It has recently occurred to me that Belle, my SeaPearl 28 Sailing cat-ketch would, with some modification make an ideal waterway and river cruising boat. I moved in this direction when I repowered Belle with a strong 18 horse power Nissan engine. Although living space in Belle’s cabin is at a premium, I have learned to happily camp cruise within her spartan accomidations. Now, having set my mind to musing on the possibilities and prospects, I envision a simple, reversable change in her superstructure that would make living aboard sans sails a pleasant experience. So here’s my idea.

I will creat a mast gallows planted securely in the tabernacles of her two masts. With the masts removed from their usual termporary resting folded positions, centered side by side on bulwinkles at a point above standing head room, I will create a comfortable cockpit living room environment beneath her spacious spread. With my newly aquired canvas making skills I will craft a neatly fitted awning suspended from the horizontal mast tubes carefully covering the cockpit, stretching forward past the companionway’s sliding hatchway. To the awning I will attach zip-on screen panels enclosing the entire area for a pleasant refuge from both sun and flying pests such as mosquitos and no-see-ums. Canvas and plastipane panels can be zipped in for inclement or cold weather. This will be another project to keep me busy and out of trouble. 

I think thus outfited and with a strong reliable motor, I am ready to explore all the fine rivers of the eastern US and do the great circle waterway with it’s unique and beautiful canals. My “waterway boat” is easily converted to sail; and I will carry with me the supplies to go either way. I will be posting drawings of my plans and the step by step story of my river boat evolution.