Our Exciting Journey to Boat Ownership

Surreal moment!

Well, as some of you already know, we had a very successful video walkthrough on a boat. Drumroll… we put in an offer, made a deal, and—yep—we have a boat!

Is it officially ours yet? Not quite. Buying a boat isn't as straightforward as buying a house. It's not just an inspection and a signature. The next step for us is the marine survey, which includes both an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial. Stephen is flying down tomorrow night for the week. While he's there, he’ll inspect the boat himself, meet with the surveyor for the out-of-water inspection, and join the sea trial.

The Importance of Being There

Maybe Good Soul?

Why is it important for Stephen to be there in person? For lots of reasons. First, he can see—and smell—the boat himself. He’ll also take an inventory of what's already on board so we know what we need to bring or buy. He’ll get to experience the boat under sail, which is an amazing learning opportunity. Finally, he'll be able to start sourcing local suppliers and trades for the upgrades and repairs we plan to do.

Why We Chose This Boat

There are a few key reasons why we chose this boat. Unfortunately, we weren't able to secure financing. Typically, live-aboard yacht lenders are based outside the US. Given the current state of affairs, that option just isn't viable. This shifted our search toward slightly smaller boats that needed a bit of work. This one checked all the right boxes. We negotiated the price down enough to leave us a budget for essential upgrades.

The boat is clean, well cared for, and comes with lots of extras—tools, galley gear, and more. It’s a bit smaller than we originally planned for, but it still gives everyone their own space. We’ll be replacing some major items like the rigging and sails, painting the bottom, and investing in a new dinghy—one big enough for all of us, Maddie, and groceries!

The Emotional Rollercoaster

First life jacket!

We're incredibly excited. That said, despite all our diligence, there's always a chance the survey could uncover something serious. If that happens, we’ll have to make a tough call and potentially walk away. But we’re putting out all the good vibes that this is the one. It’s a huge investment, and we wouldn’t have made it this far if we didn’t feel good about it.

Stephen flies to Grenada tomorrow and returns Friday. Then—deep breath—we move out of our house on Saturday. It’s going to be another whirlwind week. Luckily, he has a truly wonderful friend who offered to go with him. It will be nice for him to have another perspective and make the 30-hour, two-layover plane ride home a bit more fun.

It’s been an emotional ride for all of us these last few weeks. A few tears, a few freak-outs, and a couple of "what are we doing" moments. We’re excited, yes—but also nervous, and definitely a little heartbroken to be leaving our home, friends, and family in just a few weeks.

Cherishing Every Moment

We’re doing our best to soak up every moment and spend as much time as we can with everyone we love. This journey is not just about acquiring a boat; it’s about embracing change and the adventures that lie ahead.

As we prepare for this significant transition, we remind ourselves of the importance of community and support. The phrase "community is everything" resonates deeply as we navigate this new chapter in our lives.

Fingers crossed... safe travels, Stephen!