Bon voyage
It came right down to the wire, but the engines started up without any problems Monday morning, and in a very, VERY strange coincidence the surveyor that the buyer found ended up being the same person who surveyed the boat for us two years ago back in Raymond! It turns out he's an associate of the surveyor just up the street from the marina.
At about 10:45 am we pulled out of the marina (and had a few harrowing moments with the boat hooks making sure we didn't bump anyone too hard) and made our way up to Lake Union Ship Yard near Gasworks Park. I got to drive the boat for a few minutes after we were in open water, and it's remarkable how sluggish a vessel seems to respond to turning the wheel, compared to a car. Of course we were also only going about 7 mph so that might make a difference as well.
The haul-out went uneventfully (see picture above) with a layer of algae and general sea scum washed off the hull. There are a few small blisters that have turned up since the last time she was out, but nothing serious.
All-in-all things were about as I expected, with the condition of the boat similar to what it was when we had it surveyed in 2005. We did improve many things although there are always things to do on a boat, so the new owner will have her hands full if she decides to take on any of the projects. She at least inherits a good mechanic and a marina full of knowledge and advice. I'm sure she has lots of plans and vision for the boat, just like we had back in April 2005. She was already unloading lots of paint from her car as I was leaving the marina!