We finally did it - bought our first "big" boat

[ErBrown]

Well it's finally official, we're the proud new owners of a 1999 Island Packet 40. From the survey and sea trial she seems about as close to perfect condition as you can hope for in a 15 year old boat. We're headed up to Maryland Friday night and will spend the weekend aboard getting her ready to begin the trip home to Texas (via a 2 month stay in Florida). Our delivery skipper joins us Sunday for the final prep and if all goes according to plan we'll leave early Monday morning for the first leg of the trip down to Florida. The plan is to take the offshore route, weather and crew (my wife and I) permitting.

I'm sure the week+ long sail down the east coast to the West Palm area will be a bit of an adventure but we're both really looking forward to it. Hoping we'll be able to do most of the trip outside since we unfortunately have to get back to work but it's nice to know the ICW's there if we need it.

Anyway, pretty pumped at this point and we have a ton to do between now and next Monday...but I just had to share.

[ontherocks83]

Congratulations!!! She looks beautiful. Should be a fun trip home.

[RTB]

DANG! Several new boat owners here in the past couple of days! Congrats!

Ralph

[S/V Alchemy]

Well done. Because it's hurricane season and because new-to-you boats can, despite their superficial beauty, present "teething problems", especially if they've been unused for a while, I would suggest you bring your own EPIRB, your own handheld VHF, a handheld GPS, batteries for same, a selection of cotter rings and pins, a spare impeller, circlip pliers and a selection of spares for whatever engine is in there, including serpentine belt(s), oil and fuel filters (primary and secondary), a bunch of hose clamps and all wrapped in some oil cleanup pads.

A small sail repair kit wouldn't be silly, either.

If you, as most sailors do, think in superstitious or magical terms, these items are amulets against the evil of offshore breakdown!

[Mark1977]

Wow!!! Congrats...

[brantleychuck]

Good advise, but not just because it's hurricane season or a new old boat. All boats old and new should ALWAYS have those supplies aboard. It's a real good list


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[scuba0_1]

Awesome

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[RTB]

I looked up Baboo on Yacht World. She's a beauty! Even a bow thruster.

Good luck with weather. It looks a bit breezy up there, on and off. We'll see you in Texas one of these days. Have fun.

Ralph

[Cheechako]

cool!

[a64pilot]

Great,
Good luck with her. I'd do the first couple of days in the ICW and see if there are any issues, plus get to know the boat. That way you and the wife get to sleep nights at anchor and once you get settled in then go off shore.
She is a beauty!, boats not bad either

Your anchors too small

[angelfish2]

Congratulations! IP 40s are in my "top-ten" list. I think I would do as a64pilot mentioned and stay on the Intercoastal for a couple of days. Much as I hate the thought of hearing an engine run all day, motoring down the ICW would allow you guys to become more familiar with Baboo.

Whatever you decide, have a blast!

[BillyBobtx]

No sailing advice here- but I am very happy for you.

[Pendragon35]

Congratulations! We are new owners too- second the idea for the list


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[oldragbaggers]

Congratulations. Have a wonderful trip home.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

Well done. Because it's hurricane season and because new-to-you boats can, despite their superficial beauty, present "teething problems", especially if they've been unused for a while, I would suggest you bring your own EPIRB, your own handheld VHF, a handheld GPS, batteries for same, a selection of cotter rings and pins, a spare impeller, circlip pliers and a selection of spares for whatever engine is in there, including serpentine belt(s), oil and fuel filters (primary and secondary), a bunch of hose clamps and all wrapped in some oil cleanup pads.

A small sail repair kit wouldn't be silly, either.

If you, as most sailors do, think in superstitious or magical terms, these items are amulets against the evil of offshore breakdown!

^^^^ Super advice, Alchemy. I would also add bring a tool kit. FWIW, I like A64pilot's advice, too. Nothing like a couple of easy days to help you discover the unexpected. But no matter how you do it, you all have fun! This is one to be savored!

Ann