New Boat? Do Not Violate Rule # 1,

[seapower]

Rule # 1 = be 100% honest with yourself, you and you alone. Remember once you buy that new/used (doesn't matter, they're all the same), the journey has "just begun". Alot of time's the easiest part is simply buying it. Sorta like doing a re-power, buying the new engine's/gear's is one thing, getting them in the boat and installed properly is another story. There are and will be thing's that you, surveyor, or salesman will miss or just won't see till the "journey" is under-way. A surveyor is a good place to start, but realise that even the best cannot see everything. I have heard so many times after a customer has made a purchase, that they are gonna sue their surveyor. Your surveyor is giving you his "educated" opinion, he's not giving you a guarrantee.

My story hasn't changed since I learned the hard way on my first boat. Whatever you think a boat is gonna end up costing you (time and money), double it. I have seen very few time's when that equation has not been atleast met, never mind exceeded. There is alot of joy and satisfaction that comes from catching fish on your own rig, same goes for the resturation of an older boat. It is alot of work that goes into just keeping one up. Don't use it and it'll go to piece's just as fast as if you used it daily (I think daily use is far better myself).

Just an insight of my own project on the Wild Card. The time is going way over, because of un-forseen project's that reared their head's. Budget is pretty close to what I expected, but it's not over yet. Even when she goes overboard, it won't be "done", it's gonna be "useable". From that point, it'll be a project at a time, but it may never be "done". I learned the hard way many year's back when I bought my first work boat. I stayed on it until it was "done". I ended up with a jam up boat, but I ended up with a boat that had way too much money in it. One thing that never ever changes, a boat is only worth what you can sell it for. Boat's are a sickness, really can't make it any simplier than that. Be honest with yourself, Frank

[Robja]

Nice Read Frank.

[clt_capt]

You hit that nail on the head... Great looking pics

[Robja]

Pictures?????????????

My computer must be messed up because the pictures did not come through.

[scattered_grass]

The Runner is far from done too...just useable

[Questsportfishing]

break out another thousand..!

I told her that since 'the rod' decided that it wanted to 'separate' from the actual 'piston' ( and search for a new life outside the block..) in a final 'end the relationship deal' i will be seeing about '4 Boats' to find a new powerhead..

1543 hours merc 225 opti 2007 dts.. R.I.P. ....