Messages

This is both a listing and a warning to anyone selling a commander or ariel in the bay area.
LISTING:
After many years of sheer bliss on the Portugal Princess, I'm putting her up for sale.  The only reason is that I'm prepping my other boat for the Ha-Ha and points beyond, and can't afford to hold both boats. Here's the listing I posted on craigslist:
1964 27' Pearson Commander Hull #19 - $3700

This full keel, Carl Alberg design has an active fleet in the bay area due to it's ability to sail well in heavy winds.  It's a great boat for the bay or ocean.

Last haul out was 2007 standing and running rigging were replaced that same year.Aft scuppers were also added due to the large length of the cockpit.

Sail inventory includes: 3 year old main, 100% and 85% jibs - all in very good condition

comes with a 2006 6hp 4 stroke ultra long shaft outboard which charges the batteries, fish finder, 10' inflatable and HD stereo.
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WARNING:
a "gentleman" by the name of Jeff B (will withhold full last name on mass posting) spent 2+ hours going through the entire boat. He liked the boat and made, "at the risk of insulting me", a low-ball offer of $2000 without the engine. I told him that the slip was paid for for the month and I would keep trying to sell it, but I would keep his offer in mind.

Imagine my surprise when discovering this addendum to my CL ad on the 9th:

!!!!!Warning.!!!!! The gentleman selling this boat is delusional.
This boat has such extensive rot, delamination, corrosion and structural defects that she is un-seaworthy. The entire balsa core from stem to stern is compressed and saturated.
Contrary to what was described, this once beautiful boat has been bastardized to such extent that she has no residual value other than the lead pigs in her bilge *[the pigs tipped me off to the author, as that was Jeff's first inquiry when boarding the vessel]*.
Michael, you will be responsible for someone's death if an unknowing buyer leaves the dock trusting that you have made the "repairs" and "upgrades" you claim. For shame. ---

Having guessed who the author was, I sent the following reply to the anonymous email in the CL post (I did not email Jeff B. directly):

Am I to assume you are rescinding your $2000 sans outboard offer??
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I thought he would be to embarrassed to reply, having been caught slandering the Portugal Princess just to keep prospective buyers from looking at her. He must have thought I emailed him directly and did not know about his negative post. This is his reply:

? am still interested if the price is right. am looking at several boats including an ariel. Love the boat but not sure i want that big of a project. will not make any decision till end of month.
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I replied:

You DO realize that you just replied via a scathing post saying how terrible the boat is and "shame on me" for selling it to some poor person that may die as a result of buying it!?
 
Pretty low...shame on YOU!
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That being said, anybody selling an Alberg should be on the look-out for Jeff B (he's owned an Ensign and Electra in the past). If you do show it to him, watch craigslist after the fact (if he makes you an offer).

I would love help flagging his post for removal as it's already scared away 1 potential buyer (I am to understand that it takes multiple flags to have something removed) his post is here:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/boa/2370713898.html

Lastly, C#19 is up for sale and it will break my heart to see her go.  I still sail her all the time in heavy blows and can guarantee that Jeff's comments are without merit.

If somebody needs Jeff B's full name, the can email me at mbell@michaelsink.com

Thanks,
Michael Bell
c19 Portugal Princess

I always wondered about those four islands were I sailed to Utah.

Hey Rico,
    You forgot to mention that one of those Commanders took first place even though they were DNF. Didn't you read August Lat 38? (probably a first in the history of the event:)

     I remember you mentioning that you have a hand-held Garmin... West Marine sells a chart-pack from SF to SD that comes with a computer based version included for free. It's pretty nice because you can load it on a laptop, plug in your GPS and it shows your exact location and bearing through the software. You can get it for around $100 (paper and CD). I carry that and a radar detector (with X-band) though the detector would be going off all the time in the bay - better for ocean trips.

     Just wish we had your Friday wind on Saturday...Maybe next year:D

-Michael
Pearson #19

Looks like you're using Mapsource. What time does it give for your final log point (finish line)?  If you right click that course it should tell you under "Track Properties".

Here is Portugal Princess' course and wind conditions at point blunt for the race.

Thanks to the Ariel Association for a wonderful regatta. I'm thinking next year you'll anchor tighter to the sea-wall to make the start even MORE exciting:)

I was looking forward to passing the new trophy along yesterday. I hop(p)e to see Mesthiso and every other Commander / Ariel in the bay area out next year (come to think of it...I did see Nemesis working on their boat on dock 5 today).

After 2 years of being a DNS, it's nice to have finally raced.


Thank You, Thank you, Thank you

Michael - Portugal Princess C-19

Portugal Princess is back from her coastal cruise and ready to RACE!

Michael
c-19

I'm going to make a new main sail for c#19. does anybody have or know of a resource where I can get the pattern?

Portugal Princess C#19 will be there and ready to go! I'm going to sail to Treasure Island on Friday so I don't get stuck in the "minus tide mud" like last year :mad:

LETS RACE!!!

If there is a Ariel / Commander gathering this Spring, count me in!

Portugal Princess out of Brisbane (Commmander Hull #19) looks forward to interacting with her siblings.

Hat weaving may be a better hobby... less of a time/money commitment.

Thanks... I did all the renovations, including the upholstery and glass.

My wife took this shot yesterday.  I don't know how I've made it so many years without an auto-pilot

Here's the glass from outside with the cabin light on

New paint and sand based non-skid.  The wood still needs to be re-done. (the door has a stained glass center and accordian-folds into 3 sections (the upper and lower fold in to protect the glass)