The story of our hunt for a trawler and finding Pearl.

The story of our hunt for a trawler and finding Pearl.

The list of our requirements for our new boat was easy for us but finding one that came close was another thing. Only when the money was in the bank from Agua Therapy could we make an offer on anything. So we looked at boats locally at first then much further afield on both coasts of Florida, as far North as Annapolis, Chesapeake, even went into Tennessee, lets just say we drove all over the place to find something.

Our list of boats was Defever several models, we checked out Symbol, Heritage East, Grand Banks and Seahorse. Some fitted the bill, none of which we could say yes thats the boat for us. Only when we were driving back to Fort Lauderdale on the east coast did we go to take a look at the last boat in Jacksonville.

On the list of boats the broker provided us with was just one that I had discounted as the photographs showed the galley as being “down below”. Anyway as we were passing anyway we went to Jacksonville Beach before heading back to Florida.  There she sat, an Ocean Alexander 48 Classic 2006 looking very loved.

The local broker we had arranged to meet said he couldn’t get there until very late and we still had a long drive in front of us so when we drove into the car park we could see the largest dock with 2 boats, one of which was ‘Pearl’.

Luckily the door was open and there was a mechanic on board so after talking to the broker we went onboard.

The galley was badly photographed on the brokers listing and its not down below at all.

Pearl ticks about 95% of our wants and she has obviously been pretty well maintained and not too many engine hours. 2 Yanmar engines at 240 hp. 

You can see the photographs to save me from writing too much here.

At the time we were staying in a house in one of our favourite places Naples Florida a couple of hours from Fort Lauderdale.

As we had left Agua Therapy which was all signed we were in a position to make an offer subject to a survey and sea trial. This was arranged for the following week so it was all go.

Just before we left we met up with friends for breakfast and a special dinner.

Had a smashing time together at dinner at Fort Lauderdale

Dear friends Pete and Liz

The survey went well, so did the sea trail, she was lifted out so we could check out the hull and propellers. Both of us had a little drive and were impressed just how well she drives.

Naples is a 5-6 hour drive from Jacksonville beach so thats what we did, drove backwards and forwards as necessary to sign contracts and organise things.

A walk along the side roads, very nice houses and gardens some with ornaments

On the main street sculptures 

Just love this place 

A croc not gator wearing Crocs 

Looks pretty grumpy being tied up what do you expect

Great place for carb and shrimp

When the final contracts were signed in Fort Lauderdale we made arrangements take all our possessions which were in store in Fort Lauderdale up to Pearl in Jacksonville. No mean feat believe me, how the heck we gathered so much “stuff”and store it on Agua Therapy we will never know. One huge Chevy Suburban stacked from floor to ceiling and towing a 5ft x 8 ft trailer also full was what it took plus an exhausting trip up to Jacksonville. The drawback when you tow is a 55mph speed limit. So although it wasn’t a direct route we drove back to the house in Naples for the night. The following day off we go for the 7 hour ish drive to Jacksonville beach.

Now, here we are there with all our possessions which then had to be unloaded that day as both the car and trailer had to be back the next day. So in very hot temperatures around 100 deg F we managed to get everything on board most in the flybridge in big boxes. For the following 2 weeks we unpacked and stowed away all of it. Some things we donated and other things we can sell later, the remainder we will use.

So, here we are, now settled on board our new baby ‘Pearl’.  As we both like the name, we have kept it.

The crane which will make our dinghy lifting so much easier

Nice comfy bed but a little high I need a step lol

Forward cabin

Yes we need steps for this helm too

Pearl getting lifted at the survey

These photos are a mix of ones taken before we bought her and during the survey

All was well except 2 days after we moved on the main air conditioning pump failed so we sat baking in between 95 and 104 deg f melting for almost a week. 

As we registered Pearl in the UK we knew there was going to be a little wait for the registration papers to arrive so after 2 weeks we called the registry, they said they hadn’t had an application, thats weird as they had taken our payment but had no record. So after a week of trying to get things sorted we paid another £50 to get one sent the following day to Viviens in Plymouth. Hmm when it arrived she opened it and it was for a different boat, what!

The supervisor, or manager said that it would be sorted out quickly and eventually it was sent to Vivien and she Fedexed it to Jacksonville, almost 4 weeks.  Very annoying as we couldn’t get a cruising licence until we had it and the insurance company need us to be around or above 35 deg North before July 15th, thats quite a long way at 6 - 8 knots. 

Anyway the day before we left the pump arrived Don worked his magic and we managed to be comfortable for a little while. So, paperwork done, here and we are ready to go, sort of.   The minor snags and little jobs to be done later.

Next blog the is the first stage of our journey North, a new experience for us on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway)  I can’t put it into words how excited we were.

Ok enough said.

BFN

Glenys and Don on Pearl