Friday, June 3, 2016

Middle Age Couple checks out a Fixer Upper

They say if it flies or floats, then rent don't own.
We have never been ones to follow proverbs...

We spent part of a long weekend checking out a slightly larger sailboat to add to our fleet. So while Rob looked into things like rail stability, fiberglass integrity and the KEEL, I examined the boat in the manner expected by society. 
Welcome to this episode of House Hunters Boat Edition!

Not a whole lot of outside space. But the retro-rudder is pretty cool.

A stainless steel sink! But no granite counter tops. And seriously, since all couples are expected to spend an inordinate amount of time chopping random vegetables, how can Rob cut peppers and me thread kabobs in such a tiny space.

A ton of natural light! The master is a workable size and there is a spare bedroom, in the foreground, for guests. I am just not sold on how much privacy that fold up table would provide. 
Does it come furnished? Because those life vests and extra sails are a bonus and well within our budget.

Um. Steam shower? Soaker tub? Door?? No.
But, semi-composting toilet.
Do I look like a damn hippie?

We have gone back and forth for MONTHS about this boat. It would be fun to have a 'second house' at the lake. This is a trailer-able boat, so we could feasibly move  it to the ocean one day. Of course it would also mean for the next year, nearly every weekend spent at the lake would involve some serious elbow grease and a moderate amount of cash.
It was fun to consider the possibilities. The boat  is old and absolutely a fixer-upper but not in terrible shape. However,  I don't really see Chip and Joanna coming up from Waco, or those weird property brothers...even though we could do most of the work ourselves.
 While we were investigating this boat, a very nice older man came down on the dock, no doubt to investigate us. While we discussed the merits of 22 foot versus 25 foot catalinas, he mentioned his own boat which was docked right next door and over the course of that conversation we wound up spending the entire afternoon on HIS boat, dipping the rail in the water while he gave us tips on racing.
In the end, we have put the purchase on hold. Opting instead to rent when we want to 'entertain' friends...
Because while it may be easier to make friends out of sailors than sailors out of friends, on a super windy May day there is no problem turning those same friends into ballast!



12 comments:

  1. Agh. In another life, where my husband would love being on the water, I'd join along with you. My dad loved to sail so I grew up with that love (not that I know how). Good for you! What an incredible adventure you're on.

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    1. It is rather funny - my husband is 'to blame' for the initial sailing but he says I am the one who keeps pushing to go bigger and cruise! Rest assured, there will be more adventures!

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  2. I have always shied away from owning anything, my husband and I have always been about traveling and we feel ownership ties us down. Having said that though the one thing I would love to own is a boat!

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    1. I think, at least with a sailboat, you have to be comfortable with the idea of never getting your money back with the purchase. But the freedom, especially in a bigger, salt-water vessel is priceless!

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  3. From the stories I've heard from friends with boats, it's probably a good idea to rent. Brenda

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    1. I believe your friends to be very very wise, Brenda!

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  4. OK, a "semi-composting" toilet seems like a kinda scary thing...

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    1. it involved entirely too much 'man power' for my taste!

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  5. looks like a pretty nice little sloop though!

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    1. She really wasn't in bad shape, we could do all the cosmetic stuff. Plus the name was 'cool change'! Which made it even harder to decide! No idea what the keel bolt looked like though. Of course,we know she floats!

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  6. Doesn't look too bad! I think you are right, Chip and Joanna won't be coming to the Coast of Illinois any time soon. Or the "weird" property brothers (I laughed out loud on that one).

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    1. I really wanted to do a video as my pitch to HGTV! I can totally see the episodes...and maybe those brothers would do a guest shot...

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