Purchasing a boat more than 3000 miles away is not without its challenges, especially when it’s located and registered in another country. Fortunately we had a very clear idea of what we wanted, an important first step. In magazines and on-line we had followed the PDQ story for a number of years and knew their 34 power catamaran was the perfect boat for us – spacious and stable (but not too big), easy to handle, and very fuel efficient (well, for a power boat anyway). It was only a matter of finding the right one at the right time.

We were lucky that a lightly used 2007 came on the market in 2011 and was still available when we became ready to take the plunge in January 2012. The vessel is hull #111 of the 114 that were manufactured by PDQ before they went bankrupt in 2008 – because of the  economic turmoil and a much higher Canadian dollar – and she’s in excellent shape.

We were also blessed with an excellent brokerage to deal with.  Beth Simkins and her parents Dick and Carol Tuschick, owners of Rhumb Line Yacht Sales, were instrumental in facilitating a successful, low stress sale. They’re also providing great ongoing support as we prepare His Idea for cruising.

Here are a few pictures from the January trip to Stuart for the PDQ rendezvous, when His Idea was surveyed and sea trialed, and the deal closed.

James Power (PDQ guru), John Evans, Beth Simkins (Rhumb Line Yacht Sales) during sea trials

 

At the dock at Stuart Yacht Harbour

 

Doug Pringle, long time friend and very helpful First Mate on buying trip

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7 Comments

  1. John
    The second best thing to doing this trip is doing it vicariously. I look forward to hearing the stories. Smooth sailing
    Gavin

    1. Hi Peter,

      We purchased the vessel in Stuart, Florida through Rhumb Line Yacht Sales. They specialize in PDQ’s, and have sold (and resold) many on the U.S. east coast.

      When we’re finished cruising the Great Loop and Florida/the Bahamas we may bring the boat back to B.C. If so, it will be shipped by sea aboard a cargo vessel, which is less complicated than overland transport.

      Thanks for your interest.

      John & Ria

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    1. Hi,

      I wish I could help you, but my understanding of how WordPress works is very limited (I had help setting up the blog). You may have some success if you go to one of the WordPress forums and post your problem. No doubt someone has already encountered it. Good luck!

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