Saying goodbye to my boat....
 

My family and I recently moved from Hilton Head Island, SC to the Florida panhandle. As a result of the move, I had to put my boat up for sale. The alternative was to move it, which of course meant sailing it around the Florida peninsula, or through the canal, a passage of some 800-900 NM. Anyway, I found a buyer for the boat and I'm back on the HHI to finish up the details -- cleaning her up, a few mechanical fixes, and a sea trial. I can't tell you all how unbelievably difficult this is.... Argh. She's just an old Catalina 30, but she's been such a wonderful boat. Had her for three years and it's killing me.... putting the kids toys in a bag and moving them out to the car.... removing their blankets, stuffed animals.... doing all the little maintenance, which is something I've kind of enjoyed.... Apart from the wife and kids, this boat has been THE MOST wonderful thing that's ever happened to me.... sounds silly to say, but it's true. My wife keeps reminding me that it's easier to move money than it is a boat and that we'll be getting another one soon. But it won't be this boat. God I love her.

Hope you all are having a better day....

Nutz!

Sing it, brotha!

Ray, how are you?

We're doing well. The news about having to sell your boat is bad enough but I'm just glad that your ISP hasn't discovered that you've been ripping them off for free internet access so you can stop by Sailnet and that other place. That would be bad. So is pimping out Cam at the truck stop still helping out for that sexual enhancement operation you've been saving up for?

This too shall pass and you will find a new dream aboard a different vessel. Still it's hard to close chapters in our lives.

Take care,
MZr7

Had to cut loose my hores this spring...Just getting past it now..I know your pain well.

Time... all it takes is time...Just think of the fun ahead choosing another..:)

Sorry to hear that, Sailhog... I know exactly what you mean, though, the last time we sold a boat it was a very emotional time... and I had to watch other people sail her away!

But it will pass, and your new 'girl' will eventually fill the hole. Also, perhaps count yourself lucky that you're not around to watch her deteriorate, if in fact that happened.

btw - best wishes to you and your family with this move.. always interesting, isn't it?

Arrrrrggggghhhhhh! That's about as hard as having to put your dog down. I feel your pain. On the bright side though, you get to start looking for a new boat! Hang in there.

Hog,

Uhg. That bit about packing the kids toys really got me. When and if the time comes for us, I'd have a similar task ahead of me. The boat is still loaded with toys that they long ago outgrew on land, but for some reason they still like to have aboard. So many memories...

I hope you and family are well and that the move is propitious -- would love to hear more sometime. Say in touch, friend.

Probably, although I just put up the cradle for the boat *I'm* likely to have to sell...if I can find a buyer. :(

I'm confused as to why you had to sell, though. Isn't the Florida Panhandle reasonably close to water in all places?