OnBoard Magazine - Summer 2015

INITIATING AN AFFINITY FOR BOATING along the winding shorelines of Lake of the Ozarks over twenty years ago, Kathy and Erich Hahn’s first boat was a sporty 25’ Checkmate cuddy cabin. Since that somewhat modest beginning, they’ve moved through various brands of sport cruisers while relocating from Kansas City, Missouri to Annapolis, Maryland. The Hahns now thoroughly enjoy being aboard BuckyHawk , their beautiful new Princess V52, and whether cruising open waters or tied up in their slip, they are committed to getting the most quality time they can out of her. Erich Hahn recounted the lengths they went to use their first boat, even when a trip wasn’t possible, ”On a couple occasions we spent the night aboard while still in the lift!” Spending time in a Sea Ray 40 Sundancer, and now their Princess, they’ve explored the Chesapeake’s top cruising grounds including St. Michaels, Solomons, Cambridge and Baltimore, but one Chesapeake location stands out. “We really enjoy the quiet of anchoring out on the Wye river south of Kent Narrows. It’s very pretty and peaceful there,” explains Hahn. THE BUY When it came time for the adventurous couple to move up from their Sea Ray to their new Princess V52, they called on Bluewater’s John McDevitt. His hands-on, knowledgable approach and expertise as a captain comforted them throughout the entire buying process. Erich noted, “John is exactly the kind of person I wanted to buy a boat from. Knowledgeable, informative, and provides both sides of any issue. It was a great experience.” After the sale, McDevitt spent considerable time with the Hahns helping them become more familiar with handling and docking the boat. Mr. Hahn also praised Princess Yachts and their customer focused mentality, stating, “representatives from the company have truly been a joy to work with. We can’t say enough good things about the team at Princess.” In buying a new boat, many people enjoy adding their own special touch—leaving their mark if you will—to make the boat feel more custom and unique. For Hahn, that mark had a little bit of a “geek” streak. He outfitted BuckyHawk with a tremendous suite of electronics including upgraded stereo and satellite systems, AIS and WiFi throughout. Hahn summarizes, “We are very connected.” The Hahns also praised the vast array of luxury comforts Princess offers that come together to make BuckyHawk feel like home. Features like the transforming scissor berth in the forward stateroom and the extensive use of sunlight throughout are some of the European design sense built into this sleek and well-appointed model. Hahn also greatly appreciates the smooth and exhilarating speed she maintains while cruising effortlessly at 28-30 knots. GETTING AROUND As they were settling in on BuckyHawk , the couple was introduced by McDevitt to fellow Bluewater customers Tim and Sara Hale. The Hales purchased their 67’ Flybridge, Lanikai , through McDevitt a A PRINCESS OR TWO? Fancy 16 BLUEWATER