Last time I checked, he was alive and well and shoveling snow last weekend!
Pretty sure it was his boat. It went to Wisconsin after he sold it, and I recall
seeing that print in one of the broker photos.
Martin,
Spent the morning going through the formerly water-soaked papers we pulled off the boat, and have found the bill of sale from your dad. We also have the survey your father had provided the buyers at the time of sale, and through that have been able to locate the water tanks. Although it covers the holding tank as well, the survey doesn't reveal it's location. Since we have unseasonably warm weather for Wisconsin this weekend, we will spend it working on the boat, perhaps we will find it then. Unfortunately, the boat is in even more deplorable condition than just the sales photos would indicate. It sat for several years, uncovered, with a open hole from a windlass that had been removed from her deck. She filled with rain water up to about six inches over the sole. We will need to replace the sole as well as repair/refinish the interior. We may have to repair or replace support beams beneath the sole, we won't know for sure until we pull it up. There's also a good chance we will have to replace all mechanical systems including the engine.
We are (my wife and I) history buffs. We have restored an 175 year old historic home. Although we know we have to update many systems, we are sticklers for restoring things as close to original as possible. Although we can't say that we would put the Ericson plaid back in, we would also love to restore this boat to as close to how your father had it as possible. Any information or pictures you might have to aid us in restoring her, would be greatly appreciated.
The news story that I heard in passing, must have been regarding the Governer of New Mexico, also named Bruce King. I'm certainly happy to know that your dad is still with us! Although I still regret not stopping in his office when we were in Boothbay. I will PM you with my e-mail address so that you may send me any information privately, that you are willing to share.
We are incredibly honored to be able to restore this beautiful yacht, and you and your parents are always welcome aboard her, if you're ever in this neck of the woods, or corner of the sea.
Jim