Not sure I can buy another boat. . .

[cool beans]

I have my sailboat now, and I enjoy it (enjoy it more if I used it more) and I like working on it, and I like living aboard. . .but I'm not sure I would do this again?

What I'm saying is, I seem to be missing that level of naivete I had when I bought my sailboat. Now that I know what I'm in for, it's been impossible to get past a second/third look without getting uneasy (sometimes physically ill). 40+ boats and 13 months later, I came close once to buying a Bayliner, basically on impulse, and felt relieved when the survey gave me a reason to back out.

For whatever reason I can't get past the additional list of fixes and $$$$$ cash infusions in the boats I've looked at. It's all junk. . .cheap junk and expensive junk, newer junk and older junk But can it all really be junk? It's got to be a perspective thing, right?

Da hell is wrong with me? I'm finding boats I like, and can afford. . .but it's like trying to decide to kick myself in the crotch again

 

[O C Diver]

You haven't found the right boat yet. I spent years searching and changing my mind. Then I found it and nothing else seemed to matter. We (Sean and I) spent 18 months and a ton of money making it the way I wanted it. That's what the right boat will do [STRIKE]for[/STRIKE] to you.

Ted

 

[JDCAVE]

Agree with Ted. You haven't found the right boat yet. We had the same problem and kept wringing our hands. You will know when you find her.


Jim
Sent from my iPad using Trawler Forum

 

[psneeld]

In certain price ranges I believe he is correct from an energy standpoint...

I am in the last third of rebuilding my boat...no way I would take on another back to back

 

[MYTraveler]

For whatever reason I can't get past the additional list of fixes and $$$$$ cash infusions in the boats I've looked at. It's all junk. . .cheap junk and expensive junk, newer junk and older junk But can it all really be junk? It's got to be a perspective thing, right?

What is on your list of necessary fixes? Safety stuff? Conveniences? Or purely subjective? It shouldn't be hard to find a safe boat with most of the conveniences you want. Beyond that, you may be too picky, in which case you should have a boat built to your specs.

 

[Russell Clifton]

You don't say what size boat you are looking at or the price you can afford, but it sounds like maybe the size you want verses the price you are willing to pay are a little out of sync. If you are looking for a 50' boat in the $150,000 range, you probably wont find it, but if you look for that same size for around $300,000, you probably can find exactly what you want.
I am going to look at a trawler on Wednesday that is priced at twice what others the model and size are listed for, but it appears that it is very well maintained, has a ton of updated equipment, and ready to cruise. I quess I could by a cheaper one and spend two years fixing it up, but I will be 70 next year, and that would take a big chunk out of my time left.

 

[Bruce B]

I went through something like this when I purchased a well used and slightly abused Able Whistler 32 some 24 years ago. I finally got the boat back together and we loved it. Sailed it for about 13 years before moving to the next boat.
Restoring a boat can really be a strain on you. It is a lot of time and money...
As much as love projects, I'm not sure I'd be interested in going through that process again.
I'd suggest that a good clean well maintained boat might be a better bet than a fixer upper. Of course all boats are fixer uppers...
As has been said here, you will know when you find the right boat!
Bruce

 

[ksanders]

You don't say what size boat you are looking at or the price you can afford, but it sounds like maybe the size you want verses the price you are willing to pay are a little out of sync. If you are looking for a 50' boat in the $150,000 range, you probably wont find it, but if you look for that same size for around $300,000, you probably can find exactly what you want.
I am going to look at a trawler on Wednesday that is priced at twice what others the model and size are listed for, but it appears that it is very well maintained, has a ton of updated equipment, and ready to cruise. I quess I could by a cheaper one and spend two years fixing it up, but I will be 70 next year, and that would take a big chunk out of my time left.

What you described is exactly what I think the root cause is when paople have a difficult time buying a boat.

I know it comes as a shock to people that what they think is a lot of money is not enough to buy a good condition boat in the size they want.

 

[dhays]

What you described is exactly what I think the root cause is when paople have a difficult time buying a boat.



I know it comes as a shock to people that what they think is a lot of money is not enough to buy a good condition boat in the size they want.

I spent what I think is a lot of money for my boat. I like the boat. However, if I felt comfortable with spending another $100k I probably would have chosen a different boat. Many would think that what I spent was a huge amount of money and would also think that it should be able to buy the "perfect" boat. Others will think that what I spent was chump change.

 

[BandB]

I have my sailboat now, and I enjoy it (enjoy it more if I used it more) and I like working on it, and I like living aboard. . .but I'm not sure I would do this again?

What I'm saying is, I seem to be missing that level of naivete I had when I bought my sailboat. Now that I know what I'm in for, it's been impossible to get past a second/third look without getting uneasy (sometimes physically ill). 40+ boats and 13 months later, I came close once to buying a Bayliner, basically on impulse, and felt relieved when the survey gave me a reason to back out.

For whatever reason I can't get past the additional list of fixes and $$$$$ cash infusions in the boats I've looked at. It's all junk. . .cheap junk and expensive junk, newer junk and older junk But can it all really be junk? It's got to be a perspective thing, right?

Da hell is wrong with me? I'm finding boats I like, and can afford. . .but it's like trying to decide to kick myself in the crotch again

Maybe you haven't found the right boat or maybe it's something more. I think one gets two forms of sticker shock-price and time/effort. Perhaps it's a smaller, less expensive, but in better condition boat. I have a friend who looked at Albin after Albin. He was so determined. They all had problems he wasn't ready to tackle. So, he just went and bought a Glacier Bay. Twin Outboards, 2.2 mpg at 17 mph and he's happy. Maybe it's a different style. For instance, you can find Sea Ray Sundancers in better condition and cheaper than you can many cruising boats.

I wouldn't force it. Just wait, relax. Rent or charter occasionally until something hits you.

There are a lot of fishermen who just can't find the SF they want. Well, they end up very happy with a Center Console instead. Less to buy, less to operate and outboards so easier to maintain engines.

Why aren't you using the sailboat? I think that is a question that may give you a clue. If a boat is going to be underused then why purchase one. Why are you even thinking of buying a boat?

 

[FOG]

I think it is a perspective thing.
Sell your sailboat.
Your boat buying perspective will change.

 

[FF]

LESS IS MORE!

If you look at the level of comfort common from 1920- 1970 and can accept that you will find lots of boats suitable for travel or as vacation homes.

Good ventilation requires hatches , opening windows and sun shades.

Simply installing 3 air cond and 2 noisemakers to run them only means never having fresh air and a huge maint task and fuel bill and noise .

YES! Putting up the sun shades takes more work than setting a thermostat , but at least its quiet in the cool.

Having a FW tank , instead of a water maker simplifys life and power demands.

A propane range and reefer end the endless dead battery problems.

Simple can be done , and many times it is far superior to "modern" in terms of lifestyle on board.

 

[Bruce B]

LESS IS MORE!

If you look at the level of comfort common from 1920- 1970 and can accept that you will find lots of boats suitable for travel or as vacation homes.

Good ventilation requires hatches , opening windows and sun shades.

Simply installing 3 air cond and 2 noisemakers to run them only means never having fresh air and a huge maint task and fuel bill and noise .

YES! Putting up the sun shades takes more work than setting a thermostat , but at least its quiet in the cool.

Having a FW tank , instead of a water maker simplifys life and power demands.

A propane range and reefer end the endless dead battery problems.

Simple can be done , and many times it is far superior to "modern" in terms of lifestyle on board.

I have boats set up both ways. My first boat, a 32' Able Whistler came without pressure water, heat or much of any options. Although cruising on it that way might have been rewarding for some, it was begging for some upgrades!
I of course added a water heater, pressure water, a bulkhead mounted heater, refrigeration and yes, even a watermaker.
Our enjoyment of the boat when cruising went up with each addition of a system! No longer where we off looking for water every 2 to 5 days. We could shower every day! We could heat up the interior on those cold foggy Maine evenings. We could venture out in the fog because we had radar...

I wouldn't have it any other way! I love my "Stuff". Maybe the difference is that I have a strong mechanical/systems background. These systems don't intimidate me in any way. In fact, it gives me something to do as we are living aboard...

Different strokes I guess.
Bruce

 

[ranger58sb]

For whatever reason I can't get past the additional list of fixes and $$$$$ cash infusions in the boats I've looked at. It's all junk. . .cheap junk and expensive junk, newer junk and older junk But can it all really be junk? It's got to be a perspective thing, right?

Da hell is wrong with me? I'm finding boats I like, and can afford. . .but it's like trying to decide to kick myself in the crotch again

As others have said, maybe you just haven't found the right boat. IOW, none of the boats you're looking at ring your chimes (enough) AND they all seem to carry a "fix-it" penalty in both $$$ and level of effort.

So keep shopping.

But here's an idea: look at boats in the 2X$ price range, compared to whatever $$$ you've been shopping on. Maybe some of those don't come with the same "fix-it" penalty, could maybe offer more of a turn-key changeover.

-Chris

 

[BandB]

LESS IS MORE!

If you look at the level of comfort common from 1920- 1970 and can accept that you will find lots of boats suitable for travel or as vacation homes.

Good ventilation requires hatches , opening windows and sun shades.

Simply installing 3 air cond and 2 noisemakers to run them only means never having fresh air and a huge maint task and fuel bill and noise .

YES! Putting up the sun shades takes more work than setting a thermostat , but at least its quiet in the cool.

Having a FW tank , instead of a water maker simplifys life and power demands.

A propane range and reefer end the endless dead battery problems.

Simple can be done , and many times it is far superior to "modern" in terms of lifestyle on board.

Wifey B: Oh, yes...a return to the good old days. I can't live in the past like you because I wasn't born in 1970, much less 1920. Are you really ready to give up all your modern conveniences, starting with computer? Then guess we won't be seeing you here anymore. Why not give up electricity in your home? Or your home and live in a tent? Get your water out of the stream. It doesn't matter that it's downstream from where the cows dumped.

Having a fresh water tank or rain catcher or whatever doesn't simplify diddly squat. Watermaker is simpler to me. I don't have to worry about whether we're going to have rain or about the bird that just flew over and pooped. We don't have endless dead battery problems. Don't have any. We keep them charged and check on them and replace when the time comes.

Propane range and reefer? You been smoking reefer? So, have you dropped the electricity in your home yet? If you so believe in what you're preaching, seems only logical you would.

This life that I enjoy must seem so dauntingly complicated and horrible to you, but, no thanks, I'm not giving it up and have no desire to play pioneer woman and live primitively.

Now, I'm fine with you living however you want but for some reason you don't seem fine with the rest of us living like we choose. Or boating. Because the fact is you're only talking about boating as you're not living like you preach. And you're not living on your boat. So your commitment to the program you preach really isn't very strong at all, now is it?

 

[twistedtree]

I think that no matter where you land in the cost spectrum when you buy a boat, owning and maintaining one is time consuming, expensive, or both. You have to get some enjoyment out of the work, have no problem writing a lot of big checks, and get a lot of enjoyment out of the boat for it all to make sense.

 

[BandB]

I think that no matter where you land in the cost spectrum when you buy a boat, owning and maintaining one is time consuming, expensive, or both. You have to get some enjoyment out of the work, have no problem writing a lot of big checks, and get a lot of enjoyment out of the boat for it all to make sense.

I think as enthusiastic boaters we sometimes dismiss the possibility that boating isn't for everyone. Maybe one can't pull the trigger on a new boat, simply because no boat purchase is right for them at this time in their life. I can't imagine that but every day there are many people who give up boating. Either they couldn't find the time to boat, didn't want to keep spending the money, or just lost interest and were ready to move on. There is nothing wrong with that. We have several here who have gone from cruising on the water to land cruising. I can't imagine doing that, but 30 years from now who knows what I'll do.

When boating just isn't worth the price in dollars, time or hassle, then it's time to move on.

 

[O C Diver]

Wifey B: Oh, yes...a return to the good old days. I can't live in the past like you because I wasn't born in 1970, much less 1920. Are you really ready to give up all your modern conveniences, starting with computer? Then guess we won't be seeing you here anymore. Why not give up electricity in your home? Or your home and live in a tent? Get your water out of the stream. It doesn't matter that it's downstream from where the cows dumped.

Having a fresh water tank or rain catcher or whatever doesn't simplify diddly squat. Watermaker is simpler to me. I don't have to worry about whether we're going to have rain or about the bird that just flew over and pooped. We don't have endless dead battery problems. Don't have any. We keep them charged and check on them and replace when the time comes.

Propane range and reefer? You been smoking reefer? So, have you dropped the electricity in your home yet? If you so believe in what you're preaching, seems only logical you would.

This life that I enjoy must seem so dauntingly complicated and horrible to you, but, no thanks, I'm not giving it up and have no desire to play pioneer woman and live primitively.

Now, I'm fine with you living however you want but for some reason you don't seem fine with the rest of us living like we choose. Or boating. Because the fact is you're only talking about boating as you're not living like you preach. And you're not living on your boat. So your commitment to the program you preach really isn't very strong at all, now is it?

Really? You may not have noticed, but the majority of cruising boats including sailboats, more resembles FF's description than yours. Not everybody can afford a 6, 7 or 8 figure boat to go cruising on. Most can't afford 3 or 4 figure dockage every night. Should they stay home till they can, or travel on a more modest boat? Are you any better than FF for telling people there is something wrong with them for not traveling at your comfort level? Just out of curiosity, is your idea of "ruffing it" going into a town without a 5 star marina ?

Ted

 

[MYTraveler]

is your idea of "ruffing it" going into a town without a 5 star marina ?

Ted

Odd - when I read your post it references a "Hilton" rather than a 5 star marina. As to Hilton, IMO, that would be living in the past.

 

[Bruce B]

LESS IS MORE!...
Simple can be done , and many times it is far superior to "modern" in terms of lifestyle on board.

Really? You may not have noticed, but the majority of cruising boats including sailboats, more resembles FF's description than yours. Not everybody can afford a 6, 7 or 8 figure boat to go cruising on. Most can't afford 3 or 4 figure dockage every night. Should they stay home till they can, or travel on a more modest boat? Are you any better than FF for telling people there is something wrong with them for not traveling at your comfort level? Just out of curiosity, is your idea of "ruffing it" going into a town without a 5 star marina ?

Ted

I didn't read her response the way you did Ted.
I believe she was simply reacting to the last line of FF's post where he clearly lays out an argument against "modern"...

If he had simply pointed out that some (many???) people cruise without amenities and with satisfaction I'd bet that would have been the end of it. Seems to me he couldn't resist what I refer to as "twisting the knife".
One way or another, it gets a reaction.
That is my read anyway...
Bruce

 

[BandB]

Really? You may not have noticed, but the majority of cruising boats including sailboats, more resembles FF's description than yours. Not everybody can afford a 6, 7 or 8 figure boat to go cruising on. Most can't afford 3 or 4 figure dockage every night. Should they stay home till they can, or travel on a more modest boat? Are you any better than FF for telling people there is something wrong with them for not traveling at your comfort level? Just out of curiosity, is your idea of "ruffing it" going into a town without a 5 star marina ?

Ted

Wifey B: I'm not telling anyone what to do. I made it clear that if that's what makes FF happy fine but stop trying to convince the rest of us that we're wrong. Now as to powerboats, the majority I see cruising are nothing like his description. The majority of sailboats are. Just because he doesn't want all the modern conveniences doesn't mean he has to put them down constantly. My point too was that all have a level of sacrifice of modern conveniences they're willing to make but none willing to go back to living off the land and no modern conveniences. Just let people choose what they want and stop criticizing those choices constantly. I'm not criticizing his choices in any way. He likes them, that's fine. But constantly putting down our choice to have generators, to have AC is tiring and the majority of boats on this site do have generators.

I am saying it's a bit of a stretch to tell people to ditch modern conveniences on a boat, but they're fine on land.

I want everyone boating in the way that works for them. If I couldn't afford to do it as I am, I'd still be boating. Our boating was a 26', then a 30' runabout on a lake and we loved it. More as he describes except for speed.

As to my idea of roughing it, that's an air conditioned boat with plenty of water and hot water, electric stove and refrigerator and freezer. The marina doesn't have to be five star, but just a decent place to dock. I don't care much about some of the amenities like the laundry and shower facilities because I don't use them.

I admit to liking five star resorts occasionally, spas, nice restaurants, etc. Not to stay in but to visit from the boat. Tennis courts.

Still, marina wise I like the side tie dock at Moore Haven just as much as
Bahia Mar.

Maybe I overreacted to FF's post in this thread and for that I'm sorry. However, he harps on those things constantly. I do doubt seriously that many here want to return to the 20's however, or even the 70's. I was only alive for 7 months of the 70's so can't remember much about them. I do know one thing significant to all of us, the first personal computer didn't come until 1977 and no one was out surfing the internet. So, when we're saying return to the 70's and we're posting it online in a forum, am I the only one who sees the irony in that?

I don't mean to push my way of boating or living on anyone, but don't like it being attacked either, especially with assumptions of problems that we just don't have.

Again, FF is free to live and boat as he chooses. I am as well. I choose generator and AC and electric.

 

[dhays]

I think that it must be clear to all that conveniences come at a cost.

A water maker is a convenience. For some cruisers, it would be a necessity. However, that convenience costs money to buy and install. It costs time and money to maintain. Being yet another system it will eventually fail. There is the cost of the power it takes and the associated sequelae. There is the cost in loss of space inside a boat for the water maker.

The same can be said for any added system in a boat. There is nothing wrong with paying the costs in exchange for the added utility and convenience as long as we understand them going in.

 

[SaltyDawg86]

Not to be "that guy" but I believe what you want vs what you want to spend is off. I understand not wanting to take on a project like that OA. That was a lot of work and would take a year to get ready to actually cruise. But $50k for a 40ft boat that's perfect is going to be very hard. All boats are going to need that personal touch which costs money.

 

[BandB]

Wifey B: I don't obviously remember the 70's, but I do remember the second half of the 80's, just not as fondly as some. We were in the South but didn't have AC, were lucky when we had working fans. The only heat was space heaters and seldom was allowed to use them. Four or five times a year the electric was turned off. Hot water was occasional but I remember a period of at least two years without it. Lunch at school was by far the best meal of the day. I made sure I always had money for it by finding store owners or home owners who would let me earn a little by helping them somehow. I doubt I was much help, but it was really their form of charity. Clothes came from Salvation Army and Goodwill. Walmart was for rich people. I would sneak out and go to the library and read, mainly because it allowed me to stay in the AC or Heat depending on the time of year. Funny, I ended up liking to read. Outside of my school books, there were no books in our home.

So, don't anyone think for one moment, I don't know what it's like to live without things. I feel greatly for those doing so today, but none of them are on this site, not the poor. You own a boat, you're rich compared to them. If you don't realize that, you need to go find them. 15% in the US are below the poverty line. 50% of the people in the world live on less than $2.50 per day. 22,000 children die each day because of poverty. Talk to those in homeless shelters or living on the streets and you realize it could have been you. You're not superior to them, just luckier than them.

We worked hard to get where we are, but we still recognize it wasn't because we deserved it more than others, we were just luckier. We try to help others but, no, we haven't taken a vow of poverty and given it all away to others. Should we? I don't know. I don't apologize for not doing so, but always wonder if I should be doing more.

We talk here about whether boats should have generators or not. Don't we realize how we're among the privileged minority to even entertain such a subject? Thing is we're all rich and all poor compared to others. Hubby's former boss is worth $67 billion. I don't resent him though as he and another man worth $75 billion do a lot of good and have committed half their worth to charity.

Now, back to boating.

 

[O C Diver]

Wifey B: I'm not telling anyone what to do. I made it clear that if that's what makes FF happy fine but stop trying to convince the rest of us that we're wrong. Now as to powerboats, the majority I see cruising are nothing like his description. The majority of sailboats are. Just because he doesn't want all the modern conveniences doesn't mean he has to put them down constantly. My point too was that all have a level of sacrifice of modern conveniences they're willing to make but none willing to go back to living off the land and no modern conveniences. Just let people choose what they want and stop criticizing those choices constantly. I'm not criticizing his choices in any way. He likes them, that's fine. But constantly putting down our choice to have generators, to have AC is tiring and the majority of boats on this site do have generators.

I am saying it's a bit of a stretch to tell people to ditch modern conveniences on a boat, but they're fine on land.

I want everyone boating in the way that works for them. If I couldn't afford to do it as I am, I'd still be boating. Our boating was a 26', then a 30' runabout on a lake and we loved it. More as he describes except for speed.

As to my idea of roughing it, that's an air conditioned boat with plenty of water and hot water, electric stove and refrigerator and freezer. The marina doesn't have to be five star, but just a decent place to dock. I don't care much about some of the amenities like the laundry and shower facilities because I don't use them.

I admit to liking five star resorts occasionally, spas, nice restaurants, etc. Not to stay in but to visit from the boat. Tennis courts.

Still, marina wise I like the side tie dock at Moore Haven just as much as
Bahia Mar.

Maybe I overreacted to FF's post in this thread and for that I'm sorry. However, he harps on those things constantly. I do doubt seriously that many here want to return to the 20's however, or even the 70's. I was only alive for 7 months of the 70's so can't remember much about them. I do know one thing significant to all of us, the first personal computer didn't come until 1977 and no one was out surfing the internet. So, when we're saying return to the 70's and we're posting it online in a forum, am I the only one who sees the irony in that?

I don't mean to push my way of boating or living on anyone, but don't like it being attacked either, especially with assumptions of problems that we just don't have.

Again, FF is free to live and boat as he chooses. I am as well. I choose generator and AC and electric.

B, sorry if I missed your post as a broader comment on FF's generally frugal recommendations. As a stand alone post it just really struck a nerve. I apologize for my off the handle response. For the record, I've stayed at FF's. He practices what he preaches.

Ted

 

[O C Diver]

Odd - when I read your post it references a "Hilton" rather than a 5 star marina. As to Hilton, IMO, that would be living in the past.

I posted it as Hilton. That was an expression from the 70s that I keep forgetting to discard. Edited it to be more current.

Ted

 

[BandB]

B, sorry if I missed your post as a broader comment on FF's generally frugal recommendations. As a stand alone post it just really struck a nerve. I apologize for my off the handle response. For the record, I've stayed at FF's. He practices what he preaches.

Ted

Wifey B: Sorry if I overreacted, but too often it seems to come across not as his preference but more as the rest of us are all wrong for not choosing that way. Not as a choice, but the only intelligent choice. It's not "generators are wrong for me" but "noisemakers are wrong and no one should have them." Even the word, "noisemakers" is a bit out of touch as many generators are not noisy today, and the term seems to be used often in a derogatory manner.

I have no doubt FF likes his lifestyle. We like ours and it wasn't always this way. As to practicing what he preaches, perhaps most of the way. Still one looks around and most are taking advantage of most modern conveniences, starting with computers. Cell phones. Microwaves. Televisions. Digital clocks and watches. It's degrees of modern conveniences as other than those who go to the woods and live in tents there, none of us are giving them up completely. Some a lot further than others. I worked hard to get all of them I could, so I've become a spoiled princess not willing to give any of them up. I admire those who live with less, especially the single moms who somehow take care of three kids while earning little more than minimum wage. I admire any who have found a way to live that makes them happy. I know how it is to hope you get enough in tips to pay for dinner tonight. (Why I tip very well too).

The one I know seems silly to many here is a hot shower every day and clean clothes every day. I remember after I ran away and this nice lady let me have a room for helping her around her house. The first night there I took a bath and shower because I couldn't decide which and both were so incredible compared to any I'd ever had. A comfortable mattress, heat and air, and a bath and shower with warm water. I was in heaven. I thought of her as really wealthy when she wasn't really. Just owned her house and lived on social security. I was so thankful for what she was doing for me. I then realized that she needed some help around the house and couldn't afford to hire it so it was a good trade, plus she was lonely. Oh, and a nice television. We'd sit and watch television together. I know she was curious, but she never asked me any questions about my age or circumstances and I felt safe there too. So not giving up my hot shower.

 

[FF]

"Are you really ready to give up all your modern conveniences, starting with computer?"

No one suggested giving up modern appliances , just what price comes with each "improvement".

A single solar panel 85W , will allow computers , and fans ,radio , TV and even a microwave and inverter, but not electric cooking.

In our dirt house we tossed the electric range and installed propane, love it.

Our boat has both propane range and a Dickinson oil range.we can comfortably cruise most any season , if the ice is thin.

WE don't freeze at night,or suggest anyone should. HOW a problem is solved is the key.

Going simple is not hard , larger water tanks (2) @ 60 Gallon each keep us delighted with no loss of hot showers .

Showers come after engine operation or a Solar Shower , but the shower is simply to get clean , not a mental health item.''

My comment to gent that cant find a boat without thousands of repairs being required that a simple vessel will have less to purchase, install, maintain , repair and eventually replace than a complex one.

To not go cruising because you cant afford a water maker or multiple noisemakers is to loose a lot of living.

 

[BandB]

"

To not go cruising because you cant afford a water maker or multiple noisemakers is to loose a lot of living.

Wifey B: And I'd never suggest one do that, nor did I suggest that. I would state that one can have both without having major issues. However, he might go with a different boat or it just could be the reason he can't find the right boat is that his heart isn't into boating right now. We tend to not consider that possibility. The OP never said anything about price or about equipment, just junk. We're jumping to conclusions as to why he's saying that. Then water makers and generators (which you won't call that) are brought up. Why the assumption that not being able to afford either of those is causing him not to buy a boat? I don't see the path from point A to point Z. It seems like you've taken the chance to express your disdain for equipment when junk could be the condition of the boats themselves or anything else. Perhaps the engine, and he can't go without it.

Maybe the OP will clarify more as to what he means by junk.

 

[cardude01]

B, sorry if I missed your post as a broader comment on FF's generally frugal recommendations. As a stand alone post it just really struck a nerve. I apologize for my off the handle response. For the record, I've stayed at FF's. He practices what he preaches.



Ted

I've also stayed at Fred's dock. He is no nonsense, DIY kind of guy. I respect the way he lives.

If the sh%t hits the fan, you want to be with Fred.

I respect the way anyone wants to live and boat-- and I'm sure you do as well WifeyB.