John Eastman gave a bunch of Gambit rides to non ice boaters these last days of great ice. He likes to do this and gets a gold star for ice boating public relations. Some of the passenger/sailors, after 15 -20 minutes of the sport are entranced and “want an iceboat”, which one? Ice boat designs and fads come and go over the last 100 plus years. One stands out, the DN of course, now in its 80th year. It is affordable, portable, buildable, sailable by any one from 100-300 Lbs, tourable, raceable, and, most importantly, available. A used DN suitable for training as a first boat can be had for $1000-1500, sometimes less. They are easy to acquire and, if the thrill wears off, easy to sell without significant fiscal risk. Up grading to race ready, touring comfort, passenger carrying, ego enhancing size and speed, vintage/antique addiction, latest unique design, only makes sense after learning the basics, for which the DN is ideal.

The erstwhile ice boater needs attributes of frustration tolerance and tool using ability reasonably good physical condition.