After previously being told in no uncertain terms, that our boat would never sell in its present condition, it was gratifying to discover, that the new owners had scoured the the classified ads for a boat to their liking and that it took precisely two minutes to decide, that Pendle Mist was for them.
No price issues, imaginary inflated repair or maintenance costs, just appreciation of the hard work and endeavour that had been placed in bringing a 21 year old narrow boat, into the 21st century in terms of comfort and reliability. We had both thoroughly enjoyed sailing her some 86 miles from our original broker, towards Overwater & Rugby Boats Sales. Little did we know, especially during this recession, that the boat would sell so quickly. I suppose the fact that it was well displayed on the broker's web site and that his sales team enthusiastically escorted the first viewers around the boat, helped somewhat!
The buyers completed the sales process yesterday (Tuesday) and the funds will be in our bank account by electronic transfer on Thursday. We both agreed that the whole experience could not have gone any smoother!
At this point, I have to thank all of the people back at St. Mary's Marina who had to cope with my incessant sawing and drilling during the re-fit period, for some two years. I do believe, that our neighbours there must have thought they'd gone deaf when we finally left for pastures new. And not forgetting Chrissie, my wife, for coping with all of the inherent mess that accompanies such a project. Considering her frail health together with a dodgy hip replacement, she was an absolute hero, for putting up with not only the mess, but me and my swearing! Nothing is ever simple to install on a narrow boat, especially a 40 foot one. All in all, it was an educational expe
rience, if not a fruitful one too!Here she comes, passing our mooring.
There she goes, only to the first set of locks towards Barbridge Junction and then back to the marina.
Originally, the owners had planned to re-locate her to a marina at Ellesmere, on the lovely Llangollen Canal, but having seen this location, decided to take a mooring here instead.
Whilst we were showing the buyers the features of the boat, our ex-next door neighbours from Scarisbrick Marina, suddenly appeared. Dave & Janet were on a fact finding mission after seeing the marina advertised on the Internet. Needless to say, they were quite impressed!
And finally, we feel that it's appropriate to congratulate Dominic Miles of Rugby Boat Sales, together with Chris and his wife Ros of the sales team here at Overwater, for their efforts in helping us sell our first boat Pendle Mist. Very well done indeed!
P.S. Had it not been for the initial interest shown by our cousin Tricia and her partner Steve, in viewing our boat at the original brokers, we would never had known what unscrupulous tactics he was employing, in order to sway buyers towards his own boats that are up for sale!
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