I’ve been dreaming about owning my own boat for years. I’ve faithfully watched Craigslist, checked eBay, and looked at boats on the side of the road. This year I finally got serious and decided to buy one. First step – got a trailer hitch on my car. This may not seem like a big deal, but for me who has never upgraded any vehicle I’ve ever owned, it was a huge step. I knew if I wanted a boat I’d need a way to pull it so I started with a hitch.

I highly recommend Capital Hitch in Tallahassee. They were quick, reasonably priced, and did good work.

Next step – find a boat. My uncle Scott was critical here. After much discussion, we decided I needed something small (16′ or less), something light and unsinkable (hello Carolina Skiff!), something not new (because lets face it I’m going to ding it up), good small engine with electric start, and no center consoles since it takes up too much room in a boat that size. Turns out my laundry list of wants was pretty similar to everyone else looking for a boat and the good ones were getting snapped up as soon as they listed.

My uncle didn’t give up and after much patience and persistence he found the perfect boat for me for sale in another city not too far from here. Thursday afternoon he spotted this one and called me to say I should take tomorrow off and go get this boat. He was certain it wouldn’t last til the weekend. Coming from him that’s a tall order so that’s exactly what I did- I arranged to see this perfect boat first thing Friday morning. After getting off the phone with my uncle, I immediately called my Grandpa and enlisted his help with this project. He agreed to ride along and check things out for me.

We left first Friday morning and arrived at “The Boat” around 9am. I fell instantly and irrevocably in love. Completely out of my element and knowing nothing about boats, I stood by gazing soulfully while my Grandpa checked things over stem to stern. He gave the nod of approval and told me I was safe to make an offer.

After a minimum of negotiation, I was the proud new owner of a 14′ Carolina Skiff.

I very carefully hooked up the trailer, the process of which was made much easier by a backup camera, and very tenderly hauled it back to town. I dropped it off with my Grandpa for a few minor adjustments and headed on home happily owned by this boat.

From dream to conception this little project was about three years in the making.

Next up – Learning to back a trailer.