NiSa
Our wonderful boat is a romantic yet practical idea of comfortable travel in the Pacific Northwest of the US and the South Coast of Canada. She is a radical change for Rod, a lifelong sailor, in becoming a "stinkpotter" (getting a power-boat). However, he's enjoying it, and it's a much more practical boat for our local waters. They are protected by huge Vancouver Island from the big ocean swells, and typically have light winds.
"NiSa" was named for the builder's two children, Nicholas and perhaps Sarah (we're not sure). She's a 34 ft. Monk Sr. designed wooden trawler.
This is our boat at its dock in Bellingham. Let's go aboard and have a look around.
This is where we climb aboard, the cockpit, and the skipper is having supper here, with Maggie on her mat. The cockpit is also the site of our wedding service. See Our Wedding
Next we'll enter into the salon. Our friends Laura & Dennis are sitting on the settee, which opens out into a double bed. Next to Laura is one of the 2 pillows she made for us for a wedding present, full of colours and patterns of the sea.
Going forward we go past the head (bathroom to landlubbers) and come to the dinette, where Sandra's eating. Under the Plexiglas table cover we keep a chart (map) of local water areas.
Here are some brass items we like - the clock and barometer on the bulkhead (wall) of the dinette and the lantern above the table which gives off a warm glow at night.
Across from the dinette is our galley with a sink, refrigerator & a small working area, and our trusty stove. This is a Washington diesel stove/heater with oven, and is the kind of stove that has been a mainstay to fishermen & other northwest boaters for a long time.
Forward of the galley is the lower helm station. We usually steer from the flybridge station above, but this one sure is handy in inclement weather, as it was here. Rod can sit there & drink his hot chocolate as he travels.
Forward of all this is our v-berth. We added a special mattress topper to the foam, and it's quite comfortable. Above it is a glimpse of all the beautiful wood that covers the overhead throughout the boat. There's a deck hatch directly above so we can look out at the stars at night when lying in bed - sweet.
Going back outside, we climb a ladder in the cockpit to go "topside" to the flybridge. Our pal Joan & Matthew, a young friend of hers from Australia, are relaxing there. We spend a lot of time there, and often eat there if the weather is good. Rod is at the upper helm station.
When a visitor is aboard while we're traveling, Rod usually gives them a chance to steer the boat. Here he is with his friend Peter from the San Francisco area.
Going forward, we see Rod at the bow of the boat, with our anchor. Sandra usually steers while he lowers the anchor when we're out at anchorages (protected areas where you can "park" the boat for awhile or overnight).
These are our other modes of transportation aboard - our little dinghy and two small kayaks. They are both great for getting around anchorages and with the motor on the dinghy we can do some further exploring.
Here's NiSa in Montague Harbour in the Gulf Islands where we spent several very enjoyable days.
Both Maggie and later Buddy have been good "boat dogs". Maggie is in her bed under the dinette table and Buddy is peaking out from his "cave" under Rod's legs while he's steering.
