Katrina Survivor (Barely)
Moderator: KenKrawford
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Chanticleer
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:42 am
- Location: Tuscumbia, AL
Katrina Survivor (Barely)
I'm very happy to be able to be a part of the Catalina 350 family. It almost didn't happen. Let me tell you my story. My first look at the Catalina 350 was in May of last year at Turner Yacht sales in Mobile, AL. Love at first sight. By the middle of June, the decision was made, and the fitting out started. I signed the papers on the 12th of August, and guess who showed up two weeks later? Katrina. I took Chanticleer up Dog River and put two anchors out, battened down everything, and hoped for the best. I returned the following Saturday, and Rick Johnson (from Turner) and I headed to the anchorage in an inflatable. No boat. (boats actually, there had been five of us in the area) After closer examination of the area, and boats in the trees, ashore, etc., we spotted the top of a mast in the woods about a mile from where she was left. After hiking in from a nearby creek, we found Chanticleer sitting on her wing keel, nestled amid the trees, with superficial scratches on the hull. No damage to the rigging or hull, one parted anchor line, and the other anchor still holding about 8' up in a tree. She had been carried there on a 15' storm surge. The problem now was getting her out without tearing her to pieces. Some of the salvage companies were jerking boats out for the salvage fees, and totaling the boats in the process. Thanks to Keith Turner for finding a group that would take their time in finessing her out. A little over two months after the storm, they got her out with minor damage to some stanchions and the port stern seat. She is now back in the water with new bottom paint, and awaiting her trip to her new home on the Tennessee River. I look forward to benefitting from and sharing what I can to the Forum.
Alex Pingree
Chanticleer
#318
Chanticleer
#318
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tjr350
Alex,That is a pretty amazing story. Welcome aboard. You are a very lucky man and you have a demonstrably strong 350 with a will to survive. May you have many, many enjoyable excursions with Chanticleer, knowing that all future excursions will be a "cake walk" for Chanticleer after the ride she got from Katrina.
Tim
Nora Clare #332