Pele
Trip Start
Unknown
1
9
12
Trip End
Ongoing
Port Isabel,
Texas,
United States
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Pele is the brain child of Bob Massey. He built her from scratch with about $2,000.00 in steel. Took him 14 years to do it, he told me. That is not working every day
'but darn near it!"
Bob is a very interesting guy and you cheating yourself if you don't take the time to meet him if you get the chance. Some people are put off by the looks of the boat. Too bad, Bob is very bright, and extremely well read. He will tell you about some fantastic experiences if you give him the chance
Bob on Pele
. Pele is named after the goddess of volcanoes. She is a Stevens design.
"Only thing is, Bob told me, I was not sure where to put the mast, so I had to guess at it!"
She might be a bit light down below. The original plans called for lead below the water line and Bob put steel.
"I wanted some more weight to put down below" Bob told me "but I filled her up with steel and there wasn't any more room!"
Pele does not have an engine at this time. "I have a 10 hp lawn mower engine I was thinking of using", bob said with a twinkle in his eye. So if you see her on a bar, be sure to give her a pull!
Bob's dream is of heading across the Atlantic. He is hoping to find an economy which is kinder on the pocket book than the one in the U.S. He and I already have some big things in common!
Alas, Pele is a work in progress, as Bob lets you know right away. He plans on working on her more this year and heading out maybe next year.
"I have been planning on heading out before hurricane season" Bob told me. "The problem is, hurricane season is when the good weather is."
Don't be a stranger. If you visit and you are lucky, Bob might fix you dinner, as he did me. Bob makes a mean corn beef! On the other hand, cooking for one is always a chore, as I can attest from my experiences. I am sure Bob would love a taste of your favorite fare, too!
