Cruising shouldn't necessarily mean roughing it; if that's what you're in to, that's all well and good, but by modern societal lifestyle standards, simply living on a 30 foot boat (or smaller) is already "roughing it", I suppose. By no means does it need to (nor should it) be uncomfortable or unpleasant. One can retain a simple existence and minimal systems on board without eschewing the most basic pleasantries like cold food storage and essential personal hygiene. You don't need generators or hot showers for either of these things, but some means of accomplishing both is essential for me. Otherwise, I wouldn't enjoy cruising, or at least not to the extent that I currently do. If it were the only option, I'd get by, but it takes to little to enjoy these most basic of comforts.
No one would call an insulated icebox complex or luxurious (well, maybe some native tribes in the Amazon basin...). Nor is a hand-or foot-pumped water system luxurious or complicated. Other than a comfortable and inviting interior, these are the only "luxuries" of this nature I really have on board; frankly, I consider them to be bare necessities. I agree that it can be a deadly spiral towards over-complication and too many "conveniences", but there's no reason to avoid all basic comforts just to avoid the few that might be taking it over the top. My boat is less simple than some, but by modern standards she's still quite rudimentary. That said, she's extremely comfortable and pleasant for cruising. But I have no need, nor desire, for generators, microwaves, TVs, and all that detritus. My next cruising boat might be a bit more complex overall, but will still retain as much basic simplicity as possible.
I like my drinks cold and enjoy eating real food, both at home and while cruising. I love being on my boat, but I would like it a whole lot less if I didn't have these "comforts" available.
FWIW, I only stock ice cubes as a convenience for enjoying those tall rum and tonics (or dark and stormies) in the evening. The cubes don't hold out very long (regardless of the quality of the icebox insulation), and an ice pick for the blocks is essential if one wants to enjoy those civilized cocktails-in-the-cockpit for more than a few days without a need to restock the ice cube situation. Still, there's no question that cubes make a much better drink than chunks of partially-melted block, so a weekly (or so) stop for ice restocking is not much of a hardship on any cruise.
bcooke wrote:Then I cruised with the Rum&Cheese Club and I decided to put in a small icebox. Now you have a rendezvous with the same club and lo and behold you too are suddenly warming(?) to the idea of an icebox. Their plot is insidious and their tactics are brutal... and it is working slowly, one boat at a time :-)
My work here is just beginning...hehe.
Anyone else want to be "converted" to the Rum & Cheese Club? Apparently, we're quite effective at our brainwashing techniques, so consider yourself forewarned!
The funny thing is that Britton cruised with us for a week or more...John only took one evening on board in order to be tempted by the dark (and cold and stormy) side. hehe
