Inspecting Our New Sailboat

After closing on the loan, we had an incredibly busy weekend and didn't get a chance to drive down to Riverside, NJ  until Sunday afternoon.  The broker was very specific that we had to physically see the boat before he could release the funds (and start the commissioning process).  So we followed the dealer's directions and fount it in the dock area.  We felt really small in the SUV driving among the boats (our boat, while a nice size, was NOT the largest by any means).

Then we climbed aboard and checked out the view.

Everything was still wrapped up or in boxes from the shipping process, and none of the mast or rigging was in place, so you could only see the basics.

So we opened the companionway and went below to explore.

 Main Salon (wide angle view).

(I'm required to point out that wide angle lenses can add pounds)

Companionway and galley.  The engine sits under the steps.

This is the guest stateroom

Navigation station and electrical panel.

We opened all the storage spaces we could find to see what we had room for...

...including some of the floor hatches.  I think this is the bilge.

The main stateroom...

 We checked out the diesel engine (not that I would know anything about it).

And of course... the most important room...

Looking aft from the main stateroom...

Then we locked it up...

...and climbed down and checked the undersides.

So now we wait.... and wait.  The next step is commissioning it.  The guys at the dealership need to unwrap and unbox it all, build the rig (the mast and wires that hold it up), rig all the lines, set up all the electronics, check out all the systems, paint the bottom with anti-fouling paint, add the lettering, and then do a complete detail job on her.  We're told to expect that we can start sailing in the 2nd half of May (hopefully in time for Memorial Day weekend).

Finally on the way out, we stopped and took two photos of a sister ship (another Catalina 315).  This one is well into it's commissioning process, and gives a better idea how it will look finished (though you can scroll down to see that from the Catalina photos in one of the previous posts).

So driving home, Vicky turns to me and asks "So, are you confident that you can handle this much sailboat"?

The answer is easy... "Hell No"!

Honestly, it was a bit overwhelming... as I was looking at each doohickey on board I was thinking is this something that can sink this thing?  It's a big jump from the Yacht(ette), which had positive flotation (you could fill it with water and it would stay afloat).  Having spent a weekend on board Forewind (a 35' Bristol) for ASA 103 doesn't really cut it.  I'm glad we have Capt. Gary's help during the first few days... and we definitely appreciate the ability to stay close to the dealer for the first few weekends.  But we're also looking forward to getting it home to Keyport and being able to walk a couple of doors down to street to catch a launch out to it and go sailing!

It's going to be a fun summer!