Shear Madness at anchor, Staniel Cay, Bahamas
These are the voyages of the 72 foot Nordhavn trawler Shear Madness and her owners/crew Bradley Rosenberg and Kathy Clark. Please join us as we cruise to interesting places all over the world. Take some time to explore this site using the drop down menus above. Visit our blog to read about our most recent trips, see information about the boat, learn why she is called Shear Madness, read the story of our lightning strike and resulting repairs, look at photos, see videos, and read our book reviews. Click the Follow button to automatically receive an email when we post an update.
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Welcome Aboard!
#1 by Anonymous on January 1, 2013 - 11:00 am
Bradley and Kathy – Thanks for the opportunity to join you aboard your tender yesterday to watch the Class-C races. What a blast! Nancy McCarley , M/Y Aloha Friday
#2 by Zen on December 28, 2012 - 3:28 pm
Hi
My name is Zen. My wife and I are in our late 60′s and about to retire. 24 years ago we sailed on 2 different catamarans and logged 50,000 blue water miles and quit sailing in 2000 to go back to work. We are just about to a stage where we can cash up everything and go back to the sea we love.
The question for us is what kind of vessel? If we were to go back to sail then the only choice for us is a Catamaran. However it always seems the storms blow up at night and we no longer have the desire or youth to deal with sails in 40-50knts of wind. So I have been looking at expedition type trawlers and from all I have read on the net it seems that Norhavn is the choice. There are several for sale on the net and we are looking at buying the largest we can afford in the 68-76 foot size range. Eye on Inside Passage III.
I only have a couple of questions for you if you would be most kind and give me your thoughts.
1. Maintenance costs: Setting aside any fuel or berthing requirements, what does it cost to maintain these type of vessels. When we retire we are going to only have so much left over funds and I am a little concerned how costly it is to maintain a vessel of this size and systems. On the catamaran it was very low cost. If you could give me some kind of idea you would be really appreciated. We would make the Nordhavn our permanent home.
2. Ride and stability: Catamarans are very stable at sea and at anchor. I realize that Norhavns have stabilizers but I have never been on a Norhavn at sea so do not know how it rides. Also what about at anchor. In the past I have had several people sailing monohulls come and knock on the door asking to sleep in our cockpit because their boat rocked so badly in the swell that they could not sleep.
In our minds we visualize going anywhere in the world we desire to go. Sitting in an enclosed wheelhouse protected from the wind and rain. Hopefully with good weather planning missing the big ones.
We are currently living in New Zealand but originally born in the USA. Fairbanks Alaska and Seattle Wn. Seas in this part of the world average 15-25 feet when ocean crossing. Have you run in these type of seas and how is the ride?
I will not burden you with any other questions since these are the most important to me.
You are appreciated. Happy New Year!
Zen
czerral@gmail.com
#3 by Good Fortune on December 7, 2012 - 11:05 am
Stuck on land recovering from surgery. Your blog keeps me sane. Rick & Patti, Good Fortune
#4 by Marcianne Laycock on October 31, 2012 - 12:51 pm
I have been thinking and worrying about you two. Glad the anchor held and that all is well.
Marcianne L.
#5 by Anonymous on October 30, 2012 - 12:10 pm
Glad to see all is well on Shear Madness …..
Best regards,
Mike
#6 by Anonymous on October 17, 2012 - 12:11 pm
Hi Kathy and Bradley: Noticed you are off on your adventures again, fantastic boat. Best Wishes – Alan Bolt
#7 by Lynn and Loretta Johnson on September 28, 2012 - 7:36 am
Kathy,It was so nice meeting you and Bradley. I guess you had just finished getting the info on the MTOA when I introduced myself. My wife and I enjoy crusing the Chesapeake on our Albin trawler the LorettaJean.We keep our boat off of Middle River on Frog Morter Creek.I have been following your voyage up the Chesapeake.I think it is so wonderful that you and Bradley take the time to post your travels for the rest of the boating community to enjoy.Now I can put some faces to the blogs I read.Have an enjoyable time exploring the Chesapeake Bay.So long for now Lynn and Loretta Johnson m/v LorettaJean.
#8 by Anonymous on September 5, 2012 - 9:19 am
Beautiful boat. Love following your adventures!