Feb. 7, 2007 - oh.... go on then....

Knew I wouldn't be able to restrict myself to posting just once a week!

We're off to Barcelona to stay with my parents for a few days soon, to get a bit of (slightly) warmer weather, and hopefully a quick run into the mountains for a couple or three days of skiing...

I've just arranged a viewing for a boat, a Jeanneau Sun Magic 44 for the day we get back.... its a long way from home, so a full day out, but it does look interesting... well specced, 2 owners from new, and looks, from the pictures to be in good nick.... a few downsides... the standing rigging hasn't been replaced since new (1989) so the insurance company might demand that one, and I may feel that it needs doing for peace of mind anyway, the sails are also originals, so not sure what condition they are in, but probably won't be great, but otherwise, she looks well cared for.... has most of the bits we'd want, although a few bits may need renewing over time such as an elderly radar, no stackpack and no rod kicker... on the positives list are the layout, 3 double cabins, and a seperate bunk bed room, which would make great extra stowage space plus a Perkins Prima engine (which have a good reputation, and also were re-badged with a different gearbox, as the Volvo MD22). The Sun Magic has a good reputation as a seaworthy boat, and the extra length compared to Maggie could have a marked impact on passage times, or the distance we could sensibly expect to make in a day.... it would also be emminently suitable as a 'clearing off and leaving this crumbling country behind' boat....

Not sure how we'd pay for it yet if the house isn't sold.... its advertised at £67,500, and without selling the house, it would mean a hefty chunk of borrowing....but we'll cross that bridge if and when we get there.... so I won't get my hopes up too high... it might not be as good as it looks, or plain and simple, our sums might not stack up.... or they may not be flexible enough on price for it to appeal...