Annual CityScope® Summer Issue
By Ali Lemmons / Photography by Rich Smith
After relocating from the coast of Florida to Chattanooga in 1975, Hal Baker and his wife Cheryl were instantly drawn in by the Tennessee River – and it didn’t take them long to embark on life on the water. “We got our first boat, a 22-foot cuddy cabin, that the family loved for skiing and overnight cruises,” shares Hal. “We later moved to an express cruiser and discovered we could go to Florida by water.”
However, after having grandchildren, the Bakers knew they needed more space and less speed. They also needed a boat that they could use to traverse the Great Loop, a 6,000-mile boating route that circumnavigates the eastern United States and parts of Canada, after their retirement.
Both of these factors encouraged them to purchase their current boat in 1998 – a 1976 Marine Trader Double Cabin Trawler. “It was berthed in a slip next to us at our marina with a sign that said ‘not for sale,’” shares Hal. “We jumped on it as soon as the sign came off.”
“It was berthed in a slip next to us at our marina with a sign that said ‘not for sale,’” shares Hal. “We jumped on it as soon as the sign came off.”
At the time, Hal and Cheryl’s express cruiser was named Esta Bueno, or “this is good.” So, when they purchased the trawler, it only made sense to christen the vessel Mas Bueno, or “much better.”
From top-notch mechanics to a stunning vintage design, Mas Bueno certainly lives up to its name. The trawler boasts a 120-horsepower diesel engine, fiberglass hull, and heat and air conditioning, as well as radar, sonar, and nautical chart plotting. Inside, the Bakers enjoy the boat’s full galley with an under-the-counter refrigerator and freezer and the primary cabin, complete with an ensuite.
“We love the way she accommodates our lifestyle with lots of space and conveniences,” says Hal. “While underway, we have a sewing machine, bread maker, and all the tools and parts available to address most culinary, hobby, and mechanical needs.”
Besides the trawler’s practical aspects, Hal and Cheryl also love their boat’s vintage look. The trawler’s exterior features teak wood decks, railing, and trim for a warm, nautical feel. This timeless design carries into the boat’s interior with teak cabinetry and teak flooring arranged in a parquet pattern.
The trawler’s bridge is reminiscent of a maritime palette, complete with white bench seating, deep navy cushions, and complementary striped pillows. Fully enclosed with canvas and seating a number of guests, this is where most of the Bakers’ piloting takes place.
“The best aspect of the bridge is when it’s crowded with friends or family eating, drinking, and enjoying each other’s company while cruising down the lake or river,” adds Hal.
One of the Bakers’ favorite memories aboard the trawler remains taking two years off after their retirement to complete the Great Loop.
“Initially, just the planning and preparation was intense fun. Then taking off for whatever was ahead seemed exciting,” explains Hal. “Dealing with all of the factors of living onboard and going with the flow, quite literally, took constant attention. Learning about our country from the water was intriguing, but the best aspect was being able to depend on each other and give undivided attention to each other.”
“When you’re boating, you leave everyday concerns at the dock.” – Hal Baker
Besides the opportunity to explore the country’s coast, the Bakers cherish the relationships that boating has allowed them to form, from spending uninterrupted time with family to making new friends out on the water.
“We have more long-lasting friendships than we could’ve thought possible. Fellow travelers we cruised with for 6,000 miles doing the Great Loop are some of our strongest associations and will always remain so,” shares Hal. “As for our slip in Soddy-Daisy, our group formalized about 20 years ago, and now we socialize weekly in our common space.”
After decades of adventure with Hal and Cheryl at the helm, Mas Bueno will soon move on to its next chapter as the Bakers pass their beloved vessel onto their children.
“For some reason, as we approach octogenarian status, it becomes difficult to jump from the bridge to the helm to the engine room if a warning alarm sounds,” finishes Hal. “We still get onboard at least weekly but don’t leave the slip unless we have the family to crew. Our children are learning the characteristics of the Mas Bueno, and I look forward to the day we are invited for a day cruise.”
