It is with extreme heavy heart that we lost our beloved B40 to hurricane Sally. She was number 17, and a very little used freshwater boat when we bought her. Currently only has 150 engine hours logged.
I hope all the best to you guys and hope you never have to endure this kind of tragedy.
Wayne
Wayne, wow such a shame. Will you be able to board her and recover personal property and any gear that survived? Will you get another boat?
Mike
Well supposedly it's to be craned into the boatyard and I'm to be notified when it's safe to board. The marine surveyor assigned by the insurance company tells me it will go to the crusher as it's not worth being salvaged.
I plan to at least retrieve my new Achilles inflatable that's in the cockpit locker and the new 3.5 outboard you see in the photo. I do have items below I'd like to recover provided they've not been submerged. Was told it's almost half full so we'll see.
My wife is taking it pretty bad and she's already looking. Ironically, the day this happened, my employer called me in to discuss me retiring early at 64!!!! Damn Covid crap causing the economy hardship. Not what I need at this stage of my life. So I may never get another but who knows.
Wayne
I'm sorry to hear it will leave you without a boat. Take a while and let things settle. Hopefully you'll sort things out before long. As for retirement is concerned I took a package at 61 that extended until shortly after my 62nd birthday and haven't looked back. We had already planned on going cruising so the timing on the package was perfect. We sold the house climbed aboard our 43 and traveled the US east coast for the better part of 5 years. My wife had a health issue that eventually saw us sell the boat and move back on land. My point in sharing is there's always opportunity waiting for you if you keep an open mind. Good luck and keep your chin up there's something new awaiting you.
Mike
Mike thank you so much for the inspiration as it is greatly appreciated and much needed.
Hang in there!
Mike if you're still out there we have recently ordered a new 38.1 and will try inland sailing on the Tennessee River away from the hurricanes. Yes you were correct regarding opportunity awaiting and keeping an open mind.
Sincerest Regards,
Wayne
Wayne, yes I’m still here lurking in the shadows haha. I’m glad to hear you’re moving on with a new boat. I’m sure you’ll love setting her up the way you want using all the experience from your 43. The 38.1 is a very nice boat and track a like a train on rails. If you remember to do so share a picture or two of her.
Mike
Will do Mike. Seems it may be commissioned around Feb of next year according to expected ship date from France. So don't hold your breath!
Mike if you’re still out there here is the new boat before commissioning. Should splash by end of this week after 14 months of anticipation!
Hope you and yours are doing well.
Wayne
Wayne, yes I'm still out here. She's looking good and you'll love her. The 38.1 is a perfect size for 2 people with occasional guest (s). Plus she's a sweet sailing boat. I'll attach a short video of one I was delivering back to the dealership I do work for. The only issue you may encounter, and it applies to all twin rudder boats, is seaweed and small sticks can get stuck in the forward gap on top of the rudder. If it happens, and you'll know it by the feel in the wheel and sound of the wake, just do a turn to dislodge the debris. If really stubborn just slow down then back up a few feet. It's not a daily thing but does happen with all of them. Good luck with her you're going to love her. And keep us posted with pics and feedback.
Best of luck
Mike
CAEA5280-4642-4EB0-A37A-056724ADE37C.mov
Here's a short video I took while delivering a 38.1 last fall.
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