Molly and I began first discussing a camper a few years ago when it dawned on us that unless we win the lottery, we will never be able to afford a "beach house" in our vacation spot of choice, Greyton Beach Florida. Prices for land and homes have risen to the point where a "normal" working couple just can't swing it. But, oh the glorious state park in Greyton. It offerers some great views and really, how many times are you going to use a "beach house" a year until you retire? There are the taxes, upkeep and maintenance etc.... and a camper can be a mountain view, a beach view anywhere we want to go. 

So the idea began to grow. And grow (Molly says I obsess) and then one day on Facebook Marketplace I saw it! Understand, I'm a lifelong sailor and as a general rule we are all a bit obsessive as a group. I say that so you understand, I had done my homework. Two years of homework to be exact.I new it had to be a Scamp or a Casita (I briefly owned a larger traditional camping trailer and sold it to my brother because it was "unmanageable" in my opinion). 

I have a ritual at work (don't tell my employer), but when I get stuck creatively or need a break... I take ten minutes and search (for whatever it is I'm obsessing about at the moment). It ranges from specific sailboats and parts, like the SunFish or Hobie Cat to Campers. I would say at any given moment I know every model of whatever it is I'm looking for for sale... for say a thousand miles. I'm not exaggerating either (ok maybe Molly is right I do obsess). So, I knew what the used ones sold for, their value and how rarely ones in good shape became available. So when I saw this one for $5500 on Facebook Marketplace I knew only had minutes to act. I text the seller... he called back within 20 minutes and said he thought he may have to take the listing down because so many people were calling and texting. He said if I had cash and could be there the next day it was ours. Without even knowing what Molly would say (she is the banker) I said see you tomorrow. 

We made the journey the next day after scrambling to get the money out of the bank (IIt was a Saturday). The camper was has advertised and I was a bit stunned at what remarkable shape the twenty-two year old camper was in. We didn't hesitate, "we'll take it!"

The camper pulled like nothing was behind our Jeep Commander and pulled strait. Every light worked and the electric brakes seemed fine. We will of course replace the tires I wanted to share our story and some pictures because we feel like we hit the Scamp Lotto! We would also like to keep her as nice as she is now, so any advice will be greatly appreciated. Aside from curtains there is very little we will do right away. Seems like a shame to start "modifying" such a great stock / original unit. There is the issue with the furnace that I posted about originally, But, I feel confident I will get that squared away soon. 

Some of my question are specifically about camping near salt water. What are the issues and things to avoid. Also, are there any issues with Scamps that have been sitting? ie mud dobbers in the vents...etc. We are Scamp rich but, like most folks live modestly and want this camper to last. We wont be able to afford another one when the time comes so any advice is greatly appreciated. We will get a cover for her this winter and obviously winterize her once we are through playing. We may do a short overnight next weekend.

I'm grateful for this site and look forward to being part of the Scamp Family. We really feel like we made a great purchase and feel like it's an investment more than anything. I know we could sell it for more than we paid for it if we got in a bind, but let's home we never do. So far the 16' Deluxe seems to fit our needs and will make a fine "beach house" someday. 

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