After Quantum Leap was launched, things returned to a semblance of normal. That is until, after years and years of searching, Rob just happened to stumble across a listing of a somewhat newer (2006 vs. 1985) power boat that checked most of the boxes on our want-to-have list!

While the boat, a 2006 Meridian 408, looked very good on paper, we had never seen one. Having previously been disappointed many times while exploring a potential prospect in person, we were hopeful, but that was tempered with a good dose of skepticism.

The listing indicated that the boat was located near us in Newport, RI. Thinking that it would be a short trip to go see her, Rob immediately contacted the broker, Michael Martin of Great Loop Yacht Sales. Darn, Michael informed him that the boat had only been in Newport for a few days and had since been relocated to Kennebunkport, Maine where the owner lived. Well OK, 3 hours away instead of 45 minutes, but still close enough. Without further ado Rob set up an appointment for us to see it on June 20th.

Here is a video that Michael, the broker, created:

Now that we had an appointment to see the Meridian, and since we wanted to work around Boston traffic during rush hour, we booked a one night stay at the Holiday Inn Express Wells-Ogunquit-Kennebunk, for Monday June 19th, the day before our appointment. Luckily we had some IHG points that we used to pay for the room, which otherwise would have been over $200 for the one night.

After arriving there on Monday, we drove down to the waterfront to see if we could see the boat prior to meeting with the broker the next morning. Woo hoo, there she is! I think it was instant love for the two of us, at least regarding the exterior! But it looks kinda big, will it fit in our slip?

That night we had supper at nearby Billy’s Chowder House where I had their Baked Haddock and Rob had Fish & Chips. The meal was just OK.

The next day we met with the broker. Oh my, it was everything we had hoped for and then some! Twin diesel engines, an aft cabin with a queen sized center island bed, seperate head & separate shower, a forward cabin with a full bed and a seperate full head, a very spacious salon with a couch and 3 recliners, a galley with a combo microwave/convection oven, 3 burner electric cooktop, fridge, lots of storage and more. Hard to believe this boat was only 40 feet (42’2″ length overall)!

During the course of our conversation with the broker, Michael explained that the sellers, Jack Rogers and his wife, had bought the boat so they could do the Great Loop, something Rob had always dreamed about doing. It took them a year to complete the journey, arriving back home just a few months ago in May. Having accomplished their goal, they were now ready to sell (or were they?)

Because Michael had a plane to catch and we had left Sparky alone overnight back on the coach in RI, we wanted to leave that afternoon too. We said goodbye around 1:00 p.m. with the understanding that we were very interested. Of course, everything would be contingent on an accepted offer followed by a satisfactory hull and engine survey.

So what happens next? Stay tuned…..