WE'RE SHOPPING FOR A BOAT WHILE IN STUART
Alex keeps reminding me that we are not yet boat "buying", but merely boat "shopping". Whatever, either way we're taking the opportunity to look at as many boats as possible that would be suitable for doing the Loop. Here are a few that we have seen so far.
Our boat will of course be named EDSTAR
This is the first boat we looked at, a 2004 Mainship 40 trawler. Very nice, but not the boat for us - doesn't look "salty" enough. More of a "weekender" than we're looking for; we didn't think it would be suitable for more than a few days aboard at a time.
Next we saw Salty Turtle, a 1987 Defever 44. Now that's a real ship that you could take pretty well anywhere. The owners, who live aboard, have done the Loop on her and spent extensive time in the Bahamas. She has been very well maintained and is in excellent sailaway condition.
I thought I looked pretty cool at the helm on Salty Turtle
...as did Alex on the flybridge.
However, in the engine room she did look a little apprehensive!
Salty Turtle is still on our list.
Salty Turtle is still on our list.
Next we saw a 2006 Albin North Sea Cutter, Blue Moon, which had recently made the trip down the ditch from up north. This is a relatively new boat, with very low engine hours, but it was showing some signs of neglect. Probably not for us (although we did like the navy blue!).
And then a 2000 Mainship 430, which had also made the trip south recently. This boat is in almost "as new" condition, with very low engine hours (barely broken in). It was very different from the Mainship 40 above, especially in overall layout - much more suited to extended periods aboard, rather than a "weekender". Also low maintenance, with no exterior brightwork. On the other hand, not a lot of character - kinda like comparing a Chevy to a Jag. Still, it's possibility. We particularly liked the fact it has a full keel, extending below the running gear (props and rudders).
Another Defever 44, Seaquel.
This photo might suggest that I had found our ship. She would, however, need quite a bit of cosmetic work before we could leave the dock and is therefore probably not a contender. Nevertheless, the Defever 44 is still on our list.
And here is a classic - a 1980 Grand Banks 49, Sybaris. What a beauty, in mint condition. The care and attention by proud owners showed throughout, from the gleamng brightwork, to the spotless engine room, to the overall feel, the "vibe".
It just looks like right! However, more boat than we were looking for, but still a contender.
And, finally, here's one we might be able to afford.