The only thing I wish I had is a walk-through transom, but I've figured out that a more or less equivalent solution to that can be had. She's a solid boat that keeps her keel in the water, is in great shape, and has few problems. I can lay down in it (even if the v-berth isn't level).
![dockmate transom ladder dockmate transom ladder](https://www.campingworld.com/dw/image/v2/BCJK_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-global-master-catalog/default/dw8585db18/images/large/321137_2.jpg)
What I do know is that I'd literally have to spend at least seven to eight times what I paid for Tao to get even a used boat so much better as to be worth it. Gerry replied that he already knew and said that we'd reset the price point (whether that occurred, who knows). He saw Gerry Douglas and mentioned how much I paid for Tao. After I bought Tao, my broker, (a dear friend who died at 55 of a heart-attack not long after - live every moment) was at a boat show in Long Beach. Even the new 445, yeah, it's a great boat, but on a price-per-pound basis, not so much. Comparing those boats with Tao, I came away frankly unimpressed. I had expected to be lusting after the bigger, newer boats. In addition, a dockmate just bought a 199(9?) 380.
#DOCKMATE TRANSOM LADDER FULL#
Catalina was there in full force since they just opened a new marina. We just had a local, small boat show in Channel Islands Harbor. The more I look at other boats the more I love my 1983 Mk I C36, hull 114. Closest thing to a real wet locker in the C36 is the head. I think the 380 and larger boats have a lot more storage space. I've also learned how little bilge there is and not much storage. Punching into a wave like that gets green water all the way back to the dodger. I don't think a better boat exists for my needs, but after heading upwind in 5 foot seas I would have liked a higher bow, with the deck curving up a bit more in front.
![dockmate transom ladder dockmate transom ladder](http://www.bainbridgemarine.com/photos/Large/Q007825.jpg)
The issue was emphisized yesterday when I had to dock single handed with a 20 knot wind on beam. The 36 has a much more classic boat looks. Very spacious inside, but way too much topsides for singlehanded operation. To my eye, the 350 and the 380 look like Winnebagos on the water. Island Packet is nice, but there's not much room inside until you get into their larger models. Hunters, well, you like them or you don't. French boats and the German boat were all too Ikea- like. I took a tour and inspected 7 of them on the east coast, then spent $7000 to haul the one I got to the midwest. After that decision I searched a couple months. It took me 4 or 5 months to decide that the C36 with in-mast furling was the dream boat.