Classic Craft

Demur 61’ Hatteras Cockpit Motor Yacht.

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if you have a Classic Craft with a great story to share! We spent almost fi ve years looking for the perfect boat for our growing family. About 14 years ago, we found Demur, a 61-foot Hatteras cockpit motoryacht near Norfolk, Virginia. We just couldn’t resist the space, accommodations and shape she was in.

We chose to take a few months to get her back to Lake Michigan by way of the Chesapeake Bay, C and D Canal, Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, New York Harbor, Hudson River, Erie Barge Canal, Lake Ontario, the Trent-Severn Waterway into Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the North Channel and Lake Michigan. We had great weather and encountered only two challenging weather systems, one in Delaware Bay and the worst, by far, on Lake Michigan off Sleeping Bear Dunes where we encountered 60 mph winds and 14-foot waves. We sheltered in Ludington, Michigan, for a few days until the storm blew over. The trip was a great testament to the boat’s character.

Since we have owned Demur, she has undergone many upgrades, including galley, generator, A/C units and electronics — not out of necessity, but because we wanted to have her updated consistently with her heritage and ability to go anywhere.

Our family has grown; we are now a family of 12 with six grandchildren, and we have Maggie, our rescue lab. The boat has entertained all of us in grand style and offered adventures we never thought possible. Lake Michigan and Huron have been traveled extensively. Many ports of call have been enjoyed throughout the years. We especially love anchoring out for an afternoon, lowering the dinghy and exploring or swimming in the bays and inlets. Sometimes when Lake Michigan cooperates we will stop in the middle of a crossing for a swim. We have enjoyed the water and many wonderful sights along the way. We are looking forward to many more years of adventure on the water and appreciate Demur every trip. —Ted and Debbie Collison