Yacht Hunting

The south coast of England covers quite a distance. And after the journey down we didn't fancy spending a long time on public transport. We decided to go on another coach trip after we get back home, to check out yachts in Brixham and Plymouth. 

   We were staying at The Princes Hotel in Eastbourne. Stuart, the manager suggested we go and look in Eastbourne marina. Sounds obvious, doesn't it, but we had looked on line and the few boats they had for sale, mainly power boats, didn't appeal. 

    Thanks to my iPhone, I looked again and there might be one contender. A Hunter Legend 37.5  

We walked down to have a look. Bates Wharf broker, Freddie was welcoming and helpful. 

We told him what we had viewed the day before and what we had to spend. It was a bit above our budget. He said the owner was keen to sell and we viewed the yacht.

 Hmmm. A bit racy looking, we are looking for more of a cruiser. 

Then you notice the wide beam with slab sides and plentiful hatches/ports. Surprisingly spacious inside. I could stand straight just about anywhere, lay on the aft double with room to spare. Alison liked the kitchen area, the quality woodwork with anchor shapes cut out of the cupboard doors, the installed fans and 'air conditioning'- really!

  New looking engine, lots of nav electronics incl. chart plotter and radar. Back on deck - the swimming platform/ bathing ladder, davits, dingy, outboard, new winches, huge mast and boom. 

   This could be a goer! My biggest worry was dispelled when the 3 of us climbed on board. It hardly moved. Very stable. 

   Freddie left us to look around again on our own. His master stroke - as that's when we pointed things out to each other that we liked and talked about how the space would suit us. Looking in lockers and seeing how many wine bottles could be stored in the bottle holders ( seriously )

    Back at the office we pointed out a leaking hatch, and other bits and bobs. 

   The price of repairs was estimated and the owner phoned with our offer ( pending survey)

   We got a yes!

We arranged a sea trial for the next day. 

Hottest day of the year. She motored and sailed faultlessly ( except for squeaky steering )

We wondered how close to the wind she could sail, having a 4'11" wing keel. The answer is very close indeed. 

The fractional rig was great, having a huge battened mainsail and a roller reefed headsail it was very easy to get a good turn of speed. The auto pilot was also tested. 

    

We paid a deposit and all being in order, will be living onboard pretty soon.