Gas cost me $60 for JPOR. Average $2.78/ gallon, 55 mph, 500 miles. Well worth it. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Post deleted by Timbo

Yes! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> $2.78, didn't mean to give anyone false hope.

I'm tackling my motorhome mileage at the moment - it dropped from 10mpg to 5 sometime last year....$60 to get to a regatta sounds like nothing!

yeah, that was my point. The Element wasn't very happy at 70 mph. Uphill it spent a lot of time in overdrive, so I just set the cruise in the 60-65 range. Engine turns dropped significantly.

On the other hand, I spent 3 nights at the Marriott, $532! To me, that's a lot! If my wife was with me I'd feel differently, but for one guy to flop?! I won't do that again!

Back in the day, I had a friend who just showed up, sailed, drank a lot and slept on a boat, any boat! Right out in the open! Maybe I'll. . .naw!

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=2.78+USD+per+gallon+in+GBP+per+litre

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

The 300 mile round trip to Mumbles cost me over $90. Still, worth it though <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If I had it to do all over again (especially if I were single handing), I might buy a small van (diesel?) and put a roof top 110V A.C. air conditioning unit in the roof (or maybe install a small $200 window unit in the back window). Perhaps even buy a small generator. If you can't find a 15Amp plug in at the regatta, carry the generator down down the hill / around the corner and drag an extension cord back to the van. Sleep in cool comfort - it's important around here! Two to three regatta weekends like that and the generator and air conditioner would pay for themselves.

I bet those element seats fold down (or come out) and make a nice spot to curl up for the night!

I had NO idea Google would perform unit of measure conversions like that....COOL.

We're definitely thinking along the same lines! I recline the front and rear passenger seat backs to accept the main sail bag, tiller and boom (haven't gotten around to building a box yet). Then fold the rear seat driver's side up to accommodate suit cases, tool boxes, coolers and the like. Works okay for 1 person. Haven't tried sleeping in it, but it is an option.

In the long run camping gear is a hell of a lot less expensive than motel rooms.

I have tracked my gas milage on the highway for some time (out of boredom) and it seems for every 5 mph I slow down I gain about 2 mpg. But that was not towing a boat, just the car. At about 55mph I get 36 mpg where as at 65 I only get about 32. Around town only 26-28.

I think with the added drag of pulling a boat, you should stay around 55-60 if you want to save on gas. But you might get hit from behind! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

In the truck, without the horse trailer, at 60 on the highway, about 18 mpg (Ford F150 w/4.6L V8) but when I hook up that horse trailer, load 3 1,200lb. horses on it and hit the road, only about 10mpg at 55mph... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

On the Marriott thing? Buy a tent, sleeping bag and a cooler full of beer, less than $100. And that's a one time expense (except for the beer)

In my case, I'm driving U.S. 17 through Arcadia, Wauchula, etc. and have had the stereotypical encounter with the local constabulary. When the sign says 35, that's what they mean. Especially on Sunday evening when there is absolutely nothing for them to do. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I drive 17 through Arcadia and Wachula all the time for the horses, I drive 5-10 over the limit and never have a problem, but towing horses I look like a local redneck so they leave me alone... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Try going east on 66 or 64 or to Sebring and we can sail here at my house!

A few guys here, have made a sleeper of their catamaran trailers. It is just like a big box on which (or over which) the cat is carried. Their is a matras and a small cooler inside and they sleep in that. Right underneath their boat at the regatta site and well camouflaged against local officials who enforce no camping rules.

Wouter

How about rigging a hammock under the tramp, from front port beam to aft starboard beam, with netting hanging over the front and rear beams, maybe a plastic tarp on the ground for a floor? Might be a bit tight... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Or, just throw a tent on the trampoline?

Yeah but then the beach Nazi's will see you and throw you out.

All that is too spartan for me! Jake's point about a small a/c was well taken!

There are companies who make tents that attach, sort of, to your vehicle. That and an electric hook-up and I'll be fine.

As we speak- gale force winds with sheets of vertical rain.

I went to Lowe's at lunch for other things - but I saw a small window unit that was about 30" wide and $84...only needs a 15Amp service. It would work perfectly for a van.

Well, hindsight is always 20/20, $532 would have gone a long way towards comfortable camping.

The a/c in my '97 Tacoma just died. How many batteries and solar cells do I need to make the $87 Lowe's a/c unit work? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> http://www.wharram.com/images/ctrek3.jpg

camping is for the birds.

The therapeutic value of a nice hot shower after a long day on the water is grossly understated.