Tag Archives: Vacation

Da Capo Jitters

Willsboro Bay Marina with Da Capo, a 2002 Catalina 310, in the middle.
Willsboro Bay Marina with Da Capo, a 2002 Catalina 310, in the middle.

I fell asleep last night thinking about Da Capo, and I awoke this morning thinking about Da Capo. Jitters, but mostly excited, curious, want-to-know-more jitters.

Before going to bed I had reread Da Capo’s listing for the umpteenth time and flipped through the photographs again, sleuthing for hints of problems but found only signs of fastidious maintenance. I reread reviews and re-trolled forums, hunting for a neon flashing “Caveat emptor!”

Shortly after 9:30 AM I emailed the seller.

Many thanks for your quick and thorough response. My schedule’s tricky this week, but I’m going to see if there’s a possibility that my wife could join me on Friday afternoon. Most likely Sunday will be our best chance. I’ll update you as soon as I have an answer.

In the meantime, I have a couple of questions that will help me out. First of all, is the sale price in USD or Canadian dollars? Is the cradle in the photographs owned by you and is it included in the sale price? I’m unfamiliar with issues related to boats registered abroad, and you mentioned in your listing that the boat “is register Canadian in bound.” Can you please explain what that means and what impact it would have on me if I purchased the boat? Can you please tell me whether you consider the boat well suited for single-handed / solo sailing on Lake Champlain?

Sorry to bog you down with questions!

Da Capo's owner/seller, Daniel Boutin
Da Capo’s owner/seller, Daniel Boutin

The email swooshed off into the interwebs and I tried to shift my focus to my work (with only marginal success.) I checked my email about every five minutes, each time startled at my lack or restraint. Just wait…

And then at 10:08 AM an email arrived from Da Capo’s owner/seller with inline friendly (exuberant!) responses to my questions ( in bold in the email below.)

Many thanks for your quick and thorough response. My schedule’s tricky this week, but I’m going to see if there’s a possibility that my wife could join me on Friday afternoon. Most likely Sunday will be our best chance, but I’ll update you as soon as I have an answer.

Good, will wait for your confirmation!

In the mean time, I have a couple of questions that will help me out. First of all, is the sale price in USD or Canadian dollars?

USD, which is good for you at this time.

Da Capo is really easy to sail in solo. I did it often. 

Is the cradle in the photographs owned by you and is it included in the sale price?

The cradle and the winter cover come with it! As well as the dinghy and the outboard engine (Yamaha, 4 strokes, 2.5 hp).

I’m unfamiliar with issues related to boats registered abroad, and you mentioned in your listing that the boat “is register Canadian in bound.” Can you please explain what that means and what impact it would have on me if I purchased the boat?

This does not apply to you, only canadian buyers. You will have to pay your regular purchase taxes. Inbound means that this boat has not be imported in Canada. I can’t navigate in Canada unless I pay the duty fees at the border.

Can you please tell me whether you consider the boat well suited for single-handed / solo sailing on Lake Champlain?

She’s really easy to sail in solo. I did it often. The cockpit and the galley is very huge for this size of boat. You’ll see ! Every seasons I pass my entire vacation on it (3-4 weeks). I leave the marina on day 1 and come back 3-4 weeks after. It the perfect boat for 2 or small family. And really comfortable for 4 adults for a long week-end.

Sorry to bog you down with questions!

You don’t bog me, I’m glad to answer to your questions. Feel free to ask as needed! I also paid for a survey earlier this spring as requested by my insurance company. I can show it to you and translate it if you want when you’ll come. It’s written in french.

Have a nice day !

Good news it would seem, though the seller’s overzealous manner is making me slightly leery. Why is he so eager to peddle the boat? Is it really that he wants to sell in order to purchase a boat he’s afraid of losing? Or is there something more? Healthy skepticism or a red flag?!?!

Schedule a Visit

Several email volleys later we’ve planned to meet at the marina this Sunday. My bride will join me. Now, back to work!