GOTHERE (1965 Grandy “28”) is a Mr. Ed Monk, Sr. designed stock model flying bridge cruiser
built by the Grandy Boat Company (US). Her hard chine, carvel planked cedar planking hull is
bronze and Monel fastened on sawn oak frames. The vessel’s upper works are constructed
from boat lumber and fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) with non-skid weather decks. Stainless
steel safety railing and deck hardware.
The vessel is protected by marine grade coatings. Stern gear and other immersed metals are
cathodically protected by sacrificial anodes. Bilge water cleared by an electric pump with
automatic control. A 13-lb Danforth steel anchor is stowed at her foredeck launched and
retrieved by hand.
Most of Gotheres’ life has been spent behind the Seattle Locks in Lake Union and Washington.
Though many saltwater excursions took place as documented by logs left behind.
Original sales documentation offers an insight into the history of Grandy “28”. The original sales
package from 1965 includes brochures, pictures, specification sheets, electrical schematic,
operating and safety manuals and of course Coast Guard Regulations. All have been
preserved. In all, five owners have had the pleasure of owning Grandy “28”. Onboard are the
sales agreements, insurance documents, surveys and maintenance records from each owner.
Originally sold to Mr. Shelden residing in Bothel Wa. in 1965 for $13,025. She was
commissioned as Cove Capers II. Little is known about the personal history of the boats use
during this period in her history. Maintenance records indicate she was well taken care of.
Mr. Dooly obtained Cove Capers II on 1981 for $15,500. Mr. Dooly logged many hours of
sailing the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Left behind are his captain’s logs, binoculars
and other items from the period. There were fun times and hardships on the waters between
1980 and 1985. Mr. Dooly replaced the Crysler engine with a new Crysler LM 318B engine in
1985.
The Weavers purchased Cove Capers II in 1996 for $15,000. Grandy “28” was recommissioned
as the Grandy Dancer. Little is known about the use of the boat. Though it appears as Grandy
Dancer was well used and worn out considering the sale price and work that followed the sale in
1991.
For $2,500 in 1991 The Bowers became owner of the Grandy Dancer renaming her as the
Gothere. During their ten-year Gothere experienced refurbishment. In 2007 the Crysler engine,
transmission and screw were upgraded. Stainless steel fuel and water tanks were installed, the
head hardware and holding tank system was upgraded with new equipment. Essential onboard
equipment including gas detector, switchboard, navigation and radio equipment, battery charger
was upgraded to the latest technology. Gothere was painted top to bottom using the colors
seen today.
In 2016 Mr. Lynn purchased Gother, for a fair price. As a new boater the first few years proved
to be interesting as I acquired my boating skills in Lake Washington. I performed routine
maintenance, replaced the bilge and freshwater pumps and installed LED lighting on the berth.
A new Garmin ECHOMAP UHD fish finder has been installed along with a new Eclipse
GX1400GPS/E radio in the cockpit. For a brief period Gothere was registered USCG #132873.
Gothere and I graduated from Lake Washington in 2023 and moved to La Connor Wa. where
we reside today. The interior of Gothere is the original configuration except for the light shades
which are stored in a cargo hold on board.
Surveyors Comment from 2023. “The Grandy 28 is of above average commercial quality from
a well-known yacht designer and builder. GOTHERE was well found, in very good condition with
interior spaces clean and in good repair with new 12VDC and 120VAC electrical systems and
Crusader 5.7L 315-hp engine”.
As of late I have been unable to locate any documentation pertaining to catastrophic events in
Gothere’s history making me be believe she has never run aground or has had major structural
damage or repairs.
Gothere is joy to own, is very reliable and ……. She turns heads everywhere we go!