After she was taken out of the water for her bottom inspection, her hull was power washed so we could get a better view of any problems or potential problems. She was declared fit to return to dock, so that's what we did.
After lengthy discussions with the Hull Surveyor about what needed fixing and what it would cost, we had some time to formulate some plans and discuss those with our broker Len. The engine survey would come through in two days time, but we needed to make another offer post survey, taking into consideration all the engine maintenance that was needed, hoses replaced, cutlas bearings, zinc etc etc. She would also need a bottom paint at some stage in the near future. Her insides were generally in excellent shape but she was in need of updates in the electronics dept. and in the galley. One of the Heads needed a new pump, and so on and so forth.
A BOAT is known as a hole in the water that you keep pouring money into. Talk to any boating person and they will tell you the same thing. The trick to buying a boat is to find the shallowest hole into which to pour the money. This is no easy feat when you are looking within the budget we had and within the age also.
For a 14 yr old boat, this one is in cracker condition, all things taken into consideration.
Armed with the Survey reports, we put in another considerably less offer. I guess the seller was offended. We don't mind that. They need to consider that they didn't look after the boat in the manner she needed, so they will reap that reward at the sale end of things. There were items listed for sale in the literature that were not on the boat when we came to view her. Some of those things were expensive! This we also had to take into consideration as some of those items were essentials.
The seller countered with providing a couple of those what I would call 'fluff' items. That is, not essential to the running of the vessel. They were refused and we stuck to our price offer. I guess his broker did some fast talking because by morning we had a deal. We owned the boat.
The sale of the boat was completed by Thursday morning, and we took possession of her by 10am that day.
We finally had our boat:)
First order of business was to clean her. Well, for me it was. The owners had literally walked off the vessel and had not cleaned her. I don't understand how people can offer a boat for sale...or a house....and not clean it first. I was a little disturbed to find denture cleaner in the vanity cupboard, I have to say, lol. I don't have any use for that....yet!
A huge throw-out ensued to get rid of mouldy smelling things, opening up the sofas to reveal the huge storage cavities behind, but also the mould growing on the walls under there. Lots of hot soapy water did the job, but I think I will have to revisit that when we go back.
The walls everywhere have mould on them. It took me 2 1/2 days to clean the master stateroom, and I still managed to miss some. The Master Head took more time than I wanted and turned up things that weren't included in the survey. How surprising (being sarcastic!). I didnt attack the VIP cabin and Head until the day before we left. I also need to go back there with bucket in hand and complete the de-moulding of the area.
When boats are closed up and there is no air circulation, it is little wonder that mould grows so well.
One of the first expenditures on the boat was for three fans. Keeping the air circulating is paramount.
At this point I have to say that we were thoroughly enjoying the surrounding area of Clear Lake, Houston, and the people we encountered there.
The view across Clear Lake. The high rise is the only one for miles, and a bit of an oddity.
Some of the lovely homes bordering the lake, below.
There is almost always a pleasure craft of some kind outside their lake-side homes.
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