Many years in the making, finally a reality!! Our
family has been moving towards this day for over 10 years! Several times I thought we were close only to realize we needed more time.
Move back from
Germany 18 months ago and now stationed in Ft Belvoir, VA. We bought a house barge, remodeled it and
sold it 9 months later. Gave away most of our worldly possessions and bought a 42' Carver in Chicago off Ebay in Feb. Yes I went the powerboat way for a brief time but for us it made sense. You do get allot more room for the
money. Loaded up the Uhaul and went to Portage Indiana to drive the
boat back. This was the first big powerboat I have ever owned and the 3rd time I drove it we were heading North up Lake Michigan. 1st and second drive were about 30 min apiece.
Most people thought we were out of our mind but I can tell you the Northern Loop through the Trent Severn Waterway in early June was the most memorable trip I have ever had. The
boat ran perfect! The experience with the
family, wife, 12 year old son and our little Boston Terrier was priceless.
My
autopilot did not
work and I hand steered the entire trip, kept the boat going around 10 knots for the entire trip. From time of departure to pulling in our slip in the
Chesapeake Bay totaled 22 days. If you ever get the chance to do this I would say don't overthink it it, very easy
navigation, stunning views and the people are amazing!
Once in the Marina we took the boat out 3 times a week and have enjoyed the
Chesapeake Bay. Thought we had a boat that we needed to move fast on so
sold our Carver. (had a friend that was ready to buy immediately) We owned it for 4 months. Put the offer in on the boat only to find it sold within the first 24 hours listed. Worked out a deal to rent back the Carver until Dec. We decided to rent a
vacation home from Dec through March and thought we would make a big push to get into a
Lagoon.
Things were looking grim, we started to think we probably would not be able to get into the final boat we have been wanting for the past 10 years. I have to give credit to my
Broker, Brent Herman. I have been pestering this guy for well over 3 years. I was that guy, especially in the beginning, wanted a boat I could not get. He made a promise to Me and my family that he would get us our boat, be patient. I just have to say, best
broker ever. ok no more plugs.
We are now under
contract and closing is done Wed. The first time I will have ever sailed a 440
Lagoon will be heading out from Ft Lauderdale and up to Chesapeake Bay, estimating a 10 day trip. Depart next Tuesday, 19 Jan. I retire from 20 years of military
service in 2018 and we will push off on our
circumnavigation. Our dream is finally a reality.
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