Josh came up to look at my "project" Valiant 40 with his two kids in the rain. While the kids were happy to check out the boat, he needed a more complete boat. Turns out Josh had owned a Fuji 32 and a Valiant 40 years ago. I suggested the Hood 38 but he wanted to check out the re-fit Valiant 40 in Edmonds. He understood the differences, but it was out of his price range. Finally I got him aboard the Hood. We didn't even turn the lights on - it's a comfortable boat, heavier than the Valiants, with a newer Beta diesel and batteries. Re-rigged last year for the Coho Rally it was ready to go. Look at that nice shear line! He made an offer and Garrett came up for the survey with his assistant Joshua. We had a grey dry start and got around West point early enough to use the North Shilshole Entrance. We hovered for a bit, note the Blue Peter pics, and with the high tide, were picked up by the big travel-lift. Interesting looking strut - not a crack, but where the fairing ended. I missed the lowering of the centerboard pics - I was the one to climb the ladder, lower and lift it. The boat backed out like a dream, and we were rained on before West Point. We tacked and dropped the board, and I think Josh was pleased with how well the boat pointed. With the speedometer and the GPS readings, we can see a little current speed difference. Oh yea, missing a "feather" on the pegged index! We were soon back in Elliot Bay Marina, and I booted up the radar for the surveyors. What a good wet day - fun to be out on the water! Thanks All!

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