Precision Boat Works, Palmetto, FL

Yesterday was full of sailing.  Well not on the water.  Just full of things to do with sailing.  Early early early (very early) in the morning Rick and I drove down to Precision boat works in Palmetto, FL.  He was interested in their 23ft model and arranged to take a tour of the factory.

We arrived in what could only be described as an industrial park bordering a ghetto.  As we pull up to the building with a sign proclaiming Precision Boat Works we both look at each other and question rather it would be safe leaving his "toy car" outside.  It is a very fast, very pretty car.  When we entered the warehouse we finally knew we were in the right place.  Boats were scattered everywhere in a decidedly haphazard fashion throughout the facility.  Boats were in varying stages of build all the way from first lay fiberglass sections up to completed, fully hardware equipped vessels. The first boat we saw was actually a Colgate 26 with a full keel sitting on a trailer. It was tall enough i could walk under the transom without ducking.  It was very impressive and looked very fun.

We met with Bart who gave us information on the 23 and chatted with us about what to expect when we go on the boat and about his philosophies about his company, how and why they build their boats, and sailing in general.  He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate.  He's not a salesmen but he sold both of us on his boats strictly from his enthusiasm for his products and why he thinks they are better than the rest.

Precision boats are extremely well thought out.  Everything they put into their boat is purposeful, functional, and simple.  They make quality, beautiful, and well functioning boats with the emphasis on proper sailing characteristics.  After all you take them out sailing you aren't buying a tug boat.

After climbing aboard the 23 and exploring we met back up with Bart and he gave us a tour of the dirty parts.  He showed us some centerboards fresh off the mold.  They use airplane wing shaped to help with pointing ability as it provides lift as well as pointing angle.  We saw fresh off the mold hulls and lead cast ballasts. All in all it was and amazing experience and I am definitely a fan-boy of Precision Boat Works now

After leaving the factory we headed into St Pete to check out the municipal marina.  I was interested in prices and i think that the marina would be the perfect spot to do some sailing and exploring. My grandpa use to keep his Kittiwake 23 at O'neill's marina not too far from the St Pete Marina.

When i got home, thoroughly exhausted from getting 4 hours of sleep and having a packed morning, I passed out for a three hour nap in the boat in the back yard.  I woke up when Amber got home and we enjoyed some drinks as we watched the sunset and pretended we were at sea.  We verged out only to buy dinner at Publix. We cooked everything on board the boat including a crab stuffed salmon pinwheel, two crab cakes, green beans, and red beans and rice.  It was delicious and we ate on the boat pretending we were still at sea.  Then we even set up the v berth and talked long into the night about future plans before crashing.

Soon we will be doing the same thing on the water. Hopefully soon after we will be doing it full time.