A sad few weeks, starting when we finally decided that keeping a boat was not in accord with our finances. After being the major weekend activity for us for the past 4 years, and after looking for the best boat for 6 years before that, she's been sold, awaiting only the paperwork. I didn't get what I asked, but it's reasonable. Her new owner appears to be nice and will keep her on the Chesapeake. I've been on albinowners since the purchase, initially expressing frustration in attempting to get into a port side slip, perpendicular to rushing currents. But in those 4 years, even the broker remarked how much better I'd become at driving the boat.
I'm not sure we would've purchased the boat in 2010 if someone had told me it would cost $25k per year in slip fees, monthly and down payments, insurance, winterization, commissioning, parts, nonskid, mechanics labor....With income back down to my 2006 levels, and increasing less than 10% of the *real* inflation rate, and a new mortgage, the sale becomes a financial decision, although with emotional impacts.
Good bye Bluey. We miss you.
