1st year: BC20 “Options”
Asymmetric and bow sprit
These are my comments after the first year on BC20 “Special Options” as they then were on the order sheet.
= good; 
= good, but… ; 
= not satisfactory; 
= not sure yet;
| Cabin Cushions | |
I only ordered cushions for the quarter berth and the starboard side couch with the latter shortened so that it did not project into the cubby hole where I sighted the electronics. No V berth cushions since that would be my “wet store” area. |
| Tan sails with UV strips on jib and mizzen | |
I like them whatever Matt says! However it is harder to see if the jib luff is breaking! UV strips are vital since Seatern is kept rigged on the river. |
| Spray Hood | |
Wouldn’t be without it, even if just for stopping rain going into the cabin. Unless it’s raining I have it lowered for sailing but sometimes raised for motoring when its cold. |
| Rubbing Strip | |
Probably more decorative than functional! |
| Copper-Coat anti-fouling | |
Seems to work well but I don’t think it was applied to include the boot-top region which was the original plan. This was remedied when Seatern visited Swallow Yachts during August 2015. |
| Bow Roller |  |
Useful, e.g. when moored using the chain on a “visitors mooring” buoy. However SB fixed it on the port side of the stem where a mooring line or chain would foul the furling line for the jib. I swapped it to the starboard side. It has since been removed and I haven’t missed it! |
| Boarding Ladder | |
Vital for boarding from water or from mud! However a more vertical version would make life easier. The one I’ve got is OK because on Seatern there is the boom gallows to grab onto when boarding. (Later note: in fact I’ve now modified it to make it more vertical) |
| Boom bag and lazy jacks | |
For Seatern, a vital part of the mast lowering system. I always make sure the main is secured in the bag before lowering the mast for going under Northam Bridge. |
| Through Bulwark Stainless Fairleads | |
When moored to my jetty Seatern’s bow is moored to a pontoon and I feel that taking the warp through the bulwark and onto the Sampson post is more secure than taking it through the fairlead on the top of the bulwark. |
| Asymmetric spinnaker and bowsprit | |
Since I sail single-handed I thought this might prove a waste of money, however I now use the sail a lot. I’m wondering about fitting a top down furler. |
| Cockpit floor and Seats | |
I did not choose the Permateak option from Swallow Boats but instead got teak seat panels and a teak grating made up by Howells of Poole. The real teak was over twice the price but I very much like what I’ve got. The teak grating gives a relatively level surface with the rear ballast tank hatch, and the teak surfaces are much more pleasant than the standard non-slip finish of the cockpit sole and seats. |
| Teak Wood | |
Rather than have to maintain varnished wood I decided to have teak which I’m leaving un-oiled. I’ll treat it occasionally with Boracol to prevent any growth on it. The non-slip nature of the untreated teak is a real boon in winter. |