It is now a week since “Navegante” was taken out of the water. The experience was a mix between unfulfilled expectations and bewilderment at the prospect that this might actually become “my boat”.
The previous owner was waiting at the dock and had already prepared the boat for leaving. This was really just getting a battery installed, since the original was dead, and making sure the engine started. Which it did when I turned the key.
Being used to Rogério's Elan 29,5, a more recent and lighter boat, I found Navegante to be highly unresponsive both to tiller and the engine and the act of taking it out of the berth was not entirely successful. In part due to the light wind that blew in the marina but also because of my lack of experience in taking boats out of the actual berths, we ended up almost hitting into other boats and very nearly did so on at least two occasions if it weren't for the previous owner putting a leg out to avoid the collisions. Eventually I decided that it would be best for him to get the boat out into the open water, which he did.
I then took the tiller and steered the boat upriver to the dock where the travel lift would take it out of the water. Again the sensation of sluggishness. I also realized that we were taking very long to cover the distance to the travel lift and this also spoiled the experience for me. Knowing that the tide was at its peak I was sure that the slowness was due to some other factor. Of course I had every intention of letting this discontent show since I hadn't come to a final decision about buying the boat yet.
We eventually arrived at the travel lift and the boat was hoisted out of the water. When I first saw the bottom I couldn't believe my eyes. The amount of marine life that had installed itself on the hull was impressive. Of course I once again let my reaction show. But on the inside I was quite pleased: a modified full keel! And finally a look at the whole picture. The lines of the hull were everything I'd imagined them to be. A traditional design along the lines of an Alberg 30.
With the boat settled in the supports and still dripping, I made my final offer. This led to a renegotiation and the owner made his counter offer. I delayed the decision one more day and finally, the next morning after having spoken to the person who is going to do the bottom cleaning and painting (at least this year) I decided that a fair price had been arrived at. Done deal.
Everyday that passes makes me more eager to get it ready for sailing, but the prospect of all the projects that have to be completed also excite me. I've spent hours everyday just sitting, lying, inspecting and generally thinking about how I want the end result to look and feel like.