The Joys of Buddy Boating

In the video below, Selene owners Phil & Annette and Brad & Marya trace how the couples met and developed a life-long friendship through cruising together on their trawlers. Though ‘buddy boating’ is common amongst Selene owners, few owners can boast the distance covered and adventures shared as the Budingers’ and Davis'.

Their friendship began in 2014, when Phil & Annette owned a Selene 47, ‘Kinship’, and Brad & Marya cruised aboard an Ocean Alexander. From cruising San Francisco Bay to exploring the Pacific Northwest, they learned from each other along the way. Retirement brought a memorable 120-day adventure from Sidney, British Columbia, to Skagway, Alaska, and back.

In the video, hear what they learned through calm anchorages, challenging passages, and big decisions—including enduring eight to ten hours of 12–14-foot seas, with waves arriving every eight seconds on the bow.

In this conversation, they also share:

• Why buddy boating helped them feel safer and more confident.

• What inspired their move to the East Coast, where both couples purchased Selenes to continue cruising together.

• How the Selene Owners’ Rendezvous and Owners Forum provided support and a sense of community.

• The value of joining yacht clubs

• Their favorite cruising days and the moments that made it all worthwhile.

• How much richer the journey can be when shared with friends.