KEEP IT SiMPLE STUPID

In times long gone boating was very basic, one just clung to something floating down the river hoping that it washed up on a shore eventually. Simple. No complications. Of coarse, you couldn't control your destination so you just went with the flow. Even at this stage man had to complicate the situation. They tried to influence their vessel by paddling, at first by their hands and feet and then with sticks. From there it has gone down hill ever since.

Look where we are now; high speed diesel engines, computerized automatic engine control and steering, bow thrusters, stern thrusters, satellite communication and navigation systems, radar, sonar, electrical generators, battery banks, converters, regulators, trash compactors, microwave ovens, water heaters, fresh water on the demand, stereos, TV's, home movie systems, lights everywhere, autopilots, electric anchor and sheet windlass's, masts, sails, miles of ropes and wires, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, automatic furnaces, solar panels, wind and water generators, hot tubs, etc, etc. Once we have a boat with all the goodies then we have to stock it with the 'necessities', lockers full of 'stuff' only 30% of which we know where to locate.

Human beings just naturally want to complicate their lives with stuff. Now that we have a boat with all the above complications we find we need an army of technicians, mechanics and troubleshooters to keep it all working. We seem to go from port to port to replace and fix things. Instead of enjoying the life on board and experiencing the local wonders, we are increasing our stress levels coping with the ordering, shipping a installing parts that are not quite right or searching for a mechanic that knows what he is doing.

A few boaters have not gone on the above route. They have learned that “Less is More”. Less high tech gadgets is more time to relax in the cockpit. Less boat is more sailing earlier because we can do it sooner. Less automatic navigation systems results in more self satisfaction by using our skills at DR, bearing compass and sextant. Less mechanical and electrical complications is more time to appreciate the local attractions of your destination. Less stress of complication is more health and enjoyment of life.

Everyone should stop, contemplate and search ones soul for the right answer to the question. Will this decision result is more or less satisfaction of life? Let that honest little voice in your soul provide the answer.

Gary Stratton