Visit our Popular Forums

VERTIGO · 10-01-2016, 05:16

Many years in the making, finally a reality!! Our family has been moving towards this day for over 10 years! Several times I thought we were close only to realize we needed more time.
Move back from Germany 18 months ago and now stationed in Ft Belvoir, VA. We bought a house barge, remodeled it and sold it 9 months later. Gave away most of our worldly possessions and bought a 42' Carver in Chicago off Ebay in Feb. Yes I went the powerboat way for a brief time but for us it made sense. You do get allot more room for the money. Loaded up the Uhaul and went to Portage Indiana to drive the boat back. This was the first big powerboat I have ever owned and the 3rd time I drove it we were heading North up Lake Michigan. 1st and second drive were about 30 min apiece.
Most people thought we were out of our mind but I can tell you the Northern Loop through the Trent Severn Waterway in early June was the most memorable trip I have ever had. The boat ran perfect! The experience with the family, wife, 12 year old son and our little Boston Terrier was priceless.
My autopilot did not work and I hand steered the entire trip, kept the boat going around 10 knots for the entire trip. From time of departure to pulling in our slip in the Chesapeake Bay totaled 22 days. If you ever get the chance to do this I would say don't overthink it it, very easy navigation, stunning views and the people are amazing!
Once in the Marina we took the boat out 3 times a week and have enjoyed the Chesapeake Bay. Thought we had a boat that we needed to move fast on so sold our Carver. (had a friend that was ready to buy immediately) We owned it for 4 months. Put the offer in on the boat only to find it sold within the first 24 hours listed. Worked out a deal to rent back the Carver until Dec. We decided to rent a vacation home from Dec through March and thought we would make a big push to get into a Lagoon.
Things were looking grim, we started to think we probably would not be able to get into the final boat we have been wanting for the past 10 years. I have to give credit to my Broker, Brent Herman. I have been pestering this guy for well over 3 years. I was that guy, especially in the beginning, wanted a boat I could not get. He made a promise to Me and my family that he would get us our boat, be patient. I just have to say, best broker ever. ok no more plugs.
We are now under contract and closing is done Wed. The first time I will have ever sailed a 440 Lagoon will be heading out from Ft Lauderdale and up to Chesapeake Bay, estimating a 10 day trip. Depart next Tuesday, 19 Jan. I retire from 20 years of military service in 2018 and we will push off on our circumnavigation. Our dream is finally a reality.

mr336 · 10-01-2016, 07:53

Congrats to you. Can you share some search/purchasing details? I'm in search mode myself. Cheers.

Mike

CaptainAR · 11-01-2016, 22:40

Hello from Little Rock AR. I to am retired military dreaming of the same escape as yourself. How has your new adventure progressed so far. Until I am able to begin my own adventure I continue to live through people such as yourselves. Do you like your Lagoon? Any regrets as of yet?