Splash! We're almost there dad!

[copout]

It's with great joy & pride that I am able to create this post! Some of you may know the back story to this but for those that don't I'll try to give a quick readers digest run down of events.
Mom & Dad divorced when I was 4.
Dad was second owner of this boat.
He was a charter Capt at the Castaways docks in the late 70's to early 80's when not on duty to Metro Dade.
Many of my memories, first catches & every other weekend visits were spent on this boat. (waiting for pics)
Dad got remarried, moved to WPB, boat sat idle for way to long, so long it had a tree grow through it! (waiting for pics)
1996 after retiring Dad, my two brothers from another mother & myself started the rebirth. (waiting for pics)
1997 Dad finished project & splashed it himself in WPB. (waiting for pics)
Early 2003 Dad fell ill.
Jan 4 2005 I got a call from Step mother that we needed to come to Nashville, kemo was getting the upper hand.
Jumped on a jet with 3 of 4 siblings & my wife but we didn't make in time, dad had passed while we were in flight.
His wishes were to be cremated & have his ashes spread from his boat off Dade county.
There were a few fiberglass repairs that were needed in order to get the boat seaworthy again.
Time went by, step mother got a new man & Dads wished fell on the back burner. For her!
I made several attempts at pushing the issue but having a close relationship with my siblings was far more important than making waves.
One year had passed & I couldn't take it any longer. I made a call & suggested I bring the boat down to Davie where I could get a few estimates to have the patch work done. I followed through on my end & supplied her with 3 different quotes from $1500 to $3000.
She said go ahead & get it fixed! To that I responded that I'd like to be added to the title before I put any money into it.
This we fought over this for nearly another 14 months. It was beginning to divide her from her kids as they too agreed that I or even we (5 kids) should be named on the title. To insure the boat & dad's best interest we in mind.
She had enough & showed up one Saturday afternoon to take it back. I knew this would happen, with or without being repaired but I was still broken!
Once she got it back all things went idle again & there sat dad in a wooden box somewhere in her house. All the while her new man sleeps where he once rested. I tried so many different ways to figure how to honor his wishes without being disrespectful to dad or my brothers & sisters. Till one day my incredible wife said "lets see if she'll sell it to us!" One quick call to my younger sister & a drop of the dime. Well the very next day I get a call from none other than the step-monster! Get this! She tells me "I was just about to put it up for sale!" Oh, the words I wanted to lay on her!
Well Black Friday 2009 I drove to Wellington, gave her what little cash we could put together, hooked it up & brought it home!
Over the last year I've tinkered, overhauled, fabricated, replaced, drained, re-wired & dreamed about yesterday!
There are many more issues to resolve, both with the boat & the step but I am much closer to fulfilling my old mans wishes!
Once the boat is ready my next obstacle will be how to address the ashes. Until then I will be using her just the we did as kids.
I got it done in 51 weeks & 2 days!
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!
Here's the only pic I took yesterday. My ole' lady & my girl! 1969 SeaCraft 20SF

[Mark]

Quite the story. Quite the step-mom to make you pay for your own late fathers boat!

[floorboy]

Wow! What an awful story. Hang in there. I know how you feel......"step monster" I may use that.

[shana]

great job be smart get yourself a living trust have fun your dad would like that george

[BigLew]

The details aren't the point. You're a good son. Your Dad is very proud of you. You and he will have a great Thanksgiving together, his love helped you get it done.

Enjoy the Holiday with your Dad, your family and your memories.


Congratulations

[thehermit]

Dude...you the man.

[cdavisdb]

Wonderful story and wonderful job, copout!

Sometimes taking a very long time makes it sweeter.

Thanks for posting

Connor

[McGillicuddy]

I tried so many different ways to figure how to honor his wishes without being disrespectful to dad or my brothers & sisters. Till one day my incredible wife said "lets see if she'll sell it to us!"

Copout,
Gut wrenching story. I'm sure your Dad's up there grinning with pride that you married so well and hold the family so dear. You done well, Pilgrim! Now about getting your Dad back out to that favorite offshore Heaven...
Happy Thanksgiving!

[uncleboo]

What a story! I admire you for your perseverance! Hope you get your dad to his final resting place soon. Enjoy your old friend! Happy Thanksgiving!

[gofastsandman]

Copout,
I have a similar story. I too have let it go. Now I guess I have to get nasty. I have you to thank. Thank you!

Papa died behind the iron curtain in `99 before the wall fell. Don`t ask. Papa was the best. Arrogant brother can`t "find" Papa`s ashes. He wont let anyone talk to his lovely wife. She`s a saint. I don`t want to ruin your thread as I`m getting mad.

He wanted to leave from an airplane. I will now declare war with or without the help of my other siblings. Live Free or Die! After all he has done, he deserves to be free.

Thanks,
Sandy