At this point we started looking at boats in Australia both Power and Sail. We came across a 2006 Selene 53ft motor boat for $850k located at the Gold Coast. We went and had a look a couple of times then put an offer of $750k. The offer was accepted so we organised a survey and sea trial. The owner not being present engaged a captain and we motored the 5nm to the haulout facility at Hope Harbour Marina. During this tripped we noticed an increase in vibration from the 350HP motor. This was a significant concern but continued with the haulout and inspection. No other surprises were found.
The boat had 2 staterooms and a bunk room. Stabilises, air conditioning and generator. We were disappointed with the maintenance log or lack there of. Apparently it had been lost when a trade person did some work on it. We spoke to the broker about the vibration, concerned it could be a bent propellor shaft or misalignment. He organised an engineer to do some investigation. All was found to be OK however by this time we decided to not go ahead. Although the boat had a 65HP wing engine we did not feel comfortable relying on engines alone and withdrew from the contract and the deposit was returned. As it turns out when the boat was taken out again there was no vibration at max revs and it appears that when out of the water the hired captain scraped barnacles of the propellor which perhaps removed the cause of the “out of balance” issue.
While looking at boats Greg did some work at Sandy and Nialls house. Tweaked their vege garden netting and redid their pool access steps, bench seat and re routed the pool water drain. Also re wird the cloheslne and added a few more screws into the front screen. Hopefully the jobs have been done well as there was no warrantee given.
The offer on Storeyteller was only one of many made over the years. Below is a summary of these boats.
ATOL a Ta chaio CT56 built in 1999. On the market for $420k – offered $280k. Owner said he would take $350k. Kym not keen, prefer a catamaran
SHILO was a steel motor boat 75ft 1965. Started on the market at $1.2m in 2015, dropped to $800k 2016 and by 2019 broker said I could get it for $400k. But passed on making an offer as travel oversees already booked.
While overseas in Amsterdam we had a look at SOUTHERN CROSS a 65ft Steel Motor boat on the market for $660k. On inspection the berth cabins and head were very small. Did not make an offer. It was a smaller version of SHILO.
In 2019 when travelling through Europe we saw a 2011 Salina 48 sailing catamaran ZEE KIWI. On the market for $720k. Offered $600k but offer no accepted. Due to its age we decided to pass.
2020 Wandering Aimlessly 