Looks like we will be boat owners again

The long-awaited survey day was finally here!

Once we had the surveyor and the owner on board, we headed straightaway to Seabrook Marina for our haulout timeslot of 10AM.

Approaching the travel lift.  Our beam is 21' - the slip is just 21'6" wide - so will be a tight fit!

No problem - the folks at the marina are pros at this.

Into the straps and up she goes.

The "driver" moves the boat onto the lot for the inspection.

 Duane and the current owner discussing the boat.

The surveyor (Drake Epple) taking soundings on the hull with a hammer to verify it's integrity.

The bottom is actually pretty clean - we opted not to have it washed since power washing removes some of the protective bottom paint.

The marina workers replaced the sacrificial zincs  and we were soon moved back into position to go back in the water.

Going down....

Down.....

And back in the water!

Next we motored out for the sea trial.

Past the Kemah Boardwalk

Once we were out in Galvetson Bay, we raised the sails.  (Note the cute manta ray emblem on the sail).

We had a nice sail while the surveyor was below thoroughly inspecting the engines, etc.

Duane at the helm!

Inspection mostly complete, we head back towards the marina.

Since everything checked out well, we'll be boat owners again as soon as the paperwork is all done!

Survey tomorrow

Nothing new to report....we've spent the day getting to know the complex systems on the boat.

The view tonight from the back of the boat - we're in Waterford Marina - it's huge by our standards!

Wish us luck tomorrow morning for the survey!

The Manta

I know you have been thinking that we were just joking about buying a catamaran....but we're in Kemah, Texas now aboard a Manta 40.   We've met with the current owner during the day today and are getting acquainted with the boat.

So far, it's very nice.  The repairs that we were waiting on all this time were done very nicely.

Here it is - the soon-to-be renamed Manta 40.   Nothing exciting on this post - just lots of boat photos!

The cockpit fiberglass/gelcoat repair is amazingly well done!

We will be very comfy cruising around in this boat!

The galley - lots of storage!

The saloon area is very roomy.

Love the cavernous chest refrigerator and freezer!

Digital controls - we just turned them on so they're not quite cooled down yet.

Walking towards the starboard (right) side.

The "guest" hull - forward is the head (bathroom) and shower .  In the most forward area is a berth with a single bunk - and mostly storage for  spare parts!

Also in this forward area is the washer/dryer.  I know this doesn't sound exciting, but it's pretty uncommon to have one on a sailboat!  It washes the clothes and then dries them in the same tub.

The boat has practically new engines (30 horsepower Volvo diesels).   Due to a manufacturer's recall, we'll be getting brand new engines at some point in the next year or so!

There's also a water-maker - so we'll be able to make fresh water from sea water!

The aft area on the guest hull has a very nice double berth.

And very nice storage!

The electronics and electrical panel are very nicely done.

Going over to the "owners hull"....again, great storage areas.

Here is our berth.

And very nice storage on this side also.

And the entire forward area is the owner's head and separate shower.

That's all for now - going sailing with the owner tomorrow!