Taking the Plunge

[Gary Wyngarden]

Well we've been talking about doing this for years. Yesterday we finalized a deal (subject to survey and sea trial) to buy a Nauticat 52 (see link for details)which we're going to live aboard. The boat is currently in Puerto Vallarta. We're going to leave the boat there and cruise Western Mexico. Then we'll ship the boat back to the Pacific Northwest in the spring of 2009 and cruise Alaska in the summer of 2009. And then who knows?We're thrilled and terrified!Gary WyngardenS/V (soon to be) Raven N52

 

[Phil Herring]

Wow!

Gary, what a gorgeous boat! Looks like it's been well cared for and stocked with good gear.Congratulations! That's a big move.

 

[sailaway78]

Congrats

I won't talk about it. Just do it now. Congrats on your new boat, and wish you fair winds and following seas. Must admit I am somewhat envious of the Alaska plans.

 

[Banooma]

Sweet!

She's gorgeous! Congratulations on your courage and excellent taste. Wonderful spinnaker design, too!

 

[Trevor23800]

Whoa

Hey Gary -That's AWESOME! Maybe we'll get the chance to buddy boat next winter in Mexico... if all goes well we're planning on sailing down the coast this fall. Looks like a terrific cruiser and liveaboard.Trevor

 

[Brian D]

Nice!

Congrats, Gary. A dream come true for you and the family. What are you upgrading from, if anything?

 

[CharlieCobra]

So, what're ya doing with your current boat?

nm

 

[Rich (P303)]

Holy Cr*p...

that is a nice boat!I am at a loss for words.Buddy... can you spare a dime?

 

[KennyH]

Very nice boat from my memories in the Bahamas

Had a friend with one of these in the Bahamas and it was really nice. I think you have done well. Here is his complete story. We went through a Huricane in Georgetown Bahamas in 1996. His boat was on a moring in a Huricane Hole. Winds reached 115 knots and the eye came right over Georgetown. 12 boats where totally lost out of 22 at anchor. His sunk for some reason unknown to me but had no structural damage. Insurance company paid him for the complete loss of the boat. He purchased it back from the salvage company. He pumped it out and kept it at the dock for many months cleanning and redoing everything. When he finised it was in great shape again and he had lots of money for cruising. However I think it was a lot of work. My boat a Cheoy Lee Clipper only had minor damage as it took a glancing blow from a power boat that broke loose. Only damaged the pulpit. We where both very lucky I guess.

 

[Landsend]

Lucky you

hope everything work out.

 

[letterman]

fair winds dude!!!!!!!!

Not much else to say when you're as excited and as happy as we are for you.

 

[Rick D]

AC and Genset?

So, Gary, with that nice enclosed steering station et al, and considering its location, I'll bet it has a big AC unit and lots of KW's; did I guess right? What a great way to go. Are you shipping it back via ship transport? How are you getting your stuff to PV? I envy you going to PV. What a great place! I put on weight just thinking about the food. Stay in touch with the board to let us know how it goes! Rick D.

 

[Joseph Shirley]

Congratulations and Wow!

A magnificent Boat with lots of awesome equipment. You should plan on staying in Mexico longer. I kept my boat there for 6 years before I brought it back. Now Im sorry and I'm Trying to get it ready to take it back. Warm weather sailing is soooo much nicer. Rain and cold just don't measure up. I've had two weekend (4 day) cruises this year (since January), and I don't think the temp got to 40 either time. The furnace helps but who wants to spend your time inside?Good luck - Maybe I'll see you out there some time.

 

[RAD]

Congratulations

My boat neighbor has a 32 Nauticat and I've had the pleasure to sail her and work on her and its built like a brick s..t house and have thought to myself that I would buy one of those but after looking at yours... wow... such a nice boat

 

[Jim]

Wow

That is a big boy *pop

 

[Tim]

Awesome

Congratulations Gary, very excited for you. Looks like a spectacular boat and you will have a fabulous time. I am envious.

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Thanks, Guys.

We're very excited. It's obviously a huge upgrade from our h37.5 but we feel we're ready for it. The idea of selling Wanderlust and also our house is pretty unsettling. But my biological clock has been ticking loudly of late, and at 61 you don't know how many physically active years you have left. I don't want to get to the end of my life and say "I wish I had . . ." So we're off in pursuit of adventure.We have lots of logistical problems to work out yet. For the time being we're focused on getting through the survey and sea trial and getting the deal done. And I have a showing with Wanderlust already this afternoon. We're also guessing we'll like Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay a lot.Thanks again for your congratulations.Gary Wyngarden

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

Wow!

I don't know what else to say but wow and congratulations. I read the Yacht World listing and I am pea green with envy. What a fabulous, awesome, wonderful yacht. Good for you!!Do you need crew?

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Congrats

Congrats and good for you. I too am 61. We have been living aboard for about 8 years now. We love it. One of the big advantages of living aboard is that life gets simpler. The less you own, the less you have to worry about. We lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. I really miss the little trinkets that my grandparents brought over when they immigrated here (Legally) and all of my old photos. Somehow, I think it would have been a lot worse if we had a house and not a boat. You wont regret the move. Other than living in a smaller space, not much else changes. We have a marina address but we use a P.O. Box insteadWe rent a mini-storage facility. Part of it is for clothes and most of it is for my wood shop and marine business. If we are gone for a few months, we have someone start and run our vehicles. My Gf swears that if it wasnt for living aboard, she wouldnt be in as good a physical shape. Its the climbing in and out all day. We have a car, a P/U truck and a 50cc scooter. We use all 3 vehicles. AND....we walk a lot more.Enjoy your new lifestyle.Tony B

 

[higgs]

She is a beauty

What are the round things on the pilot house windows?