It is almost one year ago that I launched my Whitehall Spirit 14 (March 23, 2002). I rowed today and thought you might like to know how much I have enjoyed the boat. There have been lots of favourable comments from others, one of the best being from a power boater who hailed me and asked what made the thing go so fast. The only things that interfere with rowing are: tides, wind, skiing, swimming, cycling and family obligations. I have not made any long journeys yet but regularly row a few miles to Granthams, Keats Island and around to Gower Point. The beach haulers work very well on our pebble beach. It is a bit gritty so there is some scratching going on. My launching and retrieval apparatus is powered by 1: 4 block and tackle which is anchored by a heavy chain pinned into the concrete stairs about 12 feet above the level of the boat. This aligns the pull quite nicely as the keel comes over the wall. The 10’ x15” ladder protected by ABS pipe works well as a slide (14’ would be better). A 14’ strip of outdoor carpet runner clipped to the end of the ladder makes for a soft landing on the launch, helping to protect the point of the skeg which seems to take a bit of a beating. The main deficiency of my boat is the lack of a rear view mirror (or should I say forward view). It would be very helpful, particularly around high traffic areas like Gibsons Harbour. Is such a thing available in marine grade? Enclosed are a few photos showing the launching and retrieval system. I hope that lots of boats are floating out of your premises. Kindest regards Bert Reeves

Addendum:

Bert Reeves kindly sent in this poem inspired by his Whitehall.

Happy New Year Harold and Marie:

No rowing today due to snow! It is the 7th anniversary, almost, of owning my Spirit 14. Two years ago I moved it to Smitty's Marina, where it sits on a raft with rollers and a launching ramp. It goes into the water and comesout in about 10 minutes each way. It is a great arrangement. I rowed 57 times in 2008 and would have done more were it not for weather, skiing, swimming and Hawaii. I hope that you are both well and selling lots of these great boats.