Two and a half years ago we bought a yacht without knowing if the motor worked. One might call that risky, but Brett was confident the fixer-upper’s bargain price tag was worth it with or without a working engine.
That may be true, but not having to fix or replace the inboard-outboard motor would definitely be in our favor.
The Highknocker – a 1981 Carver Santa Cruz 26 – was put on the back burner after we moved and started building a house. Finally, with hopes of getting it on the water this summer, it was time for the moment of truth.
Testing the motor
Our hope was that dead batteries were to blame for the lack of life during our walk-through with the previous owner. Could it really be that easy?
Brett hooked up our camper battery to put it to the test. Sure enough: The engine started to turn!
The next experiment of attaching a hose to the motor and adding gas was also a success. Purring like a kitten, it ran smoothly and idled without sputtering or shutting off. Perhaps the path of feline paw prints on the windshield was a good omen.
The only issue so far was a damaged power trim line. What a relief.
The rest of the day was spent wiping away layers of dust, vacuuming the cabin, and getting our bearings with what comes next.
Next steps
Even without having to replace the engine, there’s plenty to do and expenses will add up quickly. To keep track of it all we started a spreadsheet to outline costs, supplies, and to-dos. Here’s an overview of the plan:
1. Paperwork
The title was signed over to us in 2020, but that’s as far as we got. It’s time to make things official with the DNR and add the boat to our insurance policy.
- Title and registration
- Insurance
2. Test drive
It runs, but does it float? Once the power trim line is fixed, we’ll trailer to a local lake to see how things go on water.
Update: Read about the float test and near crash!
3. Minimum required supplies
Now the tough part: separating needs from wants. What do we absolutely need to be safe at sea? When you’re a Gerner, fishing supplies fall in this bucket.
- Kicker motor (to serve as backup and keep miles off the main engine)
- Trailer jack
- Sleeping mattress
- Back fishing boards, rod holders, and ladder
- Safety equipment including LED navigation lights, flares, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit
4. Maiden voyage
Our goal is to take at least one multi-night excursion this year – likely to explore the islands, charming small towns, and gorgeous limestone bluffs of Door County in Lake Michigan. We’ve just scratched the surface researching routes and marinas along the way.
Update: Read about our maiden voyage in Door County, WI.
5. Cosmetic improvements and nice-to-haves
What are those things we’ll patiently want for as time and budget allows? The list is long, so here are just a few.
- Exterior paint and gel coat
- Trolling motor
- Canopy
- Functioning kitchen and bathroom
Your turn
Is there a project or idea that’s been ruminating in the back of your mind for too long? It’s easy to feel weighed down by fears or doubts, or to just feel like there’s too much else on your plate. I get it! Maybe now is the time to bring it back into focus, or at least get clear about what it will take to bring your dream to life. Surely there are obstacles on the horizon, but let this be proof that sometimes a “best case scenario” can happen, bringing with it confidence and excitement to steer forward.
