I just bought a sailboat & I’m in way over my head

Bristol 24If only fools rush in then I must be some kind of genius, ’cause I’ve been nursing this boat since November when I had a mere $900 to my name, and not a clue where I’d get together the money, or the nerve, to buy anything other than a bag of rice.

Yet somehow, with the help of my parents who allowed me to move back home to save money for the purchase, and three jobs, I’ve come up with the funds to buy, outfit and sail my very own magic carpet.

The catch? She’s buried in ice until May. Oh yeah, and I barely know how to swing a hammer.

In no way is she perfect, but such is the life of 40 year old boat. As I rushed around today negotiating, typing up a purchase agreement, contacting the DMV to see if her lack of a title was an issue, entrusting the bank to convert all of my cash into a  piece of paper, and leaving it up to pony express to deliver said check, I’ve hardly had a chance to realize what I’ve done.

I’ve just bought a sailboat, and I’m in way over my head.

So, how does it feel? Sublime; that moment in time where terror parallels delight.

“Thing about boats is, you can always sell them if you don’t like them. Can’t sell kids.” –Lin Pardey

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18 Comments

  1. YAY! You did it! Have been following you (from Lopez) since your time in the SJIs. We delight in your storytelling, but even more in your commitment to pursuing your passion and adventure (we have done the same thing through different ways and must say it has turned out well) Wishing you all the best.

  2. Is she a Bristol 24? Looks like she comes with a wind generator? Nice!

    • B24 indeed. No wind generator though, she’s barely equipped with electricity but solar is on the list. The gen and solar panels are on a boat behind my boat.

      • Hi Emily, I notice you wrote “behind my boat”. Saying “my boat” for the first time is a bit like saying “my wife” for the very first time….. a bit strange… feels weird but very exiting with all the good times to come. I wish you all the best for your first summer adventures. John.

  3. You picked a great one, which is a good indicator you can do this. I have been coveting that same boat. She is beautiful. I am at the same place of knowing I can buy my first boat, and being overwhelmed at the idea. It helps me to just focus on the next baby step, and not think about the big picture. Boats are a purely romantic purchase. Thinking about it in a rational and analytical way means it never makes sense. Give yourself permission to freak out a bit, and then celebrate that you made it further than so many who just dream about boats. Congratulations!

    • Thanks, thanks! I appreciate the sentiment! Anyone can buy a boat, now the hard part begins and we’ll see if I’m worth my salt. Cheers and good luck in your search.

  4. Woohoo! Congrats!

  5. She’s a beaut Egreen!

  6. liz piccione-volger

    Congrats!! Way to make it happen! High Five!!

  7. Wow! You just bought her! Congratulations! Gosh, after spending my first summer on the water, I was convinced that all boat people have tons of money (except me). However, the more blogs I read, the more I see differently! Hurray for bare minimums. I’m impressed. Keep ’em coming.

  8. Whoo Hoo!!! Congrats Emily! She’s beautiful and a Bristol 24 seems like a perfect fit for you and your adventures. Cheers from Bellingham!

    • Ahoy K & M ! Thanks for your kind words!! Super exciting. I hope it’s okay if I email you good folks…I have a question about some tools needed to do a little chainplate repair job…I know you did some stuff like that on Selkie… ANYWHO will get in touch through your site. I miss the PNW so much!! Tell it hi for me.

  9. Congratulations! You deserve it. Now the real adventure begins. Good on you for making it happen!