HUGE NEWS!!

1998 Grand Banks 42 Classic with twin Caterpillar 3116 Turbo Aspirated (she is faster than our 1979 )

WE BOUGHT A NEW BOAT!!!!!!!!

Well, not new but new to us! I'm in awe, I'm excited, I'm decorating it in my mind, yet I can't stop crying about leaving our 1979 beauty (by the way we bought the same boat, same size...just newer and fancier!). We were not in the market for a new boat, but rather this boat sort of came to us. We had seen this boat and Ben made a comment to the owner (just so happens the owner of this gem is his dad) that if he ever wanted to sell to give us a call. Since he had just purchased the boat, we assumed that maybe in another 5 years or so he might consider...silly us! We got the call early this year and really thought about it for a few months (Ben's dad joked when we finally called months later to say YES! that he was beginning to wonder what was wrong with us). Ultimately, the decision wasn't hard considering this boat is 19 years newer with MANY amenities we don't have, couldn't afford to add, and didn't know we wanted. All we had to do was pick her up in Florida! So, we are finally here and here she is....

This is the new Jammin Jane (I christened her on the 17th of December) at the boat yard where we are making the switch. We are extending our canvas on the flybridge so we are completely covered...just like our first Grand Banks.

This is the new saloon/galley...notice the settee is dark green, ugh! The only thing that I was not happy with on our 1979 was the green settee, just so happens I lucked out yet again!! Good thing, my pillows and such will match!

We lose the wood railings on the newer Grand Banks, something Ben is disappointed about since he LOVES to varnish...but we will find something for him to work on! I like these railings as they are a couple inches taller.

This boat is equipped with Naiad stabilizers (I'm MOST excited about this as it will help with keeping the boat from rolling in big waves by use of fins), bow and stern thrusters (not really needed but will be awesome to have, we will be able to maneuver better in high winds and tight spots while docking!)

We will finally be able to sleep together, woo woo!! Another difference is the head (toilet/sink) is to port (which is where we had a huge closet), and the shower is starboard instead of all in one room. This affects our closet space a great deal...I have to send clothes home, sniff sniff! I'm not complaining...this boat is beautiful!! This bedding came with the boat.

This is our flybridge, with a couch and two captains chairs. The hull on the newer Grand Banks is a bit different in shape which adds about 9inches overall to the living space. Doesn't seem like a lot but it sure makes a huge difference, also on the flybridge.  I happen to really like the green canvas, surprise!

Our new tender, a 10.5 ft Rigidboat, I'm excited to learn to drive this one!

We now have fishing rod holders! And full doors to our stateroom, oh! and a built-in microwave!

More pictures will come once we get moved onto the boat. We will be spending some time getting comfortable with all the new systems then we will begin our travels south. For the time being we are celebrating our new beauty.