[sailhog]

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....

 

[erps]

Nutz!

 

[sailhog]

Nutz!

Sing it, brotha!

Ray, how are you?

 

[erps]

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?

 

[MazeRat7]

"Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." -Robert N. Rose

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

 

[Stillraining]

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..

 

[Faster]

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?

 

[jrd22]

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.

 

[JohnRPollard]

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.

 

[Valiente]

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

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?

 

[jackytdunaway]

Why are you moving. i always dreamed of making the family take a HHI vacation just so i could buy you a beer. I hope the move is good for you and the family and that dream boat is around the corner.

 

[djodenda]

Hog:

I understand.
Remember that she is always still your boat and no one can take away all the fun you've had on her.

Especially the kids.

I still remember very clearly sailing on our first boat when I was small, and that was almost 45 years ago!

Make sure you keep some part of the boat as a momento.. We've always done that... Even better when you can reuse the part on your next boat.

The snap shackle that I use to attach my backstay tensioner on my C30 is from the Shark we sold in 1967.

I'm reminded of "Sloopy" whenever I see it.

Davide

 

[bubb2]

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....

Say it ain't so! Tim, you and I were going to move that boat. I know exactly how you feel about her. Some of my best memories of my family and kids were times we on the boat. OH Hog, I feel for you. Keep your chin up buddy.

 

[MikeinLA]

Boy oh boy, I've been where you are. After living aboard my '86 Cat 36 for a year and a half, my then girlfriend became my wife and promptly announced that she hated boats and the ocean and that I must sell my beloved boat...NOW! I mean, I really loved that boat. I had a 4 PAGE article in Mainsheet with all my upgrades. Long story short, she soon became my ex-wife (you had to see that coming) and I began the hunt for a new boat. Found another Cat 36, a '91, and when I walked below, she was just like my old boat was when I bought her. So I named her Deja Vu and she is still with me today. Moral of the story is that you WILL find that perfect next boat....and the sooner the better.

Mike

 

[danielgoldberg]

Had to cut loose my hores this spring...JJust think of the fun ahead choosing another..

Hey, watch it. This is a family show.

Hog, so sorry to hear about losing her. If it's not too late (though it sounds like the decision is made), 800 to 900 miles really is not all that long. I bet for a reasonbly small sum (all things considered) you could have a skipper deliver her so that you wouldn't even have to deal with it, though of course such a trip really would be fun. And as you say, you could cut across the canal and make it shorter.

 

[MC1]

I just couldn't do it. Wonder how much it'd cost to have it trucked over land . . . Alberts Marine Svc/Transport in Melbourn Fl transported mine for a great price (321) 724-9520 (otherwise, no affiliation). Since you'd be generally headed their way, they might be able to swing by on a return trip and give you a price break - might be worth a call at least.

 

[sailhog]

Thanks everyone for the posts....

Jacky, get on down to SEaside and I'll buy you a beer, cap'n...

DJ, that's some excellent advice. The keepsake from the boat that I've decided to keep is the.... keel...

Valiente and Dan: We're right on the water on the Panhandle. The problem with moving her is the time it would take. If the winds and weather were perfect, it would be a nine-day jaunt. In reality, it would be a quick passage in two weeks.

The fact of the matter is that we're out-growing her. We're going to move up to a 34 or perhaps a 36. In fact, we're looking at a C-36, just like MikeinLA. Mike, that's a funny story....

ONe final note: Bubb2 (Mike) offered to help me move her a while back. He's a professional delivery captain with a lot of passages under his belt. Now get this: he was going to help me move my boat for next to nothing, and he was dead serious about it. That guy has a heart of gold. Here's to you, Mike....

Anyway, thanks for all the thoughts. You all are wonderful. Just spoke to the buyer. The sea trial is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., just after high tide. Thought I would take her north out of Skull Creek, head out Port Royal Sound to the Atlantic, and then bring her on home.

Thanks again, everyone.

 

[midnightsailor]

The boat may go but the memories stay with you. I have been through at least 7 boats and it never got easier sending each and everyone of them off with a new skipper, but I still have the memories of them all, some better than others. I will always have a specieal place in my heart for my Ranger 23"Blue SKies" and my Contest 29 "Artemis" is still looking for a new skipper, but I am happy as a clam living aboard my new to me Freedom 33 "SEASOP" AS the saying goes , the two happiest days in a sailors life the day he gets his boat and the day he sells it (or somthing like that!) So cherish the memories and good luck and have fun finding your next one. Rick

 

[bobmcgov]

Bummer, SH. I woulda crewed with Bubb2 fer free, just for the experience. No kidding. Sorry you had to part, hope you get back at it soon.

 

[tdw]

Hey there my little Hoggette,
Sad day for you eh ?
I confess I was thinking how good it would have been to sail down from HHI to Florida. Time is a bugger though. Would have been a fun trip.
Think on the bright side though.... unlike poor old Still you get to keep your hookers.
Salute to you Captain Goodvibes.