I fell in love with a 30 ft Vega when I was about 24 years old. A person came into our marina Bay Point in 1974 or 1975. Bay Point is in the western end of Lake Erie. Across the bay from Cedar Point. I went over and the owner was very nice and let me come on board and take pictures. And he told me all about the boat . I was in love. So I checked it out and looked into buying one.
Well in those days they were around 35K. Way Way Way out of my budget. Like all first loves you put her pictures in your sock drawer and move on. Some 30 years later I sold a very successful party rental business and the first thing I did was to go out and find a 30 ft Willard Trawler in the Nomad version. I could have purchased almost any boat that I wanted but I found the little girl in Chicago and went up and purchased her right on the spot. Despite the terrible condition she was in. She was so bad that I had to have her trucked to NY.
She is now safe in my work shop and going through a complete Re-Manufacturing process. I have been at it for a number of years with out much progress but this year I have made a new commitment to stay at it. And so far the progress is slow. But when I say a complete re-man What I mean is that every single thing in the boat was taken out and now all new and updated equipment is being fit and installed. The only Component That I save was the motor and transmission. These were completely re-built with every thing that could be replaced was replaced. I could have gotten a new motor for less but this motor matches this boat.
We are making a lot of changes to set this boat for long term cruising and live aboard. I will have to look at the serial # next time I am down at the shop but under your listing of Nomad there is a name Beluga That is the name that is on the boat now. What are the chances that there are two belugas out of 29 builds. If any one wants to see her or has any advise other than the obvious don't ever completely re-do a complete boat I would love to hear from you. If you are in the area give me a call and stop by. Any one with skills that might be staying in the area and want to help you are welcome.
Thanks Rick
