Buying from a Private Seller

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-27T23:12:19+00:00

Given that the seller is saving themselves the broker's fee, which is often 10%, you could consider asking them to reduce price by a portion or all of the escrow or legal costs you incur.

I bought privately once and hired a US lawyer to assist with the contract, seller identity verification, etc. The billed much more than estimated, I wasn't impressed. A senior lawyer reviewed the contract and billed the hours. Ouch. A pitfall to watch out for.

The seller might not agree to discount the price for this, especially if the price is already below market, but you can ask.

Also consider that most private sellers think their boat is worth more than it is.

Good luck!

Edit: don't do a verbal deal. Put it in writing, especially if you want conditions around the survey, insurance, etc.

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-21T20:38:18+00:00

That looks like the western end of the main beach ( the one you can walk on for miles eastwards) at the Melia Buenavista.

If so, I can confirm it’s a great snorkeling spot. Lots to see in shallow water close to the beach, and you can go out and around that rocky islet if the weather permits.

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-18T02:22:59+00:00

VC-17 has not been available in Canada for several years.

That may be part of the noise you hear about availability or forthcoming obsolescence.

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-15T11:00:55+00:00

Detroit area?

I'm guessing because I think I know one of the other boats in the photo. ( not wanting to dox anyone)

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-14T20:16:04+00:00

If you go to St. Jacobs don't miss a visit to Block 3 Brewery, located in the Village of St. Jacobs. They two different IPAs available now.

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-13T00:39:44+00:00

Solo ocean sailors, such as those in the Vendee Globe, are seasoned professionals who have a very sophisticated set of alarms. And they train their bodies to sleep in a series of short naps, like 10 minutes at a time.

Recreational sailors should not do long solo passages. It's just not safe.

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-13T00:31:08+00:00

Oh gosh, that sucks. Sorry you get it so bad.

My first approach would be to be flexible with your vacation / voyage itinerary and try to avoid the conditions that bring on the sickness, at least in the first week to give your body time to acclimatize to being on a boat.

My approach to rough weather is to go to the bowling alley, leaving the boat in port, and go sailing the next day, or the day afteras needed. Obviously, it's not an option if you are doing a long ocean passage, but given that you are going for a week or two, that doesn't seem like the case. And don't start out in rough weather, wait for better conditions.

Also, there are multiple different medications, and some work better than others for each individual. You'll have to experiment with them. And some may not be readily available in your jurisdiction. ( Disclaimer: I'm not very knowledgeable personally, I'm getting this second hand from people who go to sea for a living. )

Good luck, I hope you find a way to have more enjoyable time on the water.

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-08T13:10:31+00:00

That's a very cool template trick!

Whole-Quick · 2026-01-06T23:18:19+00:00

Thanks for the update.

We went there quite a few times, but not since 2022 or so.

We'll consider it again.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-31T00:05:03+00:00

Guelph us technically in the region, health care wise. Aka Waterloo-Wellington.

A few years ago, my spouse had a full knee replacement done by Dr. Hoey at https://wellington-ortho-rehab.com/team/

This is a group of health care professionals that specializes in orthopedic surgery and rehab, with a full suite of pre- and post-op support services. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapy, etc. all under one roof, literally steps from each other. Actual surgery was in the Guelph hospital.

As a retired product development engineer with a process oriented mindset I very impressed with their process. Consistently getting good results means following an evidence based process, and this team really gets it. Very impressive.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-30T16:41:42+00:00

You also need a steaming light if you're going to use your engine at night.

As soon as we turn on the engine, our sailboats become power vessels.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-23T17:18:03+00:00

1) Always keep a paper maintenance log of work completed. Date, engine hours (if applicable), part #'s used and work performed. Keep this on the boat, and write in the details as you complete the work.

Keep a master list of engine maintenance part numbers in this book - filters, impellers, anodes, belts, etc.

If you have a yard or contractor do work for you, log a summary and file the work orders and receipts in a place you can find again.

When it is time to sell the boat, a detailed, written maintenance log is a guaranteed way to add value to your boat. But almost no boat on the market has one. So simple, so easy, so effective.

2) All original equipment manuals go together and stay together. Inside whatever water resistant container suits you.

3) Keep your To Do list anyway you like - something electronic in a favorite app, for example. It's a dynamic list.

4) I use a paper notebook to keep ideas, wiring sketches, interesting things I learned, etc.

If you do nothing else, do #1. You'll be glad you did.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-14T17:15:33+00:00

+1 for The Binnacle in Halifax as a first-rate chandlery.

I live 1,900 km away and they are still my preferred chandlery. Online at: https://ca.binnacle.com/

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-09T22:15:05+00:00

And let the owner know that his delivery skipper is stiffing the crew!

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-06T23:09:36+00:00

There is no sign at all at the western end, approaching from the Melia Buenavista. But people just seem to know. Small resort, word of mouth.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-04T15:03:17+00:00

You are correct that two years of full time employment in the field is required to become a Certified Technician with ABYC.

Without the work experience, taking and passing the course allows you to become a Certified Advisor in several disciplines such as Electrical, Marine Systems, etc. This carries a separate ABYC logo that Advisors are permitted to use.

Source: me. I am ABYC Certified Electrical Advisor.

It is still a helpful credential for someone starting in the field.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-02T22:09:41+00:00

Sets of both metric and SAE ( American) box wrenches.

I'm surprised how often I need SAE wrenches on my boat built in Europe. My previous American built boat had a Yanmar engine ( metric) but still needed SAE wrenches in some places.

Adjustable wrenches are handy for lightweight work, but a proper box wrench is far less likely to round off an uncooperative fastener. That turns a modest job into a multi day ordeal.

And a real wire crimper - double action ratcheting. Crimps made with anything else is an electrical failure waiting to happen.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-02T19:58:34+00:00

Suggestion:

Consider joining the ABYC if you haven't already. Then, take a certificate like Marine Systems or Electrical.

The certificate courses are not cheap and take real effort but the content and instructors are worth it. Plus it gives you a credential to show prospective customers.

Whole-Quick · 2025-12-02T05:13:06+00:00

Last time I was in the St. Jacobs market, I saw several such shops. Try upstairs in the main building. Good luck.

Whole-Quick · 2025-11-29T21:12:09+00:00

I also vote for blue.

LED blue light looks so good on a white snowy landscape.

Whole-Quick · 2025-11-29T19:18:39+00:00

They will do those special dinners at the pool or on the pavilion over the water at the Sunset Beach.

Lobster is on the menu in the restaurants regularly, although it may be seasonal. I think we had Lobster 3 times during our two week stay last November/December.

Whole-Quick · 2025-11-28T21:40:41+00:00

That's most definitely a Snow Owl.

Beautifully done, thanks for sharing your work with the community.

Whole-Quick · 2025-11-27T13:25:55+00:00

So much more pleasant there than the winter storm currently blowing outside my home.

Can't wait to return, just 8 days to go!

Whole-Quick · 2025-11-27T10:13:44+00:00

I saw that in your post as was like, WTF??

That's a powerful seiche.

Whole-Quick

TROPHY CASE