Boats should be used!

[Salty John]

I have a Grand Banks 32 trawler based in Texas; mahogany hulled, superbly built and, if I do say so myself, very well maintained. I have, today, offered (via the Grand Banks forum) to give her to anyone that will make better use of her than I can, at a price "to be determined by your ability to pay". I don't know what she is really worth, but in the US they sell for $50,000 to $100,000 depending on condition. I have indicated that I will accept a "contribution" of $20,000 for a mere caretaker, down to $10,000 or less, maybe nothing, for someone who will cruise her far and wide, the way she should be. I may be crazy, but I feel wonderful about this offer! I feel hugely privileged to have spent many years of my life cruising on small sailboats, so I want to give a bit back by offering my grossly under-used boat to someone who will enhance their life experience by taking "Annie" on an adventure.
Damn, I feel good!

 

[BrendanS]

Jeez! That's one hell of an offer

 

[SoulFireMage]

Jumping Jehosaphat, I wish I could take you up on that one!!..nice.

You've read Pay it Forward ain't you? Made me cry that as well.

 

[Salty John]

I understand the principle of "pay it forward". It was very much the theme when we were cruising the Caribbean in the 90's. In 1999 I helped a well known engineless French single hander get on his way from Allens Cay in the Bahamas, and as he set off into the sunset he called "I'll pass it on!"

 

[Superflid]

Fantastic idea and a wonderful offer.

If only I could afford to use her enough! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Kilter]

Well bless you, that's a wonderful thing to do!

 

[LittleShip]

John,

I have sent you a PM.

Tom

 

[Salty John]

I'm just back from Texas and can report that Annie is now in the hands of a young couple who will make considerably more use of her than I can. Even better, he is a craftsman who will maintain her the way she deserves.
I'm off to change my bio!

 

[Superflid]

Fantastic, for them and the boat!

 

[progressivedave]

I would love to know the outcome!
Dave

 

[cliffordpope]

Wonderful!
Just make sure you steer a balance between an opportunist who will take advantage in order to make a personal profit, and the other extreme of a dangerous foolhardy adventurer.
Remember the Maria Assumpta disaster? He was certainly using the boat - shame it was its last ever voyage.