Row Boats, Sculling Boats, and Sailing Rowboats from Whitehall

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We took delivery of our Whitehall Spirit 14 in October of 2001 in Rhode Island and retired to SC in 2006. We are 2 miles from the ocean (not where we row) and 1 1/2 miles from the Intracoastal Waterway (where we do row). We were lucky to find our ideal retirement place, in a golf community near the ICW and the ocean.

This summer we bought a 25' "Dockominium" on the ICW on the Waccamaw River at
the Wacca Wache Marina. We bought it primarily as an investment and for a future boat, but as you can see, we sometimes keep the Spirit there, Slip D-14. With diminishing availability of water access in this area, we thought it would be wise to buy a slip now.

I row three or four times a week from the marina. It is 20 miles to the ocean (Georgetown, SC) via the waterway. The Waccamaw is a tidal river, fluctuating 3 1/2 feet at the marina, pushing fresh water north, then south with the low tide at the ocean. It is always interesting, considering the current, fluky winds, and the big boats going south for the winter and then north for the summer. Some slow down passing the marina, a no wake zone, but others don't. I have gotten to enjoy the big guys, rowing stern to their wake and surfing for a few yards.

As you can guess, the Spirit is by far the smallest boat in the marina, but I have the same problem stated by other owners - everyone who sees the boat wants to talk. I have to allow extra time for my outings. A few have asked if I built it, and are surprised that it is fiberglass when they look close. One yacht captain envied my maintenance level, another my fuel mileage.

Our slip is at the back of the marina, so I must row the full length of the other slips to reach the ICW. Plus there is an outdoor restaurant at the fuel dock. People usually stop what they are doing and stare in admiration.  Pride of Spirit ownership is a huge joy and a responsibility.  So I always keep the lines properly secured, the fenders stowed, the hull clean, etc. It is such a beautiful boat to see, doing what it was built to do. Even when it is just sitting on the trailer in the garage, it represents functional art at its finest.

Next week is to be back in the 70s and clear.  Guess where I'll be.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Clair Fancher
South Carolina

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Hello Marie,

I talked to a dealer in North Carolina about the EZ Port who referred me to a local dealer in my area. Lo and behold, he had a used one for half the price and no shipping charge.  We slid it onto my trailer and I towed it to its current resting place. The enclosed pictures show how successful it is in my slip at Wacca Wache Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway.   Note the red chair where, after rowing, I just sit and enjoy the view - of my Whitehall.

The Spirit is easy to launch and retrieve on the rollers and sits high and dry, out of the muddy water and other marina slimeys.  Also note the new cover with the your neat battens holding it up. I couldn't be more pleased. Thanks so much for the idea, and pass it on to other owners with my encouragement.

Just for fun, I recently added up your current prices of my purchase with options in October of 2001 and was stunned to see a 40% increase. That's what I call a wise investment. Thanks again for a product which is not only beautiful in form and function, but becomes more valuable over time.

Today it is cold (mid-40's) for South Carolina, but the rest of the week will be in the low 70's. And TR3 (The Rowin' River Rat) will be back on the Waccamaw.

Today while rowing I was inspired to change some words to a song. I thought I'd share it with you.

To the tune of "Cruising Down the River":

Rowing up the river
On December 24th,
It's warm and clear, I'd rather be here
Than in the snow up north.

Today I launched my Whitehall
And rowed 8 miles with glee
On the Wacc'maw River
That's where I want to be.

A happy and prosperous New Year,

Clare Fancher



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