white knuckle launch

[captddis]

A dear friend of mine decided his boating days were over and asked me to handle the transition to the new owner. I had delivered it 5 years ago.
I flew up to Chicago Friday and had to get the boat launched, running and systems working. Then get it out of Chicago and run it to Michigan City with the new owner. The approx 50 mi run was going to be the seatrial and the final check was to be paid at the dock.
Boat ran fine with one glitch I fixed on Sat.
The lake was 34 dergees and we had about 100 ft of visibility. I was happy to get tied up.
Here is a video of the launch. I had to look away a couple times.
https://vimeo.com/128060284

 

[Boatsb]

Not too bad. I've seen the wheels come off the ground on a forklift a few times

That was almost easy compared to some trailer guys too.

 

[LUV'N LIFE]

That is a nice Commander.

 

[rsmith]

I think we have all seen that video of the boat that slips out of the slings and hold our breath when we see one of these operations.

 

[Walter P]

That is a beautiful boat .. very classic. Good luck to the new owner

Walt

 

[pmurphy]

Stunning vessel! I can't image the effort it took to keep it looking so nice.

 

[saltshaker]

That is a nice Commander.

that's an under statement. She looks fantastic.

 

[Avenger]

Looks like she arrived in good shape. Must admit I never get used to seeing large boats flying through the air. Even on the travelift, I always kind of cringe when they move mine.

 

[saltshaker]

A dear friend of mine decided his boating days were over and asked me to handle the transition to the new owner. I had delivered it 5 years ago.
I flew up to Chicago Friday and had to get the boat launched, running and systems working. Then get it out of Chicago and run it to Michigan City with the new owner. The approx 50 mi run was going to be the seatrial and the final check was to be paid at the dock.
Boat ran fine with one glitch I fixed on Sat.
The lake was 34 dergees and we had about 100 ft of visibility. I was happy to get tied up.
Here is a video of the launch. I had to look away a couple times.
https://vimeo.com/128060284

Hate to do that on a windy day. Looks like they did a good job and the crane operator set her down nicely. Deserving of a trip to the tip box.

 

[Finalee]

Beautiful boat. The guys on the dock have done that before. Got any shots underway?

 

[captddis]

Stunning vessel! I can't image the effort it took to keep it looking so nice.

The boat has been in the great lakes all of its life. The boat has been stored in inside heated storage since it was new in 1970. It has also been owned by well off owners who kept it in pristeen condition.
I hope the new owner does the same.

 

[saltshaker]

The boat has been in the great lakes all of its life. The boat has been stored in inside heated storage since it was new in 1970. It has also been owned by well off owners who kept it in pristeen condition.
I hope the new owner does the same.

Proof positive that Great Lakes boats are often worth the added expense and effort involved for a coastal buyer.

 

[captddis]

more pics

 

[captddis]

 

[Artzco]

Wow. Looks like new. I imagine the interior is just as nice.

 

[gbharrington]

903s or 555s?

 

[captddis]

903s or 555s?

VT370's

 

[jim rosenthal]

Those Great Lakes boats are stunning. It's amazing what life in fresh water will do for a boat.

 

[Boatsb]

Ther is no real life in fresh water.

No salt. No real boating or fishing.

 

[smoothmove]

Is that "Patty Wagon"

If it is, I wholeheartedly agree with your choice of friends. Salt of the earth people. And yes that boat is just about perfect.
Eric