We did not buy the 53 from Punta Gorda, but after still more searching and too many scorching trips to Florida, we did purchase a 1983 53MY out of Ft. Lauderdale. We took possession in July and spent until late September bringing her home to the Keweenaw. Just in time to head back to Cheboygan to put her up for the winter. It was the best of times...it was the worst of times. The broker was less than honest and turned on us as soon as documents were signed. That is what we got for not bringing our own. If you use Reel Deal Yachts, beware! It was the best of times....Jim Brown from On Site Deisel was amazing and brought the 871s back to life! His team kept working even though the broker cut shore power as the temps hovered at 3 digits. The gentleman from Lauderdale Battery was so very kind and helped us out when we needed new battery banks quickly. Then we spent several lovely days at Cape Canaveral with Scott Bidwick and his limber, able bodied assistant Rafael. They provided so much general information while installing our radar and TZTouch. He even helped us track down an anchor after we had been all over Ft. Lauderdale with none in sight. Then back to the worst of times...we had to let the captain we hired go in Norfolk...the captain we wanted was not available, so we hired a referral with a glowing CV. Hiring him was the biggest mistake......so far. But we made it home with well rubbed rails. Thank you all for the information in these threads. I search them during my incessant questions, and more often than not find an answer, or several, sometimes opposing...but all helpful. I apologize that at this point we do not have much to add, so in the huge learning curve stage. Perhaps someday....Prior to leaving Florida, as stated above we had all the engine work finished, new batteries installed and updated electronics. The next huge project is the bottom. According to our bottom survey, the bottom is "fair" with various osmotic blisters. I have read everything I can find and realize that for the most part, they are cosmetic. We have her in heated storage and requested a quote from their service department for a bottom job. They are having difficulty giving quotes for a few other items we asked to have quoted saying that with the salt water history it is very difficult to guarantee any quotes. The first verbal quote for the bottom was $60,000. Then after some discussion, it was between $35,000 and $40,000. We still do not have a firm number, and unless we are willing to keep her on the hard until August, we will have to wait until next year anyway. My biggest concern is that they want to peel the hull due to the blisters. Everything I have read indicates that this is an extreme measure. I know this has been discussed quite a bit, but advice from this experiences group would be greatly appreciated. I cannot seem to get the photos out of the survey, so I will try to attach it. Many thanks in advance!
