The boat

On June 10, 2015 we took possession of the new to us S.V. Kisma a 47' Durbeck with an overall length of 56'. The name is a Turkish word meaning to consolidate or diminish, fits perfect since that is our future plans.  We purchased her in Panama City, Florida and sailed to Long Beach, Mississippi where the arduous chore of a complete refit will commence.
Durbecks came into being at the height of the 1970''s era ''character boat'' fad. They had a very shippy, swashbuckling sort of appearance and a lot of room down below.
Its true she is a heavily built ocean going cruising yacht. Everything is heavily dimensioned, but simple in handling. The Durbeck is a traditional looking yacht and an eye catcher at sea and in the harbor. There is a lot of space on deck and under deck. Deck and interior is costume built, and in good quality of teak, mahagony, bronze and brass, you will not find today for a fair price.
She is easy to sail for small crew (me and my wife). For a yacht with long keel, she is normally handled in marinas under engine, though we have no bow thruster.
With 140 square meters she makes her 7 kn at 4 beaufort (genoa, fock, staysail, main.)
At strong winds- like winds of 40-50 knt- we take away mainsail and genoa and go easy sailing with a good standing fock and staysail. The deck stays nearly dry and we all ways have a safe feeling.
She is nearly self steering, only with balanced sails. This is very impressive and was one of the very reason to buy her.
Below 2 kts. of boat speed and she will wonder to her own wishes. In 15 to 20 kts. she is getting in her grove. While the fin keelers are reefing down and getting wet, you can sit dry and snug in her cockpit. Above 20 knots, pull in the genny and maybe a little main and still run hull speed.
I do not think she will surf. If she can, I rather not be there. She will pitch in a chop, especially if motoring into it. 4 foot chop will slow her down to a crawl. Just fall off and add a little sail. 
Compare how the bulkheads are taped into the hull to the light displacement boats. Look at her chain plates. She is a big cruiser made to take you were you want to go in some comfort. If you are looking for a cruiser, she is hard to beat. If you want to go fast, skip the fin keelers and get a go fast catarmaran like a Gunboat.

Our plans are to move aboard and some time soon, God willing, cast off the lines and head to where ever the winds take us. Most think we are crazy, while others bet we will never leave the dock. We are confident this dream will turn to reality.
We hope to maintain this Blog so those interested in our voyages can stay up to date on our whereabouts.