Has anybody seen the "Wanderer"? Chinese Junk

[brockway]

In the early eighties, I met a Real cool Dude name Michael Croaton. He built a wood /fiberglass version of a Chinese Junk in Maine. I believe it was White and 38' long equpped with living quarters and full workshop. But don't quote me it was some time ago. Any way he lived and sailed this boat between Maine and the British Iles. He made good friends along the way, just him and his dogs and an ocasional mermaid That got netted. He was a likeable wild & crazy guy with a boat load of cool adventures to tell you. I never seen a guy shimmy up a a mast like this guy could! He was some times spotted along the Hudson River near Westpoint where his Father lived. This boat definately left an impression in your mind. He was a Carpenter by trade, often working on Island homes or boats where ever he floundered. He was truely a unique talented character who lived a "Freebird "style life. I'm sure some of you must have saw this vessel or met him in your travels. He was known to moor at town docks for short stays. He should be about 47 ish by now. If you know him or what has become of him and his unique vessel, I sure would like to touch base with him. I think this was what was called a documented vessel if that helps.

[BrianW]

It's not working for me right now, but here's the link to check on documented vessels...

http://www.st.nmfs.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html

Good luck, sound like a cool life.

[ingo]

In 2005 I met HIPPO (from Mystic Seaport) in Sandhamn/Sweden.
http://www.fky.org/news/cye-pics/DSCN2453.jpg

But perhaps not, what you are looking for...

[brockway]

Thanks for the link, I could not find any record of this vessel or Its owner Does anybody out there have a connection with the Coast Guard or MVD. maybe they could do a name search to see if it is registered still. I thought for sure I would find something. I checked all the vessels Wanderer/previous owners/current owners/ It was Home made not factory or boatyard built. This boat was white in color it was a real looker-more of a work boat finish to her, hand laid cloth over ply construction. Some where I have some pictures I'll try to dig them up I may be able to see the old registration numbers

It was strange I never heard from him again, we we became pretty good friends. I wonder if he disapeared in the Bermuda triangle? May be Cuban pirates grabbed him and his ship on the way to Tortola? Jailed?

Gee I hope not. Please pass this info out to any Chinese Junk owners Associations.
Thanks Mates