Boat Shopping In Punta Gorda

After getting the settlement check for the boat accident I took a look through the websites that list boats for sales. A quick search found a 1979 Morgan Outisland 415 (41′ foot) for sale in Punta Gorda in SW Florida for just about the same amount as the settlement check.

I took the Greyhound down. There was no convenient schedule down so got stuck sleeping on a bench at the Orlando Greyhound station overnight. I’m getting too old for these type of trips, don’t bounce back as fast with just cat naps here and there. I remember when I could go 36 hours without getting tired.

Punta Gorda

As I had some free time I meandered around the Punta Gorda waterfront. They’ve really been smart about what they’ve done here.

One end of the Harborwalk is anchored by a Fisherman’s Village. A marina with a covered walkway of shops and restaurants. With harbor tours, boat rentals, cafes, and full restaurants this place had a good crowd.

As you head east the walk is bordered by a nice park filled with active seniors. The mini-tennis courts were packed. Walkers and bicyclists all enjoyed the open views of Port Charlotte.

This side of Harborwalk was finished with a hotel (PG Waterfront), not fancy but clean and inexpensive, and a restaurant (Hurricane Charley’s).

Very different than the marinas in Jacksonville where there is almost no foot traffic or commerce other than boat storage.

1979 Morgan Outisland 415

The boat, while a project, is in good shape from a structural point.

There is a lot of work on the insides cosmetically.

• I’ll have to rebuild both heads almost entirely.
• Complete replacement if the flooring
• New paint
• New cushions
• New mattress in the aft cabin

Externally there are only a few things:

• Set up external propane storage.
• Replace winches for the jib sheets.
• Some serious waxing.

While the increased size really helps long term, the improved status of the systems is a real game changer. This will take 6 months of work of my hands.

I put an offer in on the boat, with some minor contingencies. I should hear back this week. Then I have to schedule a week off of work to move the boat to Jacksonville.

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