Velsignet is Safe & Sound

The wind was a problem.  Our "marriage savers" headsets were on the blink (Brenda's needed charging).  We had three extra persons on board distracting us.  And so it was not surprising that Velsignet's sideways entrance into the boatyard's alley towards the "sling" (which would haul the Mainship completely out of the water) required all hands on deck (and a bit of shouting) to get her in straight.   Later, with the hull inspection completed, Brenda informed the boatyard hands that because of the wind, the boat was to be walked to the end of the pier for easier exit out of the bay.  "Oh...and thank you for your help in getting her into the sling.  It wasn't a pretty entrance," Brenda added.  The boatyard guy's response:  "No problem.  We've seen worse!"

Al has been a NAMS surveyor for more than 28 years. (NAMS is an acronym for National Association of Marine Surveyors.  A NAMS surveyor is experienced and has specific knowledge of the the condition, value, construction, and damage of marine vessels.) Al was one of 2 surveyors (the other surveyor was a certified YANMAR inspector) that was hired by Angie (prefers to be called "Ang"), the buyer of Velsignet.  Having one's boat surveyed is like having a house inspected prior to a purchase.  It's a good thing.  The buyer knows exactly what she is getting and the owners (like us)  hear from an expert how Velsignet holds up to boat standards and "best practices" for boat maintenance.  Yesterday (Feb 12), Ang, Mike and Brenda hovered around Al for more than six hours learning about the state of Velsignet.  Conclusion:  Velsignet is a safe boat in great condition needing a few (and inexpensive) changes to bring her to ship-shape condition!

As we enjoy Key West, Florida with its palm trees, balmy winds, sunny skies, aquamarine waters, seafood, funky downtown and other Looper friends, we continue to move forward with selling Velsignet. Yesterday was a big day with the survey being completed. Besides careful inspection of every crook and cranny of each system on the boat, the boat is also taken to a boat yard for a complete haul-out of the water (for a careful hull inspection) and a sea trial (the engine surveyor inspects the exhaust, temperature, sound and behavior of the engine at various speeds). Once Ang receives a good oil sample report (To ensure good "health" of the engine, the Yanmar engine surveyor sends an oil sample to a lab to test for metals, water or other contaminants in the fuel.), we'll make final plans for closing on Thursday, February 27th.

On February 20th, Mike and Brenda will fly to Indianapolis to obtain their car and trailer (of boat "stuff") and drive back to Key West.  Once at Stock Island Marina Village, we will begin the process of moving out of our boat and preparing her for new ownership.

This is Velsignet out of the water held in the sling.

While perusing a furniture store in Key West, we came across this lamp that reminded of Gracie, Mike and Julie Tye's French bulldog.

For the first time since our arrival, we took an hour to sit (and read) by one of the two pools in the marina.

This is NAMS surveyor Al.  Ang--a very experienced boat owner (who lost her 58' Hattaras in Hurricane Irma) is looking into the engine area.

Having your boat lifted out of the water is a nerve-wracking experience.  For the safety of the boat, the slings must be located properly and one must trust the sling operators to know what they're doing.

3D Boatyard is a haul-in/haul-out facility.  Boaters can have their boats hauled out and placed on the hard for outside experts to come on-site to complete projects.

Surveyor Al tapped every 6-12 inches of Velsignet's hull, listening carefully for any distortions in sound to determine hull soundness.  The bottom is inspected carefully for any bubbles or cracks that may indicate problems. 
Velsignet was deemed "a very nice boat."

This is us with Al.  Al and his wife live on a 65' schooner (2-mast sailboat) at anchor in the Florida Keys.  He loves sleeping in his hammock under the stars!

This is Ang (on right) and her friend, Susan (left) in front of our Mainship 400 which will soon be Ang's.
Velsignet's name will be changed to "Mermaid's Life."

Paxton was the YANMAR engine surveyor who took oil samples and accompanied us on the sea trial.

Brenda found Mike away from the others doing his best to reconcile the whole process of selling the boat.
He wasn't crying, but he looked sad non the less.

Earlier this week, Kathy and Brenda went shopping while Steve and Mike took in the Key West Maritime Museum.
After a late lunch and shuttle ride back to the marina, we took in a game of Pinochle.