Episode #170: Terry Castleman on the Two-Dollar Catamaran

In this episode we chat with LA Times reporter Terry Castleman about the ongoing adventure of his two-dollar catamaran. Terry and friends purchased the 1986 Frank Pelin Snowbird 32 Lickety Split for $1.99 on eBay and sailed it from Stockton to LA.

Tune in as Terry chats with host Ryan Foland on how to find your boat on any budget, the buried treasure they found in the boat, the scariest part of their journey, the top three moments, and how they avoided disaster.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll hear in this episode: 

• Is there irony in the boat’s name?
• What are the top three things that came to mind facing 15-foot waves?
• How to buy a percentage of a boat?
• Is Terry a first-generation boater?
• Have you seen all these $2 boats on eBay?
• At least five acronyms for B.O.A.T.
• How many people were in the boat partnership?

Learn more about Terry at Castleman.Bsky.Social, Lickety Split on TikTok @Two_Dollar_Catamaran and Instagram and YouTube @TwoDollarCatamaran and Ryan at Ryan.Online 

 Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Terry Castleman on the Two Dollar Catamaran
  • [0:21] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [2:10] What’s a sailing story that’s shaped Terry?
  • [2:34] Do you like lobster diving?
  • [7:10] Did that catalyst moment turn you into more of a thrill seeker?
  • [7:50] Are you a first-generation boater?
  • [8:46] What was the first boat you got?
  • [11:30] How to buy a percentage of a boat?
  • [13:23] Were you teaching people for a business or were you teaching people for fun?
  • [14:21] How many people were in the partnership?
  • [17:36] If you’d like to be a sponsor, email [email protected] 
  • Two Dollar Catamaran
  • [17:59] Do you reach a certain limit getting your chops on a boat with others?
  • [23:17] Have you seen all these $2 boats on eBay?
  • [27:49] Were there doubloons?
  • [28:46] What was your first impression of the $2 catamaran? Did your heart sing?
  • [32:35] Any dead bodies on the boat?
  • [34:52] Did you name the boat ironically?
  • [39:13] What are the top three things that came to mind facing 15-foot waves?
  • [40:12] How much freeboard does Lickety Split have?
  • [48:11] Visit our Classy Classifieds or tell us your sailing story at Latitude38.com
  • Two Dollar Catamaran Today
  • [49:40] Where is the boat right now?
  • [52:56] Asking ChatGPT to come up with at least five more acronyms for B.O.A.T.
  • [57:39] Learn more about Terry at Castleman.Bsky.Social, Lickety Split on TikTok @Two_Dollar_Catamaran and Instagram & YouTube @TwoDollarCatamaran and Ryan at Ryan.Online
  • [1:00:27] Read “$2 Catamaran, Priceless Adventure” by John Arndt on page 54 of the June 2024 issue of Latitude 38 Sailing Magazine: https://www.latitude38.com/issues/june-2024/#54
  • Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • Check out the December 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis