He Says,When we decided to cruise the loop, we wanted a boat somewhat larger than the Trojan 32 that we enjoyed for the last three years. Family and friends would be joining us for some segments of the trip, and we needed a bit larger accommodations. Also, a bit more length at the waterline, a higher bow, and a preference for diesels figured into the equation. We decided on a Bayliner 3818 Motor yacht . The hull length is 38 feet, 2 inches. The anchor pulpit adds about 3 feet, and the swim platform loaded with the dinghy adds a little over 5 feet. If you want to parallel park, you will need at least 50 feet. The beam is nearly 15 feet, and draft at rest is 38 inches. Loaded with fuel, water and spares, displacement is approximately 22,000 pounds. The Otherwise is powered by two 175 horsepower Hino diesels, and has an 8 kilowatt Westerbeke diesel generator. Accommodations include owner’s stateroom with head, guest stateroom with head, and a shared bathtub and shower. The galley has a typical 4 burner electric stove with oven and a nearly full size refrigerator with freezer over. At the rear of the salon is a wet bar with icemaker. As we leave on the first leg of the loop, it appears that overall fuel consumption will be a little over 3 gallons per hour at 8 knots (9.2 statute mph). Fuel capacity is 304 gallons. Fresh water is 75 gallons. Holding tank is 42 gallons. There is a 16,000 btu marine heat exchanger air conditioning unit for the salon, and a 12,000 btu unit for the two staterooms. The dinghy is a 10 ft. plus Zodiac inflatable with a 15 hp Mercury outboard.

For running from weather, our top speed will be from 15 to 18 knots, depending on weight and trim.
Electronics include a Furuno radar-chart plotter, a Garmin 162 chart plotter, a Garmin hand held mapping plotter, vhf marine radios at both upper and lower stations, one of which is a dsc, plus a hand held vhf for the dinghy, depth sounders at upper and lower stations, an autopilot, and numerous and redundant safety gear. Since about 1200 miles of the journey will be in open water (either the gulf, large sounds such as the Chesapeake Bay, or the great lakes), we expect to encounter some heavy sea conditions, regardless of our caution about the weather. We carry Delta spade, Fortress, and Danforth anchors appropriate for our size, and anchor rodes of 225 and 160 feet. Our primary anchor has 30 feet of heavy chain for setting and shock absorption. We will probably discover the need to alter or adjust our equipment, but this is the inventory for the beginning of the cruise.

She Says, Jim is right, we loved the Trojan, but to be in the boat together for a full year, we knew we needed the ability to shut a door. The Bayliner has several so we felt our marriage could weather the storm(s). I would call the galley a two butt galley; it’s large enough for a dish washer and a dish dryer. Ah, the togetherness thing again. The salon is furnished with a table and 3 sided booth…We have seated 8 there, albeit tightly. The only piece of movable furniture inside the cabin is a large captain’s chair at the lower station. It can also be moved to the table on the 4th side.
Jim’s concern with the safety is reassuring; however, I’m the cautious optimist. We will get it done. Others have done it. We do not go out knowing about questionable bad weather. We will enjoy each day as it comes. We’ll have enough food, enough clothes and enough water.

Otherwise Says, Enough already! Let's go!