail on in 2022. It was a great boat to learn sailing on and I certainly pushed the limits of this boat with some of my lake crossing adventures and even taking her down the inland rivers of the Great Loop to Florida. We’ve decided to keep the boat in Florida for something to play with while we’re there from time to time.
| Year | 1984 |
| Manufacturer | MacGregor |
| Model | M25 |
| Length | 24’11” |
| Beam | 7’11” |
| Weight | 2,100 lbs. |
| Draft (Keel Down) | 5’8″ |
| Draft (Keel Up) | 1’10” |
| Keel Weight | 625 lbs. |
| Sail Area (Main & Jib) | 236 sq. ft. |
| Cockpit Length | 6’7″ |
| Mast Length | 28′ |
| Max Outboard Power | 10 hp |
| Number of Berths | 5 |
Equipment Aboard:
| Outboard Motor: | 2008 Tohatsu 6HP (replacing the old 1979 Mercury 110 9.8 HP) 3 Gallon Primary Fuel Tank External 5 Gallon Fuel Tanks (QTY: 5) |
| Electrical: | Renogy 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panels (QTY: 2) HQST 100 Watt Solar Panel HQST MPPT Solar Charge Controller (20 Amp) EverStart 24MS Marine Battery (135 Ah) |
| Navigation: | Raymarine Axiom 7 Multifunction Display Raymarine ST1000+ Tiller Autopilot WaveFront Marine Standard TillerClutch Navionics (iPad & iPhone) |
| Communications: | Standard Horizon GX1850G VHF Marine Transceiver Yaesu FT-847 HF/VHF/UHF Ham Transceiver Starlink Satellite Internet (GEN 2) |
| Safety & Emergency | McMurdo E3 EPIRB McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Garmin InReach (Satellite Tracking\Messaging) Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress Signal Kit Intex Explorer 300 Inflatable Life Boat Eyson Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket Lift Jackets & Storage Bag (QTY: 5) Waterproof First Aid Kit |
About the Owner
Howdy. Name here is Gary. New sailor — at least as of this writing in October 2021 — and this webpage is an attempt to document my sailing adventures. From my first humble 25-foot sailboat that I first learned on in 2022 to the larger boats that followed (documented above). I’m not embarrassed to admit that I’m just self taught — mostly by reading many books and watching countless YouTube videos (though I did help crew my buddies boat before too) — but I’m sure I’ll have a steeper learning curve than most as a result… but I’m undaunted and driven!
It’s always been a dream of mine to go sailing. I remember trying to convert my dad’s Jon Boat into a sailboat as a child — that didn’t work so well — but it illustrates how these desires can be fostered so early on. Fast forward 40 years and, after watching many folks sailing around the world on YouTube, I decided to buy my first sailboat and get the adventure started. I ain’t get’n any younger and you only live once right? It also helps having a VERY supportive and tolerant wife… shout-out to my BEAUTIFUL wife Lisa. I love and cherish you. Thank you. Life is good indeed.
So, this simple website is to document and share my discoveries and voyages in the hopes that it helps and inspires others. Godspeed in your adventures too.
“The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.”
-Jack London (1916)