The Two Happiest Days of a Boat Owners Life

Allanbc · #1 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

Well, it is said that the two happiest days of a boat owners life are the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it. Well, we sold our boat. In some ways I am glad. The timing worked out terrible and caused many changes in plans. I am glad that we sold it in this buyers market. I am sad because of the all the fun times we had and we really liked the boat. Our main reason for selling was that it did not fit our long-term cruising plans. The new owner seems really nice and has good plans for the boat. I think he will have fun with it. He got a good boat.

It is also said that when one door closes, one door opens. We are now going to start the process of finding our next boat. I look forward to this because it is really a buyers market right now.

Jotun · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

Congrats. Shopping for a new boat can be a fun experience too!

imagine2frolic · #3 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

I owned Frolic, and bought Imagine. Imagine was in the Caribbean, and Frolic on S.F. Bay. I could not bring myself to sell her after 14 years of wonderful companionship. After 4 years I could not justify keeping her while using her once a year when visiting home.

I am so glad I was not there when another hand took her tiller. I would have been weeping like a baby on the dock. Frolic changed my life immensely, and made me a better person.I do not believe selling the boat is a happy day........i2f

BarryL · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

Hello,

I sold a boat back in 2007. It was horrible to say goodbye. I owned the boat for only a few years (3) and didn't think I would mind selling as much as I did.

It didn't really hit me until the sea trial. Suddenly, someone else was sailing MY BOAT. I wanted to trim the sails differently, flake the lines differently, steer differently, but I had to just sit there and bite my lip.

I keep in touch with the new owner and he really likes the boat, so that helps. But selling was not fun.

Barry

joethecobbler · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

I guess it depends on the reasons for selling and the experiences had while owned. I sold a 24' recently and wa glad to have it gone from my yard. I have a 32' and it isplenty to maintain and utilize. Also I am of the belief that if your noy using it get rid of it ! I'm currently applying that philosophy to all other aspects of my existence as I liquidate my land based collection of "stuff" and feel better and better about it as I do.
I think the Idea of the two best days are in large part felt by folks whom had unrealistic Ideas of what boating is/was and reality was less pleasant. I see many boats being "set" to anchor here in the Daytona,Fl. area due to economics and many more being auctioned due to non-payment of docking/Storage fees.
I cannot help to think that maybe many folks had/have no bussiness owning a boat to begin with and were either "sold" or just chasing an unrealistic future after reading too many glammer magazines with pictures of smiling faces and perfect conditions.
Like most things sailing/boating is two sided and multi-faceted.

WouldaShoulda · #6 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

It took us two years to find our boat... good times!!

mccary · #7 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

I purchased a "new" boat 2 years ago, well, new to me. The market for a 22' used boat was in the toilet so I gave the boat to a good friend's brother and his kids. When my friend and I delivered the boat, about 120 miles South, it was a sad trip, but uneventful and safe. But the last couple miles were as a sweet a sail as ever. I loved that boat as if it were a member of my family for those 29 years. That was a sad that turned out to be a happy day but not one of the 2 happiest.

j34035 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccary

I purchased a "new" boat 2 years ago, well, new to me. The market for a 22' used boat was in the toilet so I gave the boat to a good friend's brother and his kids. When my friend and I delivered the boat, about 120 miles South, it was a sad trip, but uneventful and safe. But the last couple miles were as a sweet a sail as ever. I loved that boat as if it were a member of my family for those 29 years. That was a sad that turned out to be a happy day but not one of the 2 happiest.

You sailed the same boat for 29 years? That is cool. I have never gotten more than 6 years out of a boat before I made a change. I guess I need to settle down and be happy with what I have!
DD