A few years ago, due to rising slip rates, I sold my Pearson Vanguard
that I had
owned and cared for for nearly 12 years to a young guy who had dreams
and assured
me he would take good care of her. About a week ago I received a call
from a guy
thinking about buying her, he had found my name and phn# among papers
aboard the
boat. Naturally I was wondering what shape the boat was in and he
invited me over
to look at it. Apparently the guy I sold it to had nothing but dreams.
All he did was take her
into a cove of the river, anchor her there to avoid paying slip fees
and left her there for
3 1/2 years! You can imagine what kind of shape the boat was in. I was
surprised she was
even floating! I almost cried. Anyway the guy who did buy her is a
mechanic and amazingly, we got her running and took her to one of the
few remaining DIY marinas and had her hauled, barnacles and blisters
all over the bottom. She is on the hard probably for the next few
months at a minimum while he gets her back into shape. I'll stop by
and help out when I can.
I also promised the new owner to help him out with sailing lessons
when he gets her back in the water.