A villager placed an ad yesterday giving away an 18' Sanderling Catboat with trailer, 2.5hp o/b, and all rigging and sails. I called immediately but reached the voice-mail. I waited 2 minutes and tried again. The caller before got it. :'(
At least once a year someone who has aged out of boating gives their boat away. They were also giving away a fishing dory with a 25hp o/b and trailer. That too was spoken for.
I missed out on a Hunter 19 that went for $2000 - not free but a great price. Right now there is one for $3000. Not a great price but a good price. Going to let it pass too. The reason - my wife wants me to take a year off from "big boat" sailing. She is pretty stressed right now, so I'm going to honor her wishes.
I have missed a few deals on paddle craft over the years. I also see good deals on sailboats, but as I have 3 and can only sail one at a time I pass on boats I would love to sail. Captain, I hope your wife is OK. The boat you built is a beauty and I suspect it brings out the pride you feel each time you sail her. My boating was on hold for 6 months this last year and first part of this one as Carol was in treatment for a serious health issue. Times like those they are our priority.
I missed out on a snapdragon, I believe a 21', a bunch of years ago, they guy had just completely redone the inside, then passed away, his wife was selling it for $1500. No trailer. I was working for Sunbelt at the time, and had a 6x18 trailer at my disposal that would have handled the weight to get it home, and being a bilge keel would have sat on that trailer beautifully. I had the money in the bank, the wife (ex-wife) said no. Was the deal of the century at the time. I also missed out on a marsh hen, was a great deal down in South Florida, the boat was in amazing shape, I decided against it due to the money situation at the time. I could have bought it, but it was the right decision. The seapearl I have now was the right deal at the right time.
Wolverine: My friend David got the catboat and I took the dory. He has been looking for one for a while.
We took the Sanderling down from Broad Creek to Oriental Sunday. Got caught out in a big windy rainstorm.
The cockpit of that thing is big as a tennis court.
We really need to meet sometime. You have met my friend Kevin who has the Dana at Sea Harbour. I have an ODay 192 at Blackbeard Sailing Club. And I now have 2 dorys. This was a duxbury dory and I have an Amesbury dory.
Sanderlings are very nice boats. But like all wood boats, require the correct care to live a long life. GAVE it away...SMH. Makes me wonder if anyone will remember my name 6 months after I croak.
Congrats Jack! After she said the Sanderling was spoken for, I asked about the dory. Sounded like you beat me by a couple minutes.
Speaking of meeting, when I can find crew I sail the "race" on Wednesdays. If you're interested, drop me a PM.