Big step forward

Well, I'm gonna skip the rest of the arrival and meeting with brokers stuff. Why? Because I've found a boat, and agreed a price. In US terms, that is about the same as buying it. I have to present the deposit by Monday, which allows me to arrange for a survey (an inspection and report by a marine engineer) and a sea trial.(We go sailing for a couple of hours  and I get to see if it stays afloat.) If I'm not happy with the outcomes of those, my deposit is refunded. If I am happy, I sign the contract and the deal is done.

Allow me to introduce 'Hellcat'. It's a 38 ft Catalina Sloop, built in 1983.

It has some creature comforts, like, umm, hot and cold water, a shower, and a double sink.

and really plush upholstery on the lounge cushions ... which match the carpet!

So, for those nautical types reading, here is a summary of the specs:

INTERIOR FEATURES

Sleep 7 Teak Interior Vee Berth Forward in private stateroom Quarter berth aft to starboard Large Convertible Dinette/ Table drops down and Sleeps 2 Galley to port adjacent to companionway Double Stainless Steel Sink Ice Box 2 burner gas stove w oven Hot and Cold Pressure Water Chart table to starboard w Electrical Panel w breakers Private Head Compartment, Manual toilet, shower, mirror

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Navigational Equipment

Horizon VHF Radio Signet Knotmeter at Helm Signet Depth at Helm Richie Compass at Helm Edson Steering Engine Controls on Pedestal Ships Bell

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Electrical

Shore Power AC System w AC Outlets 12 volt system w 2 12 batteries Electrical Panel w breakers @ chart table Volt Meter w battery selector switch 12v interior lighting Electric Bilge Pump Nav Lights Water pressure pump Battery Charger

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DECK GEAR

Mainsail 150 Genoa Harken Furler SS Standing Rigging Aluminum keel stepped mast Block and tackle boom vang Spinnaker track on mast Cockpit Dodger Wheel Cover Headsail UV Cover Winch Covers Danforth anchor w chain and rode Bow Pulpit Anchor Roller SL Manual Anchor Windlass Anchor Locker Below Deck Spar Fly at Masthead Transom Mounted Swim Ladder Double Lifelines SS Stern Pulpit Mainsail Traveler Handrails 2 Lewmar 48 3 speed primary winches 2 Lewmar 16 winches Throw Buoy Shore Power Cord Stern Anchor w Chain and Rode Cockpit Cushions Radar Reflector The boat had major 'bottom work' done in 2009, including the removal of blisters and a barrier coat application, that should save me a great deal of concerns.What it's missing is some navigation electronics, and a spinnaker. The boat used to have a spinnaker at some point, but the gear is all gone, even the halyard. So that will be a big job to put right. That and the Nav gear will be 2nd hand if possible, and take about a week to install. In the meantime I'll attempt to register the boat as an Australian vessel. Then I'll throw in a couple of cans of sardines, some dry biscuits, a large flask of water, and sail it back home.

Later all.

W.