Decided not to buy the Hallberg-Rassy 53

[labatt]

Well, we finally made the decision today not to buy the HR53. It's been REALLY REALLY tough, but today we formally let the broker know that it's not going to happen. I've been pretty booked all day so my wife called him. He was not happy at all, and I feel for him. The HR53 was an incredible boat, and if it's still for sale in a year we'll probably look at it again. The long and the short of it is that we decided that we don't want a full extra year of boat payments. We originally planned on buying a boat for our trip in the Winter of 2008/2009. Buying it now would put the financial burden on us a year early, and the burden is pretty enormous, but planned for. We're going to leave our Passport 40, "Pelican", up "For Sale by Owner". If we can sell it, that might accelerate the process of buying a new to us boat. Anyway, I'm a bit disappointed not to be buying the HR53, but I think it's a good decision overall.

[USCGRET1990]

Originally Posted by labatt

Well, we finally made the decision today not to buy the HR53. It's been REALLY REALLY tough, but today we formally let the broker know that it's not going to happen. I've been pretty booked all day so my wife called him. He was not happy at all, and I feel for him. The HR53 was an incredible boat, and if it's still for sale in a year we'll probably look at it again. The long and the short of it is that we decided that we don't want a full extra year of boat payments. We originally planned on buying a boat for our trip in the Winter of 2008/2009. Buying it now would put the financial burden on us a year early, and the burden is pretty enormous, but planned for. We're going to leave our Passport 40, "Pelican", up "For Sale by Owner". If we can sell it, that might accelerate the process of buying a new to us boat. Anyway, I'm a bit disappointed not to be buying the HR53, but I think it's a good decision overall.

Bummer...but ya gotta do what ya gotta do to reach your goal........

[teshannon]

Chris,
That had to be a tough decision. I feel for you. It's so easy to get wrapped up in it once the steam roller starts I'm really impresssed you were able to pull the plug. It sounds like you did the right thing though. Now go have some Capt. Morgans, you've earned it.

[Cruisingdad]

Chris,

I know it was tough, but giving up on the HR and saving for the Catalina is a smart choice. A man needs a boat that he can sail with comfort. He needs a place where he can hang his grill with pride. He needs a real yacht. Look at the name plate: Catalina YACHTS. Now, look at the HR... just plain old HR in some language that we Americans can't read. You need American Brand names, like Catalina, and Magma, and Yanmar.

I gotta tell ya: there is this Portugese guy that keeps trying to trade me his no-brand-name boat for my Catalina YACHT. And will I give in... no I will not! He has to save up for his own YACHT, just like you.

Thus you are making the right decision. Now, don't you feel better? And don't worry, I would not dare tell anyone on the internet that you were saving up for a Catalina. We shall just keep it between us, ok?

- CD

[starboardyacht]

oh gee whiz, now your stuck with sailing the passport 40, (dream boat for many of us),...... its not having what you want, but wanting what you have congradulations on making a tuff decision, and making the wife make the call............

[wiseleyb]

Man - I wish I could even consider buying a 53' anything (and cover slip fees)

[sailingdog]

CruisingDad is drinking the Catalina Kool-aid again..

Labatt--It's probably a good decision... I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

[sailhog]

Sailingdog's coming down with distemper...

Labatt,
I've got a 27-year-old Catalina 30 that I'm willing to let go for 70K -- a lot less than that Rallbarg-Hassey. Big savings. Couple of things need attention. Mostly "head-related." Head smells, "funky," according to some folks a few slips down from mine. When your in the cabin the odor can be "overwhelming," according to people who have been in the cabin. Being in the cockpit when the companionway is open can cause people to "throw up," according to people who have sailed on the boat. Otherwise, it's a great little boat. PM me if you're interested.

[sailingdog]

What sailhog forgot to mention is the EPA has declared his boat a Superfund site... and the CDC has issued quarantine orders for it....

[Lion35]

Must have been a tough decision, but often the best decisions are the tough ones. I hope it works out well for you.