New to group and new (to us) 49 DS in Ontario

[nickp]

Hello from Belleville, Ontario, Canada.

My wife, Sandy, and I recently retired and bought a 2008 Jeanneau 49 DS in Toronto.  It is quite a step up from the Hunter 34 that we have had for the past 12 years.

We are planning to head south to the Caribbean in September 2024 and are getting ready for many boat projects to get the boat (and us) ready for the trip.  The boat is in good condition, but needs many systems upgraded such as batteries, alternator, solar, electronics (VHF, AIS, radar, MFDs), watermaker, anchor, etc.

Looking forward to help, advice, and camaraderie from this group as we move forward.  I am sure that we will have many questions.

Cheers, Nick

[Zanshin]

Hello nickp!

My previous boat was a 49DS and when I first got it, it seemed incredibly large and unwieldy. But it turned out to be a great boat and I sailed around the Caribbean for several years on it. I had the owner's version with a forward cabin configuration. You've got a long way to the Caribbean from Toronto - down the St. Lawrence and then a long shot to Windwards or Leewards!

Welcome to the forum.

[Don Reaves]

Hello nickp. Welcome to the forum.

I suppose your trip might be shorter taking the canals through central New York and then the Hudson to NYC. But it will be a great trip in any case.

[nickp]

Zanshin, thanks for the welcome.  I have already looked at your website and many prior posts - a wealth of knowledge on the 49 DS!

Don, thanks for the welcome.  Yes, most likely will go New York Canal route (Oswego Canal - Central Erie Canal- Hudson River) to get out.  Still working on route after that - will be on the outside as mast is too high for ICW.