09/13/2026
Well, here I am and cannot believe I am finally getting to write this post. After six years of battling with my insurance company, not only did I WIN...but, the Nysely Done is back up and running.
I lost and gained a lot throughout this journey. Knowledge and gratitude are the biggest things.
After 17 years of being docked in the same slip, I was asked to leave, which at the end of the day doesn't matter. The dynamics of the marina drastically changed and it was no longer enjoyable and promises were left unkept. The care and effort people gave and supported them through their times of need meant nothing. It is true that in the end, it's about the dollar and nothing else.
However, Barnegat Bay Marina welcomed us in. They were understanding about our insurance fight and gave us the time and grace to go through the process. Ryan Dunn has been extremely supportive, and went above and beyond while I navigated this tremendous situation.
Crew members and some friends along the way were lost..but, hey, life goes on. It just went to show, I was only a convenient asset.
In this eye opening experience, I did gain a lot too. While a lot of people who no longer found me valuable to them and turned their backs, Joe Morlock, a guy I barely knew has become an extension of my family. It isn't a secret I have little mechanical aptitude. (Ask Melissa) I trusted a mechanic who I thought was doing the right thing for my boat and wasn't. Big lesson learned there.
I initially wasn't going to even fight because everyone said it was hopeless, which diminished what little faith I had. I thought I wouldn't get anywhere and nearly gave up. But, with the constant badgering of my wife (and son)...With her and Joe's knowledge, collaboration, and support, I am able to make this post today.
As a team, we fought an insurance company who didn't want to stand by a policy they sold. Joe sat by my side through the meetings and argued points I didn't know how to make. He and Melissa went back and forth, brainstormed over every detail, and made sure nothing was left undone.
At the end of the day, the Nysely Done is finally back on the water. Our mechanic Dave and his staff from Marine Diesel One has been incredible. He has taken the time and every precaution to make sure everything is right before the boat went out.
Also, a big thank you to Marlando from Private Island for being a great help to us through this process and then captaining our maiden voyage.
I cannot thank or repay Joe enough for being there...and to his wife Honor for never complaining (out loud) about all the time he has spent dedicated to this journey.
There is a road, no simple highway. Between the dawn and the dark of night. And if you go, no one may follow. That path is for your steps alone...
But, sometimes you need to get off the familiar highway, and it is that next path that leads you to the greater good. Cheers to the next chapter of the journey, this is a new beginning!
