nicho
RIP
Exactly two weeks ago, we were invited onto a flybridge boat for a few drinks. Having an S41 we spend most of our time in the cockpit, but have to admit to being seduced by the flybridge boat's airy saloon, cream leather etc etc - very nice.
Now lets get one thing straight up front, we had absolutely no intentions of selling our beloved boat. However, the following day, we went to see a Phantom 43 on the market "just out of interest" It was not really to our liking, so returned, having by now dismissed the idea as daft, 'cos selling our current boat in the present market would not be easy.
A couple of hours later, out of the blue, we received a phone call from a broker, who had heard we "might be interested in selling our S41" - seems he had someone who wanted one. "Well, no, not really", but "yes, he could come and look at it". An hour later he arrived, made lots of positive remarks about the condition etc, and disappeared. Nothing was heard for 48 hours, then another call came, could he bring some prospective buyers round. ".....er, well yes, er, I suppose so"
48 hours later, said broker took prospective buyers around the boat, and disappeared again. Nothing was heard for another 48 hours! Assuming they were not interested, we again put the whole idea out of our mind, but then, another call......"could they come for a second viewing?" Blimey, this is getting serious, especially as they were willing to pay our asking price. Second viewing came and went, and lo and behold, contract was signed, deposit paid, subject to survey/sea trial.
Hold on a minute, at this rate we'll be boatless in a few days, so panicking, we went on line, having still in our minds the purchase of a flybridge boat. We whittled the list down to Sealines' F42/5, or F43, both had advantages over the other, and we would be happy with either, so we decided we'd take the best of either available in our price range.
We dashed around looking at several boats ("can this really be happening?") One, a beautiful F42/5, 79 hours on the clock, but too expensive, a couple of others in poor nick, and finally settled on an F43 (180 hours and in lovely condition).
Went back to the S41 to think it through, but on reflection, SHMBO had doubts about her desire to sit on a flybridge for several hours on end (we intend some longer trips next year), so it was back to square one, with a view now to go for a bigger cockpit boat.
The sea trial and survey of the S41 successfully came and went, and it was arranged for the new owner to take delivery the following Thursday 30th (today!!!)
Then we found it - I've long fancied an S48, and there was one for sale in Brighton with a trusted broker (we've bought 4 previous boats with him), so off we went for a viewing. It was absolutely gorgeous, fantastic spec, low hours, and in great condition. We were both hooked instantly (it'll be our 9th Sealine!!).
"Lets go out for a sea trial" offered our friendly broker. "You must be joking, it's F6 out there with really nasty seas" came my reply. "A good opportunity, then, for you to sample the rough weather handling of one of the best sea hulls available" said our insistant broker.
So off we went. Well, I have to say I've never experienced handling like it - 22 knots in very big seas, no banging, slamming, shuddering, nothing, just a very soft ride straight into a big head sea, straight line tracking on a big beam sea, and very relaxed downwind. The TAMD74P's, were ultra smooth and whisper quiet.
The deal was done - and includes full cut/polish/valet, new canopy, full engines service etc. Survey to be carried out next week, and fingers crossed, on our berth by 8th August.
Our S41 left our ownership today, so we are boatless at this moment of time.
Sorry if I have bored those who have managed to read this far, but I'm pretty happy about it!!
Like I said, a crazy 14 days!!
Now lets get one thing straight up front, we had absolutely no intentions of selling our beloved boat. However, the following day, we went to see a Phantom 43 on the market "just out of interest" It was not really to our liking, so returned, having by now dismissed the idea as daft, 'cos selling our current boat in the present market would not be easy.
A couple of hours later, out of the blue, we received a phone call from a broker, who had heard we "might be interested in selling our S41" - seems he had someone who wanted one. "Well, no, not really", but "yes, he could come and look at it". An hour later he arrived, made lots of positive remarks about the condition etc, and disappeared. Nothing was heard for 48 hours, then another call came, could he bring some prospective buyers round. ".....er, well yes, er, I suppose so"
48 hours later, said broker took prospective buyers around the boat, and disappeared again. Nothing was heard for another 48 hours! Assuming they were not interested, we again put the whole idea out of our mind, but then, another call......"could they come for a second viewing?" Blimey, this is getting serious, especially as they were willing to pay our asking price. Second viewing came and went, and lo and behold, contract was signed, deposit paid, subject to survey/sea trial.
Hold on a minute, at this rate we'll be boatless in a few days, so panicking, we went on line, having still in our minds the purchase of a flybridge boat. We whittled the list down to Sealines' F42/5, or F43, both had advantages over the other, and we would be happy with either, so we decided we'd take the best of either available in our price range.
We dashed around looking at several boats ("can this really be happening?") One, a beautiful F42/5, 79 hours on the clock, but too expensive, a couple of others in poor nick, and finally settled on an F43 (180 hours and in lovely condition).
Went back to the S41 to think it through, but on reflection, SHMBO had doubts about her desire to sit on a flybridge for several hours on end (we intend some longer trips next year), so it was back to square one, with a view now to go for a bigger cockpit boat.
The sea trial and survey of the S41 successfully came and went, and it was arranged for the new owner to take delivery the following Thursday 30th (today!!!)
Then we found it - I've long fancied an S48, and there was one for sale in Brighton with a trusted broker (we've bought 4 previous boats with him), so off we went for a viewing. It was absolutely gorgeous, fantastic spec, low hours, and in great condition. We were both hooked instantly (it'll be our 9th Sealine!!).
"Lets go out for a sea trial" offered our friendly broker. "You must be joking, it's F6 out there with really nasty seas" came my reply. "A good opportunity, then, for you to sample the rough weather handling of one of the best sea hulls available" said our insistant broker.
So off we went. Well, I have to say I've never experienced handling like it - 22 knots in very big seas, no banging, slamming, shuddering, nothing, just a very soft ride straight into a big head sea, straight line tracking on a big beam sea, and very relaxed downwind. The TAMD74P's, were ultra smooth and whisper quiet.
The deal was done - and includes full cut/polish/valet, new canopy, full engines service etc. Survey to be carried out next week, and fingers crossed, on our berth by 8th August.
Our S41 left our ownership today, so we are boatless at this moment of time.
Sorry if I have bored those who have managed to read this far, but I'm pretty happy about it!!
Like I said, a crazy 14 days!!
