The Dream

Although we've always loved and tried to live close to the water, we still consider ourselves relatively new to boating. In 1999, we began looking for a boat that would take us cruising to far away places. The criteria were fairly simple:

• Lots of room but manageable by two neophytes
• Able to take the seas off the Atlantic east coast but small enough to do the canals of North America and Europe
• Room for our toys and hobbies and a good supply of fine wine and food
• Affordable

So we looked at new and used boats but could not find, at a reasonable price, what we were looking for. After talking with local boat builders and visiting all the boat yards in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Maine, we decided that managing the build of a new boat and finishing it ourselves was the most viable (and affordable) possibility.

In April 2001, we commissioned Jimmy MacDonald of North Shore Boats in Arisaig, Nova Scotia, to build a hull using his 40 foot mold. This hull was designed by James D. Rosborough for the fishing fleet of the Northumberland Strait. To accommodate the design that we had started elaborating, additional sheer was added. We also contracted with a Mabou engine shop to install our propulsion system and a major hydraulic system based on commercial specifications.

In July 2001, the hull was ready, engine and tankage as well as the hydraulic systems were in and we trucked this wide open boat on a flat bed to Big Pond, Cape Breton. The Big Pond Boat Shop, owned by Pat and Keith Nelder had worked with us tho finalise the design of the boat and had started the build of the cabin and topsides. When the hull arrived, both were mated. Through the winter of 2001-2002, I worked with Keith and his staff to make the boat water tight and ready for launch. During that time, I installed the electrical, electronics, plumbing and other systems while Big Pond Boat Shop finished off the boat exterior.

Mystic Bond was launched on May 24, 2002, at Big Pond during a gale on the Bras D'Or Lake. The interior was minimal, with no furnishing to speak of but enough to keep us safe and dry on board. We intended to cruise during the summers and finish the boat at our home outside Halifax during the winters. With all the builders and the mechanics on board, we ran from Big Pond to St. Peter's Marina at the other end of the lake at full power. At times we hit 24 knots, but could see very little because of the white water coming over the bow and cabin top.

The next three years were spent getting our sea legs, improving our boat handling skills and working on the boat through the winters. Finally in June 2006, Mystic Bond left Halifax for its long journey south and to other destinations as yet to be chosen.

The Boat

 

M/v Mystic Bond is a lobster trawler type boat with a single diesel engine and a bow thruster. The hull was built up to provide a big aft cabin with closets, chest of drawers, sofa bench, a head and separate shower. The forward cabin has two wide and long bunks, a second head and a desk/office area. It has plenty of storage closets and drawers. Unless we have guests aboard, we use the forward cabin as our lounge-office and music room.

 

 

 

The main salon and piloting area is quite large and provides terrific visibility. The galley has a full propane stove-grill, a three-way standup fridge, microwave and lots of drawers and cupboard space. The settee and dining table sits to port and accomodates four people.

 

 

 

 

The helm and instrumentation is to starboard with access to the wide walk-around sidedecks. The navigation-chart table area can accomodate full charts and a laptop and has a full raised settee for the first mate. A big chart locker is also handy. Under the chart table are bookshelves, storage and the main electrical panels. This is a very comfortable arrangement for underway and it is where we do most of our piloting.

 

 

 

 

The poop deck is very spacious and has a hydraulic winch for the ground tackle. Although the main controls are at the helm station, there is also a joystick here to control the winch as well as the hydraulic bow thruster. On a nice evening there is space to put two lounge chairs.

The aft deck is over the master suite and is elevated. This area contains a second helm station and lounging area with ample seating for 6-8 people. A full width bimini protects this area for those overly sunny or rainy days. Stairs are built into the transom to access the large, built-in swim platform which contains three more deck lockers.

 

 

 

The Specifications