Gypsy Soul 11:11 is a 1991 30’ Commander — a true West Coast boat built for comfort and reliability. With her dual Volvo diesel engines there is plenty of power to run at full plane and cruise in comfort up and down our rugged coastline. The wide beam 11’ 11” provides plenty of space for storage and sleeping, and comfort for cruising. My first heavy weather run in 5’ following seas heading west to Cortez from Secret Cove impressed me at how stable she was, and how safe we felt.
Near wrap around glass enables enjoyment of all views while allowing the helmsman to safely navigate out in the open as well as in confined spaces.
This vessel came to me after 5 years of running and caring for a brand new 28′ Cutwater. When the Cutwater was sold in November of 2021, my boat house slip sat empty for 3 months. I had the knowledge and mechanic’s recommendation of how seaworthy and easy it was to work on the Commander. After a visit up to Gorge Harbour in September 2021 where there was a small regatta of Commander owners, I was impressed with their love and great stories of their own Commander boats. Truly, a passionate bunch.
I found my boat online. She had remained for sale over the fall, winter and early spring. The price had come down in March so I felt the need to act fast and get over to Nanaimo and check out the boat up close and personal. She was on the hard, in the owner’s driveway in fact; he was a heavy duty mechanic and a boat builder. I liked what I saw and requested a marine survey. The surveyor was impressed at how well she was maintained with recent interior upgrades — fridge, stove and upholstery.
When you fall in love with a boat on land there are a few more hurdles: does she actually float… and how are those engines? With the engines having been rebuilt some 700 hrs earlier according to receipts, I was excited to do the sea trials. We did a run around Protection Island and all systems checked out good. I knew I was going to upgrade the navigational equipment, so I didn’t care much that the Garmin was from the dark ages.
With proof of sale we crossed the Straight and cruised on home. She barely fit into my boathouse, 9” to spare on both sides, but what a relief and feeling of excitement to be the proud owner of such a special vessel. Two years later, after many upgrades and some expensive stern drive repairs, we continue to enjoy fishing and overnight adventures all up and down the Salish Sea and beyond.