Once again, we’re without a boat

That Was Quick!!

Sadly, we’re once again without a boat. Our 2002 Bayliner 4087 went on the market the first of May and we had a few offers the first week it was listed. Not that we’re biased, but we knew it would be a hot commodity – it’s in fantastic shape, low hours for a diesel and it was the newest Bayliner 4087 out of eleven (11) for sale in the entire US.

We accepted a cash offer from an out of state customer. He lived in Arizona, but arranged for his son to go on the sea trial and do an oil sample. Right off the bat, the customer had a ton of questions about the work we had done on the boat. Being detailed, I gave them the maintenance log and an itemized list of improvements. (In our next blog, we’ll review the costs of ownership for Our Happy Day).

This list was just the maintenance on the boat. It did not include the Snap-In custom carpet, new bbq, new flat screen tv, bed topper, linens and accessories. Keep in mind, that these items should never be considered when you price your boat as they are added on accessory items.

The customer had chosen not to do a survey, as we had just had one done and we were happy to share the report (with a deposit of course). In addition, we just had Double J Diving check out all of the intakes and replace the zincs, so we shared the underwater photos as well.

Drone footage from land

The sea trial was set for Saturday, May 23rd. One great thing about having someone else operate your boat, is we got some fun drone footage of them leaving and coming back to the marina. Our broker, Steve Thoreson with Union Marine, was their captain for the sea trial, and they couldn’t have asked for better weather. The winds were dead calm and he moved like a sloth back into the slip.

Scott and I felt a little weird, hanging out by the parking lot filming them as if we were spying on them. In reality, they had no idea who we were! The sea trial was short as was their visit. His son used FaceTime to give his father a tour and send some photos. They got the oil sample, which their broker sent down to NC Machinery in Tukwila.

The following Monday, the buyer came back to us and asked us for a $1,500 concession because he wanted to make some improvements. We said no and that our original sale agreement was the agreed upon price.

Closing date

Our closing date was set for June 1st (approximately) and the oil sample came back fine. Knowing we only had one last weekend left on the boat, we invited our friends Ben and Maria down on Friday night to hang out one last time on Our Happy Day.

The four of us were having a great time, when I got a phone call that the buyer was sending us a revised offer. HUH? What?! We had a signed agreement. Not only was he still asking for the $1,500 concession, but he also wanted to keep the boat in our slip for a month for free. We stayed firm, as we were in no rush to sell the boat. Scott and I love the boat and if it hadn’t sold, we planned on using it this summer. We simply put it on the market at the beginning of the season to see what would happen.

Not surprisingly, the guy bailed. The good news is, there was another party interested and they put an offer in the same day, which we accepted. Our broker Steve, was thrilled as they are a really great family and the boat is a perfect fit for them. They are from Wisconsin and plan on exploring the Northwest with their two daughters this summer.

Saying Goodbye

Scott and I headed down to the boat last weekend to take care of some final tasks, including flushing the water maker, cleaning the toilets and dusting. Those are chores we do every week, whether we use the boat or not. That part, I won’t miss. But it was a somber day as we filmed for the last time on Our Happy Day, knowing we wouldn’t be back. Plus, we do not like being boatless. We love being part of the boating community.

We had so much fun with family and friends during the past year and half. That will be the hardest part of saying goodbye and being without a boat.

What’s Next?

Scott and I are already searching for another boat, but ideally we want to wait a few months. We have a full schedule this summer and we’re excited to share that with you. We’ll be crabbing next weekend on our nephew’s Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and kayaking around Port Susan. Stay tuned for more big plans!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram @BoatingJourney, so you can see our stories and get current updates on our progress. Also, check out our YouTube channel at @BoatingJourney and subscribe for future episodes. Cheers, Scott & Ally