To buy or not to buy, that is the challenge...

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

Back from the Catamaran Hotel in Rio Dolce, Guatamala, I keep asking myself, "Is this the right boat?, Is this really what I want?"

The cockpit seemed so confining, yet secure. The sails are in good condition, yet the main may need some sort of widget so when the sail comes down all of the little slides don't come out of the mast. The boat sailed a steady course yet we only had 5 - 8 knots to test her in. The brow over the gps on the port side of the helm has some cracks and is soft, yet it might only be a small localized section. The concern is whether or not water has gotten into other parts of the boat. Deck has black specs that may be covered with fresh paint. The interior is well laid out, roomy brightly painted white. None of the hatches leak though the one on the bow needs replacing. Plenty of anchors on board; the auto helm belt kept slipping so it needs work.

 

Overall, my impression is that this is a secure well made, sturdy, ready to go sailing boat. It has the inboard diesel I say I want with easy access on both sides. I am thinking I should buy it, so I have to go and figure out my true finances. This is going to be a huge undertaking, the least of which is bringing the boat back up here whilst dodging summer hurricanes. I may have to pay a captain.

 

Any and all solo sailors are encouraged to contact me with words of wisdom, especially about dealing with 'keeping a watch', knowing when to sleep, how to schedule sleep breaks, and don't forget to send me your cures for seasickness. What scares me is getting this boat only to find out I am always sea sick.........Ugggggggggggg,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

To summarize, the boat is in Guatamala and needs to be brought up here to Palm Bay. That in itself will be quite an undertaking. Can I pull this off? Do I really want to? I don't know if I should buy this boat or not. It will take up all my earnings......One thing is for sure, the longer I sit here rambling the less progress toward making a sound decision I will make. So, I'll stop for now.