[Matt1121]

Thanks, Rich. Great story.

You're a man on a mission. I've purchased two boats during the last few years (dare I say Mako?) and both were long haul trips. Still waiting to get that elusive Seacraft.

First boat was purchased in Port Aransas, Texas. I saw a few pics via email, gave the dealer a deposit, flew down, rented a UHAUL for $380, water tested the boat, and then drove 2300 miles back to Boston. Pretty uneventful trip except for the piece of plywood that impregnated itself in the hull below the waterline after it was kicked up by an 18 wheeler. Ouch...thank god my buddy runs a restoration facility and I had my insurance binder.

Second boat was purchased in Palm City, Florida. Similar deal....saw a few pics vie email, hired a surveyor, got the green light, flew down, rented a UHAUL for $390, water tested the boat and started the 2000 mile drive back to boston praying like hell that the trailer held up. Got to South Carolina...had a bad feeling and replaced tires on front axle and bought a jack, lung wrench and gunwale strap at Walmart. Drove 3 hours into North Carolina...tires on rear axle started popping like water balloons, and axle seals spit out grease all over boat. Bought two new tires for rear axle and pumped bearings full of grease to get me home. Would you believe I got within 60 miles of my home in Boston and I finally blew a bearing and hub...the thing was smoking like a camp fire. Called BOAT US and they sent someone out in 103 degrees to fix it. Thank God....It cost me about $100 after they reimbursed for the first $150.

All my friends and family think I am nuts. Even with 4000 miles under my belt, I would do it again (for the right boat) in a heartbeat.