New Boat, recovering from shock

[Channel Ribs]

Further to my post charting the perril of bidding on an unknown on eBay, I am now just about recovering from the rush of blood to the mouse.

I have been looking for a well proportioned weekender for a couple of years now, biding my time for the right one to come along. Having looked, viewed and probed mostly Westerly Nomads and Kingfishers I had been set on a bilge keeler. Then out of the blue (while trying to sell some items on eBay rather than buy) my eye was caught by a Galion 22 - wrong keel, but the right LOA and number of berths.

With only an hour to go when I spotted her, I had some swift research to do. The price looked good and there seemed to be plenty of detailed info on the net, so in I plunged - set my bid and got back to work.

It looks like first sight will be this Sunday, fingers and other parts are tightly crossed. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Sgeir]

Well done. Had a look at the pic - looks nice, and at an excellent price. I'm sure she'll sail as well as she looks.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Hee Hee...

Purchases from the heart are always better than ones from the head....

Hope she's a cracker, and that you enjoy her!

 

[Gin]

An old sailing chum of mine has very,very reluctantly because of his age had to sell his Galion 22 after 20+ years. it served him well and sailed the same way.

You will certainly enjoy yours

 

[Otter]

Had some lovely sailing on one about 25 years ago. Out in a real blow and she looked after us. Quick for her era as well.

 

[Channel Ribs]

Thanks for all the encouraging words, if all goes well on Sunday I hope to have some photos and probably a long long list of questions. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[David_Jersey]

Do you have the VAT invoice? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Channel Ribs]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you have the VAT invoice?

[/ QUOTE ]

You know, I have a feeling that is going to be the least of my worries. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[David_Jersey]

Looking forward to the Photos - I actually wouldn't be surprised if she turns out to be a "good un" - just old and not "fashionable".

 

[Channel Ribs]

Well, we spent most of the weekend going over her - and alot of going over there was. She is lovely!

Complete with a set of sails, begged borowed and stolen but they fit and make for a complete boat. Engine is a runner and will no doubt need some of the attention Vires love so much, but does the job nicely. A new anchor plus loads of 20 year old electronics, including an FG compass driven auto-tiller which seems to work.

A few lines need replacing, but nothing urgent. The interior has been recently tidied up and some more finishing off due at some point. All in all, a great value boat. Loads of paperowork going right back to '66 when she was built.

I will pop the photos on the work computer tomorrow. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[David_Jersey]

[ QUOTE ]
I will pop the photos on the work computer tomorrow.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good stuff.

Just out of interest (nosiness?!), did the seller come up with any reason why he decided just to put her on E-Bay and see what happened?

 

[Neddie_Seagoon]

Fantastic. I bought mine (my first!) sight unseen on eBay, and picked up a cracking bargain. She's given me a really good season, so despite the pitfalls it can definitely work out well.

Enjoy.

Steve

 

[bilbobaggins]

Enjoi!

In spades.....

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Channel Ribs]

They bought her for not too much, spent some time tidying her up but could not get on with the Vire's special ways and also decided they wanted more of a cruiser and less hard work. They bought a replacement boat and so needed the mooring freed up.

 

[Channel Ribs]

Here is a link to her own mini site:

http://80.46.36.156/marine/cottontail.html

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Not that we a sentimental bunch, or anything.

 

[kds]

" my eye was caught by a Galion 22"

Wasn't it an Ian Hannay design - way ahead of its time and it won a Yachting monthly prize in the comparative competitions they used to run in the '60s.
Enjoy it.
Ken