Just lost, without my boat...

BigEasy

BigEasy

.
Jun 21, 2004
3,109
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Gosh, so sorry to hear about the loss of your boat. It was difficult when I lost my boat in Katrina; however, I really expected to lose it and hoped for the best. In your case, I know that it had to be heart-wrenching to watch it happen before your eyes.
Just take your time and do a thorough search for your new boat. There are lots of boats out there in good condition at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, if your search was like mine, you're going to look at many that are advertised as "sail-a-way
condition," that are poorly maintained. Try to keep positive and it will work out. Good luck with the search.
 
J

JimInPB

.
Aug 22, 2017
1,609
Hunter 26.5 West Palm Beach
A chain broke? Was it badly rusted? Was it not a lifting grade chain (G80 or G100)? Do the guys at this yard no know the weight of your boat or the capacity of the chain?????
 
capta

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
5,072
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
My condolences on your loss. Good luck finding another boat to love.
 
BlowMeAway

BlowMeAway

.
Nov 30, 2015
1,343
Hunter 1978 H30 Cherubini, Treman Marina, Ithaca, NY
We all share your pain. So sorry this happened to you...but know that $#!t happens and you are not alone.

 
AlastairLC

AlastairLC

.
Jan 2, 2017
765
O'Day & Islander 322 & 37 Scottsdale, AZ & Owls Head, ME
Bloody hell!
You might want to treat this as an opportunity, viz., a chance to consider other boats. I know you loved your Catalina 30, but maybe you should consider other options. I loved mine in Maine, hated to sell it, and after taking up sailing again later in Arizona, I immediately started looking for an exact replacement. By chance, I ended up buying an Oday 322 and I’m glad I did. Sometimes it’s best to move on. Good luck!
 
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Doug4bass

Doug4bass

.
Jun 9, 2004
615
Catalina 385 Marquette. Mi
They dropped my 1yr old C-270.......fortunately 4 ft over the water. Only damage was a bent bow pulpit and my nerves. I cant imagine your pain.
But as the guy told us on our C-385 chk out...its only a boat. Everything can be replaced. Except for certain body parts.
The yard should make you whole. Summer might be shot, though...
But there are others. Maybe worth waiting?
 
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shemandr

shemandr

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Jan 1, 2006
7,980
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
AlastairLC said:
Bloody hell!
You might want to treat this as an opportunity, viz., a chance to consider other boats. I know you loved your Catalina 30, but maybe you should consider other options. I loved mine in Maine, hated to sell it, and after taking up sailing again later in Arizona, I immediately started looking for an exact replacement. By chance, I ended up buying an Oday 322 and I’m glad I did. Sometimes it’s best to move on. Good luck!
Click to expand
Love the British stiff upper lip attitude here.
 
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rpell1@msn.com

rpell1@msn.com

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Sep 25, 2008
464
Catalina 30 MKIII Varuna Boat Club
...same chains that pulled me out of the water last November....along with the other 15 heavy (over 10,000 lbs.) before and after me. I was number 4 to be re-launched and all looked good until then. Operators are members that have been doing this job for at least 20 years. Shit happens, I guess.
 
rpell1@msn.com

rpell1@msn.com

.
Sep 25, 2008
464
Catalina 30 MKIII Varuna Boat Club
Thank you for the kind words and advice. At my age, I have no choice but to be extremely careful. I have neither the time or energy to take on any kind of "project" boat, that I would have in my younger days. Just wondering.....Could I impose on you to keep your eyes open in your area? My Southern Belle came from Georgia to her new home in Brooklyn, NY ten years ago. So, I have no qualms to search as far south as Louisiana. Of course, I'm not considering looking at a hurricane repaired boat. I am looking for a Cat30 (1991 or newer), or a Beneteau 321 around the $30,000 range. My wife and I would sincerely appreciate any leads. Thank you.
 
rpell1@msn.com

rpell1@msn.com

.
Sep 25, 2008
464
Catalina 30 MKIII Varuna Boat Club
I am considering other options. I am limiting them to Catalina 30 or Beneteau 321, hopefully, 1991 or newer.
Thanks for the advice.
 
rpell1@msn.com

rpell1@msn.com

.
Sep 25, 2008
464
Catalina 30 MKIII Varuna Boat Club
Sadly, no chance of repair here. There's just way too much damage....all in the wrong places. Moving on......
 
rpell1@msn.com

rpell1@msn.com

.
Sep 25, 2008
464
Catalina 30 MKIII Varuna Boat Club
Just a side note.....When the boat was lifted off her stands about 5 feet, I was UNDER her, scraping and painting the bottom of the keel. The chain broke not 5 minutes later.
Needless to say, my stomach has not been right for a few days now.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,519
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
A boat out of water is an unnatural condition. We become accustomed to the experience and then this event happens and we suddenly awaken to the dangers of large heavy objects falling out of the air.
I am saddened by the loss of your Southern Belle. I am happy you are safe. I am thankful that you have the strength and willingness to share the experience.
Your kindness engages us to be mindful of the risks and to take care in how we conduct our shelves around boats out of water.
May your search be short and rewarding. Nothing will replace your Southern Belle, but perhaps your new boat will bring new experiences and new joys to your lives.
Be safe.
Will be thinking good thoughts about you.
John
SV Hadley.
 
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AXEL

AXEL

.
Mar 12, 2008
359
Catalina C30 MKIII WEST ISLIP, NY
Sorry for your loss. I know the feeling well. The summer of 2016 I was dismasted, the boat was totaled. My beloved 1977 C30 which my wife and I had sailed every summer for 30 years plus was lost. It was like losing a member of the family. We were blessed to find a replacement, a 2000 MKIII (C30) locally a few weeks later. It's a ruff ride, an emotional roller coaster losing a boat that you put so much time into, so much history. My sympathies to you. Keep your eyes out. Now is a very good time to buy, lots of motivated sellers. You can't go wrong with another Catalina! Great boats, great support groups, company. Best of luck to you!
 
D

dave_and_dd

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Apr 13, 2015
157
Catalina 309 Port Charlotte
Wow - very sorry for your loss...just reading it makes my stomach nervous.

Question from the 'peanut gallery' - why would your insurance pay instead of the boat-yard's liability insurance?

I hope you quickly find a superior replacement!

Dave in Tampa Bay...
 
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