A Few Honest Facts
Gusto isn't a run-of-the-mill old boat---she's a classic Halsey Herreshoff design that has stood the test of time. I have lovingly restored and maintained her to create an ideal day sailor and occasional overnight sleeper. If you are shopping for your first boat then this page might ease your mind about what you are about to get into. If you are a seasoned sailor, then you might find some answers to questions such as "Why does Gusto cost more than other Bristol 34 boats?".
Why so expensive?
Well, first.... a bit of advice from a sailor who has been around boats for about 70 years: if you are struggling to find an extra $10K to buy a 34 foot sailboat that you really want then you are in the wrong market. It costs more to own a boat like Gusto than to buy it. Slip rent, insurance, regular maintenance, and the occasional hiccup will eat through $10K in just a few years regardless of a boat's initial purchase price. So would you be prefer to have two roller sails, diesel engine, A/C, fridge, big cockpit, stern seats, nice head, yada yada yada, or would you rather save $10K on the purchase to suffer with buyer's remorse?
Or, do you think you can buy a bargain boat and "fix 'er up" cheaper than buying a better boat? If that's your plan, then you have probably never owned a boat!
Gusto has many features that other 34's don't have; diesel engine, roller headsail and mainsail, huge bimini, remodeled galley and head, new air conditioner, 12V/120V fridge, new wheel pilot, new depth/speed gauges, stern seats, shore power system, pressure water system, and so on. All those features are worth a lot of money in any boat--some cost several thousands each. So don't compare Gusto to other Bristol 34's that have never been updated, or were poorly maintained.
Why are you selling Gusto?
I bought Gusto in 2002 the intention of selling her when I turned 70 in 2022. That time has arrived, although I have no immediate need to sell her. But I want to get the word out now that that this "good old boat" can find the right "good old guy (or gal)."
I have solo-sailed Gusto about 75% of the time and am still comfortable taking her out on my own. I did it today, with the wind blowing 16-24 out of the South. But I think my original plan made sense, so it's time to pass Gusto on to another loving owner. The boat is in very good shape, and has recent upgrades to the air condition system, engine, and electronics that I think make her a bargain at the asking price. Gusto is literally in "sail away" condition, but is also ready to welcome new ideas and upgrades that a new owner can offer her.
I am not in a rush to sell Gusto, but I want to get the word out to find a worthy owner. She's the right boat for the right person, and maybe that is you or someone you know. Pass the word!
Is there a lot of upkeep on an old boat?
All boats--new or old---require "upkeep." The honest truth is that I have had as much fun with Gusto at the dock than on the lake. I've spent thousands of hours on the boat, either sailing or doing major projects at the dock such as completely ripping out the galley and installing a new (and better) design. For me, much of the pleasure came from the projects, and even keeping up with maintenance is a fun part of owning a boat. I have detailed records on everything I have done since 2002, including schematics and sail plans that I drew myself. All that info will be provided with the boat.
But, if you aren't "handy" with tools, or aren't interested in becoming handy, then Gusto isn't a boat for you. The truth is that if you don't want to do the work on any boat then budget in $4-10K per year to have Cletus or Sintes do it for you. Yes, Gusto's beautiful teak does need periodic attention. But it's really not that difficult to keep the brightwork in "Bristol fashion." When there is no wind to sail I put some Mark Knopfler on the stereo and touch up the woodwork. The smell (fragrance?) of real varnish is lovely, and reminds me of my college days when I was a boat hand at Walet Yacht sales. Gusto's varnish work takes maybe eight hours a year to keep her brightwork shining. If this sort of work frightens you then go find a bloated wood-free boat that looks like a Clorox bottle. But don't expect any compliments from other sailors.
As for routine maintenance, Gusto is no different than any other boat. Change the motor oil every now and then, fix the occasional deck leak, haul a sail to Chris and Denise at Quantum to get the sunbrella restitched, tighten a bolt here and there, all routine stuff for any boat regardless of age.
What happens Gusto bumps into a pier or piling?
Nothing! That's one of the joys of owning an old boat. One more scratch won't be noticed. And with Gusto's solid fiberglass hull the pier or piling usually takes the bigger hit:
Why is there only one headsail winch?
Ah, the genius of "Mono Winch!" The single winch aft of the helm resulted from installation of the large teak backrests shortly after I bought the boat. The originals were about 6 inches tall and not very useful. My good friend Randy and made the new backrests from thick teak planks (about $1K in raw wood cost). Although the new backrests worked very well, access to the original port and starboard headsail winches became a problem. One option was to re-install the winches on risers to get above the new backrests. But I wanted self-tailing winches anyway, and they aren't cheap, so as a test I installed a single winch aft of the helm, with turning blocks on each side to route the headsail sheets. This turned out to be a very useful design, and saved money on a second winch. The Mono Winch concept allows the helmsman (usually me!) to adjust the sail and tack without moving. And adjustments can be made without having to bother a crewmember who is likely holding a cocktail or glass of wine. Mono Winch is a genius concept if I do say to myself.
Revised Apr 28 2022
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