| Nick Newell reports that "The guy who had her built was Alex Hamilton and the builder was Dave Folke. Alex built the masts and designed the boat but this vessel was built on a low budget and had a lot of troubles. For example they had install a used 6 cylinder white diesel which had seen better days in a fish boat. When they foamed the hull they got some of the foam into the cooling system feed water pipes and this vesselalways had over heating problems but they kept running her like that until they cooked that engine and then they tried to sail into a berth on Granville Is and managed to break the bowsprit; which, because it was attached to the fore stay, brought down the fore mast and almost the main mast. When we saw it they had managed too tie it up and had the mizzen secured again and were discussing how to sail off the dock at Granville Is. with a jury rig. I went down below and looked at the engine but it was seized and my recommendation was to scrap it . ,but I think because of money issues Alex was looking for someone to take it on and over haul it. I didn't see the boat again for a long time after that and when we saw her lately this vesselstill has the foremast down and the bowsprit broken. I can't say whether that is from the Granville Is. incident or broken again at a later date. Alex Hamilton as you know was the wooden mast builder and made good money building and installing wooden sticks in California during the Ferro cement craze of the 70s He was a nice guy but for some reason he and his wife split up and he got involved with a night club singer ""Shirley Granger" who sang in the Gas town nightclub scene. " In 2024 she was listed for sale "This lovely schooner was first listed for 349000 cad in September last year and had several inquiries but no sale yet. It is now time to slash the price for the next owner. (Also please note with one days work that the bowsprit and boomkins can be removed to reduce LOA to 71 feet to save on moorage when not cruising the world!) Lucrative charter work, spacious livaboard or world traveller, this big beautiful boat is available at a fraction of its surveyed replacement value of $1,400,000 CAD. Canadian Registered Sailing Vessel ‘Black Eyes’ has recently undergone afour-year renovation that included some hull replating, a replacement main mast and bowsprit, a completely new interior with varnished mahogany panelling, and Brazilian cherry sole. All new aluminum handrails, new boomkins, new plumbing and water tank, new upholstery and exterior canvas as well as recent hull and deck paint make this an appealing refresher of a custom classic. The 1975 Gardner 6LW Diesel is running beautifully, and the vessel had recent successful sea trials September 4-19, 2023 which culminated in a triumphant wedding at sea for 45 people. Originally licenced by Transport Canada (37 guests and three crew), and used for general as well as scuba charters out of downtown Vancouver, ‘Black Eyes’ also chartered for two years in Panama, and reportedly had Manuel Noriega aboard! A unique diving well allows access to the ocean via a passage right through the keel from the main saloon! The ceilings have been recently painted white and all portlights have been replaced with 27 handsome 15” opening aluminum frames to provide a light and airy interior. The 6’x9’ main hatch is new and built of kiln-dried cedar and 7/8” triple tempered glass. The pilothouse has a new interior helm station and massive diamond seaglaze tempered windows. Original berthing for 27 people is now reduced to 12 including 3 doubles and seven singles. Ground tackle includes a Fortress F120 on 300’ of ½” galvanized chain, a 120 lb CQR, and a 150 lb navy anchor powered by a massive double gypsy hydraulic windlass. Third party insurance (as required by all marinas) is $820 per year. Its current moorage in Queensborough can be assumed ( subject to marina approval) for only $1100 CAD a month. A lovely Novurania 420 DL with a 50 hp Mercury fourstroke with seating for six can be added for an additional $8,000 CAD." |
