History of Bluebonnet

Originally named "Freedom" and built in 1977, Bluebonnet (V32136) is owned and operated by by Norman & Jeanette Ralph. Bluebonnet is named after the Texas state flower. Jeanette is a native Texan and the boat was purchased from Rich at the Cedar Mills Marina in November 1990. At that time Rich had purchased several blistered boasts with the plan to have his boatyard remanufacture them during the off season. However, because of a flood and subsequent damage to boats in the marina, they had a backlog of work and Rich was willing to sell her "as is".

The boat was trucked to Liberty, MO where Norm did all the blister repair and refitting himself. The work started in the spring of 1991 and was launched in July 1994. In 1995 Norm took early retirement and that fall they sold their home and brought Bluebonnet down the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to Mobile Bay. They then traveled along the Gulf Coast to Mandeville, LA on Lake Pontchartrain (where the Ralphs' now live). More pictures of bluebonnet are available..

Since arriving at LA, Bluebonnet has had installed a roller furling headstay and a quick release lever on the staysail stay. Norman also has just recently completed installation of a Whitlock rack and pinion steering system. The linkage between the pedestal and the rudder shaft mounts entirely under the cockpit sole. There is a rack and pinion in the top of the pedestal with the wheel turning the pinion gear that moves the rack in an arc and turns the shaft that moves an arm under the cockpit sole that moves the rudder. No cable sheaves to maintain. A removable seat was built to cover the end of the rudder shaft. If necessary a single bolt on the "jack shaft", where it is connected to the rudder shaft, can be removed.

Norman would be happy to share any information regarding his improvements. You can contact him at lasailor@neosoft.com .