... written for Panbo by Ben Ellison and posted on Apr 19, 2009
It was a bit anticlimatic, but I'm told that on Friday the funds moved, bills of sale were signed, and -- good golly, miss molly -- the Duffy Atlantic 37 formerly known as Rain Dog III is mine! It was a learning process, for sure. I may know a fair bit about boats (Lord knows I should), but hardly beans about the intricacies of buying a real yacht. I'm very grateful for the help of two professionals who also happen to be friends: surveyor Steve Bunnell (above) and broker Dave Perry. If I ever need a yacht-buying A team again, I'm calling these guys.
I also benefited from the deep knowledge of DePaul Diesel founder Denny Klodner, who surveyed the boat's Volvo Penta. Not that there were problems; the two day survey and sea trial process we all went through a few weeks ago went well. The pros couldn't find much wrong, the boat looked as good in the water as I'd hoped, and she handles as well as she looks! I tamped down my enthusiasm during the final negotiations --- didn't want to jinx the deal (though the owner and his broker were gentlemen throughout) --- but it's bubbling up now. I've got magazine and other chores early this week, but Friday morning I hope to be en route to Connecticut in a rental car with a sleeping bag, tools, and a box of electronics in the trunk.
Posted by: mark fordice at April 20, 2009 3:36 AM |Reply
Congrats Ben! This blog is going to get interestinger and interestinger. Way kewl dude!
Posted by: SanderO at April 20, 2009 6:33 AM |Reply
Thanks, SanderO (and all).
One thing I'm rapidly realizing is that after years of trying stuff in my lab and on small boats -- but then trying to imagine them in use on a serious size vessel -- the new Gizmo is going to be a testing dream. Panbo is going to the next level!
WARNING: The Surgeon General advises all owners of big boats on moorings to buy a second complete set of tools else the one you want will be in that other box.
Posted by: Sandy Daugherty at April 20, 2009 7:39 AM |Reply
Even though there are no sails, I forgive you, congratulations and wish you the best. And, while I'm at it, thanks for all the great information on Panbo. You've saved me from many mistakes.
S/V Gray Eagle
Northport NY
Posted by: Richard Cassano at April 20, 2009 8:14 AM |Reply
Wow, Ben, she's a beauty.
Wish we had boats like that at similar prices on this side of the pond.
Posted by: Roger B at April 20, 2009 8:34 AM |Reply
Congrats Ben! Beautiful boat. Need any help bringing it up the coast? Honk as you pass through Cape Cod Bay.
Posted by: Mike Martus at April 20, 2009 9:12 AM |Reply
Congratulations Ben! Looking forward to seeing lots of test gear on the mast and an AIS blip on the screen. You will appreciate the big rudder.
Doug
Posted by: MaineFog at April 20, 2009 10:12 AM |Reply
Richard (and other sailing Panbots), note that the new Gizmo could carry a fairly substantial riding sail on her existing mast and boom (though I'm not sure how effective it would be).
Better yet, she could carry a decent small sailing craft on her boat deck, with the working tender (row/electric) swung up on the swim platform. Any suggestions for a super light, maybe 12' max, sailboat (could be a multihull if it folds or dissembles easily).
PS While I have a zillion ideas, I won't be buying any more boats for a while ;-)
Posted by: Ben E at April 20, 2009 11:16 AM |Reply
Congratulations! As far as lightweight sailing dinghies go I've always admired the Gig Harbor line. They have kevlar/composite versionsat 75# for 10' and 130# for their 12' models at reasonable prices.
ghboats.com
Posted by: John K at April 20, 2009 12:00 PM |Reply
Good for you, Ben. And we'll all have to cut you a little slack as boat work gets in the way.
Looks like a gorgeous weekend for a trip Down East from CT. and a real beauty to carry you home. We'll try not to be jealous as you leave us all in your wake.
I gave Spot #1 to Tom Amory (Flash of Beauty) just before he set sail for Finland last June. He should be coming back across soon, and we'll see how coverage is at lower latitudes.
Then Spot kindly send another sample, which I gave to Russ. I'm hoping he'll test the coverage fringes out in the Pacific, but so far he seems to be short hopping from one Caribbean rum hole to another. I like getting his position e-mails though.
So, hey, I'm on the boat, lovely evening down here in Groton, CT. And damned if there wasn't a well shipped bottle of good bubbly waiting for me right at the salon door. From the ex owner? No, it was Dan who apparently did a little detective work and made it happen!
Thanks so much, Dan, and thanks all of you for the good Gizmo vibes. I love Panbo.
Posted by: Sandy Daugherty at April 25, 2009 9:33 AM |Reply
Congrats, Ben. Welcome to the dark side. There is nothing like a real lobster boat running at speed through any kind of seas. Assuming the hull is from Spencer Lincoln, so she'll be way more seaworthy than any of the crew. Lobster boats are the Tahiti Ketch of powerboats...the real deal.
Posted by: BillP at April 25, 2009 10:06 AM |Reply
Ben, great looking boat I am envious. Perhaps someday I will be able to convert from my Sedan Bridge to a Trawler similar to what you bought. May you enjoy many days and nights on this beautiful boat. Regards Bill Lentz
Posted by: Bill Lentz at April 28, 2009 2:25 PM |Reply
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Congratulations Ben !!