>I especially respect the fact that you are able to right the boat, even while it is loaded.
My cruising boat is light. It's 160 lbs only. It's collapsible boat with inflatable hulls.
Sounds strange isn't? It's not a fast boat, but I can take it on airplane in bags, take a taxi to nearest boat ramp, sail all week long, get out at a town, walk to car rental and get back to airport. Once I been feeding my boat INSIDE of Ford Escort
I didn't try it since 9-11, can be a hassle now. "What is inside of your bags, sir?" "Don't worry, it's a sailboat"
Since it's so light, I can drag it on shore. And I don't care about hitting rocks, boat will bounce back,it's inflatable. It performs OK, I've been sailing it with Hobie Waves equally. Also I've taken it in really rough conditions( jib furler and three reef points on the main) I love speed trill and performance of my second boat, A-cat, but I will never take it out of protected bay and sight of land.
I'll try to attach some pictures of the boat now
I started as a kayaker, then kayak sailor, then I got my inflatable, and, recently, A-cat. I've done a lot of cruising in small boats and used different brands and types of drybags. Those drybags superior to any design I used before. Fabric is thick, more like inflatable boat fabric. Unless bag is fully packed, you can open and search for things inside without repacking. On the down side - bags are heavy, and lid's rubber O-ring got loose on one bag, it's staying in place, but I have to watch it for watertight closing
> What is your choice of stove?
It wasn't my choice - I got two Coleman Apex II stoves
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=6934803&prmenbr=226as a birthday's gifts.
I like it but my choice would be Coleman Exponent Multi Fuel Stove
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=8169782&prmenbr=226It has less parts
>What hot foods do you find work out best for you?
I'm not picky about food. For hot meal I use instant soups and oatmeals. I carry a telescopic fishing rod with me, It folds to 18 inches for storing and have no problem to catch a fish or two for supper. Usually I don't take a pan, but always take a yard of aluminum foil. I grow up in Russia and I know eatable mushrooms and plants, and use them for food. For meat I use dried smoked sausages and jerky
On my recent trip to Michigan I discovered the best jerky I've ever eaten.
http://www.dublinstore.com I will order some more for my next trip
>Do you ever have a problem with rain or dew?
Congestion is always a problem on the water. I usually sail in drysuit. And I use brands of clothing designed for outdoor, ones which dry fast
>Do you lay a tarp down on the tramp or are you able to place your sleeping bag right on the tramp? (mine would never be dry enough)
Until recently I just lay my sleeping bag on the tramp and used mosquito net
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=73077&cgmenbr=226, attached to the boom, under tarp
I bought camping hammock this summer
http://www.lawsonhammock.com/brch.html and I liked it very much. It can be set up on the tramp as enclosed tent or hang between trees...
Sail safe
Vladimir
Russian inflatable cat;
wooden A-cat
