Tim and I first saw our Defever in early January 2014. Rex Bettis had shown us several boats in the Kemah area, but we were still hoping to find a 49′ DeFever. The 49′ is essentially a 44′ Sundeck with an additional 5′ stern cockpit. We had looked at a 44′ DeFever years earlier when shopping for our first trawler and really loved her lines and accommodations, but our needs and bank account just didn’t fit with her. We bought the Marine Trader as the perfect 2nd choice. Now though we were ready for all that came with a DeFever and that extra 5′ cockpit would give a lot of extra storage and easier docking. We were holding out hoping the right 49′ would come on the market. So when Rex told us somewhat hesitantly about this 49′ in Madisonville, LA we were anxious to take a look. Her owner had passed away and she had been sitting for a while. He wasn’t sure what she looked like, but the widow was ready to sell. So, a road trip was called for and off we went.
Ugggg. We pulled up next to the slip to see a green, filthy, sad looking boat. We spent the day peeking in every cranny, closet and drawer. Tim scrutinized the engine room while I poked the rest of the boat. We agreed there would be a lot of cosmetic work to be done, but the bones of the boat were good. We knew retirement was at least a year and half away. There was time, if we got busy, to get her ready. On February 11, less than 3 months after the dream woke up, we were headed back to Madisonville to bring our new boat home.
Anyone who has ever owned a boat knows how much work is needed to keep it running smoothly and if you own an old boat, well, that can be a very, very, long story. We had our hands full. Tim took care of the mechanical needs and I set up my sewing machine, got out my heat gun and honed my teak refinishing skills. I can’t even start to list all of the upgrades we made to get her to the point she is now. It doesn’t matter. The important thing to us is- she is ready. We’re ready. Maggie’s ready. The weather should cooperate. And we are going to leave the dock at 11am, Monday, November 7, 2016 to live our dream. How cool is that?