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Igotnuthin · 05-05-2013, 07:54

So I joined 3 weeks ago, but have not introduced myself yet....and this is why..... I repair and restore boats. I started around 1985 for a boat repair shop that did a lot of wooden boats (I had just completed Industrial woodworking at the local college) From there I was a goner. Sent my kids to sailing school every summer and then bought myself an abandoned Goman 20 for $900. The plan was...Fix it up, sell it, get a bigger one, fix it up, sell it, etc. till I got to the size I wanted for cruising. So it's been ...um....at least 20 years I am still at the Goman. Love it BUT not going to cruise the world in it. At my age....this cruising dream was quickly fading, life being as it is. THEN 3 weeks ago, I get a phone call.....local port manager (I know everyone cause now I work at all the clubs and such fixing boats)....anyways, he asks me what size boat I was looking for (I figure he's going to give me the scoop on a boat in an auction coming up at the local yard) I say "Well, it's going to depend on how much it's going to be and how much work it needs. If I find a 30 footer that I can deal with, I'll get it. If I find a 40 footer I can deal with, I'll get it." So then he tells me that a certain Gentleman, whose boat I did regular repairs on, is looking to get rid of his boat. He is elderly and his children are unable to use it.....do I want it.?????? "Well .... I guess....but that's gonna depend on how much he wants to sell it for..... "
"Um, no Chris, he wanted me to find someone who would love and care for his boat and YOU were the only person I could think of"
Ok, so now I'm thinking...GREAT, I hear a deal coming up here. Silence on the phone.
"He wants to GIVE the boat to someone who will love and care for it"
"OK...so how much?"
"No, Chris. He wants to give....GIVE the boat to someone who will love and take of it"
OMG!!!!!
He gives me Gentleman's phone number..... I call, we talk and OMG, now I await the registration on a fully functional, sailable boat to sail away on! DREAMS COME TRUE!
While waiting, of course I am telling people about this and MANY people are acquainted with this Gentleman....seems he was in the insurance business, seems he did well in his life, seems he was an amazing boss and has touched the lives of many people with his kindness and now I have been so touched. There is NO WAY, I could possibly convey my gratitude.
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
So now you want to know what kind of boat...... It is known as a Northstar 8020 or a Hughes 40!
I think I should probably add here, that although I had MY Goman 20 for so long, I am NOT a great sailor..... always WORKING on boats and not really having lots of time to sail. I have taken it out of the harbour into Lake Ontario twice.....both times, being, to say the least, harrowing experiences. Crazy and adrenaline pumping sails.....the kind of experiences, that when you look back on them, you think, OMG THAT WAS AMAZING, I LIVED! What's in store for me in our next voyage?

Igotnuthin · 05-05-2013, 07:59

By the way.... I'm gonna need a lot of assistance in my endeavors.....my mind is a sponge.....feed me.....I want to KNOW EVERYTHING about living aboard and cruising EVERYWHERE!

**GordMay** · 05-05-2013, 08:00

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Igotnuthin.

WOW!

Waterway Guide · 06-05-2013, 04:38

Welcome aboard! Clearly, karma was involved. Have fun "fulfilling your obligation" by spending a lot of time on the water!

AirMedMech · 06-05-2013, 04:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

Welcome aboard! Clearly, karma was involved. Have fun "fulfilling your obligation" by spending a lot of time on the water!

I second this opinion!
Congrats and enjoy!!

**boatman61** · 06-05-2013, 04:57

It can be a wonderful and generous world we live in... as I've discovered on occasion...
Only goes to pot if 'Expectations' enter the scenario...

Welcome to CF... Enjoy

SkiprJohn · 10-05-2013, 11:38

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Sometimes kindness and generosity and care are rewarded. Looks like you are being rewarded.
Congratulations and pictures would be wonderful when you get round to it.
kind regards,

Igotnuthin · 20-05-2013, 05:59

Thanks everyone! We finally got to check out inside the boat two days ago.I am soooo excited! We are going down there to clean today. If any one has Facebook. I'll post pictures on my page .....called "Hole in the Water boat repairs and Restorations" Feel free to check it out!