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Author Topic:   Rather work on your boat or ride in it?

Chesapeake posted 08-09-2002 09:59 AM ET (US)
My wife recently asked me this question. It was 11pm and I was in the garage and in the whaler taking measurements for a new hatch cover for my Nauset.
I may be the odd-ball here, but her inquiry has nagged at me for a couple of weeks. I have come to the conclusion that I love being in the boat... but I enjoy restoring it even more.
The prospect, however, made me a bit seasick. Since the Nauset is just pretty much done, down to a new motor, I find myself thinking about another re-hab job.
Was wondering how others on this forum might respond to the same question.
Bob
"Chesapeake"
jstachowiak posted 08-09-2002 10:44 AM ET (US)
I've been on this site since I bought my rehab project whaler and have asked myself and wondered the same question. I'm not sure I can answer that question. I like both equally, and when you reach the end of a project, there is something missing then. So you look at and long for that next project. I believe you and others are like me, when you are not working on your boat, you probably are thinking about it and what and how you are going to tackle the next phase of your project. Good luck, and like everything, moderation and balance.
Gep posted 08-09-2002 10:44 AM ET (US)
Bob,
Face it, most of our wives don't understand.
When I finished my 13' restoration I didn't want to take it out on the water. It might get dirty you know.
Gep posted 08-09-2002 10:48 AM ET (US)
Oops, I hit the send button too quick.
I was going to finish by saying that now I have a 18' Outrage for a project and she's dreading it.
I think it's a little more fun to be using it though.
You could always do what I have to do now, work on it while your on the water.
I've been changing out parts and polishing it while anchored at the beach.
That way the wife and kids get to do thier thing and I get to do mine.
Mike
jimp posted 08-09-2002 10:50 AM ET (US)
Bob -
You got the disease! I agree with you. My 1990 Revenge 22 is in fine shape, needs things here & there. But my beat 1968 waterlogged Squall is drying out in the garage - 4-5 years from now (maybe 10), I can start to work on it!
Like reading a good book. James Michener's novel "The Novel" says that as you get towards the end of a really great book, you read slower, not wanting it to end. Just like Whaler projects, you keep on finding things to do, to make better, etc. But sooner or later, you have to splash her.
JimP
JBCornwell posted 08-09-2002 11:35 AM ET (US)
Howdy, Chesapeake.
I just came in from the shop to take a break and check the net. I was working on my 11 Tender and planning more improvements to my 17 Montauk.
Too bad the market thrashed me so bad that I had to sell Mike the Outrage. Now there is an opportunity to spend many hours turning a usable boat into a marina queen!
Which do I like better, working on them or using them? You might as well ask me which of my four children, 8 grandchildren and one Great. . .etc. is my favorite.
Each satisfies a different need.
Red sky at night. . .
JB :)
T Party posted 08-09-2002 11:44 AM ET (US)
Ride.
I've built a simple plywood rowboat, oars and paddles (one has a gaff hook on one end); I've raised my Montauk console on varnished mahogany blocks of my own design and labor, and I'm in the process of rehabilitating a worn out Windmill sailboat that I got for nothing, and I have plans to add a stern seat/rear casting platform in my Montauk (when I repower, which may be soon, I'll install a setback bracket and hydraulic steering) - so I'm not saying I don't enjoy projects. I enjoy working on the boat - but what I enjoy most is that special pleasure and pride that comes from using the products of my labor and having them perform as expected (or better!). In sum, I enjoy the work a great deal, but not nearly as much as using the thing.
Also, and this may be kinda nuts, but as soon as I reach a satisfactory level of finish, I stop. I don't keep polishing or adding coats of varnish or paint or wax or whatever. I keep my boat ship-shape and try to keep everything in its place, but I don't scrub everything down until it's dirty. in other words, my work is not for the sake of working, but for the sake of increasing my enjoyment of the boat and maintaining it properly.
Chesapeake posted 08-09-2002 11:45 AM ET (US)
JB- When I started reading your post, I thought it would finish that your favorite was the child that was conceived on a whaler...
JimP- Being a Michener fan (boat is named after his "best" novel), the comment about reading slower is pertinent. Now at the end, tackling the smallish, tedious issues like nicks in the gelcoat seem to occupy an inordinate amount of time.
Whaler Proud posted 08-09-2002 11:58 AM ET (US)
I went into a deep depression when I got mine ready for the water.
I recovered when the first splash hit me.
This winter I'll tear it apart again to fulfill the restoration urge.
bocadrew posted 08-09-2002 12:15 PM ET (US)
I would rather ride. Hate working on boats. I envy the skill only, of those that do. My first boat was a Bayliner that I paid five thousand for (after i paid 400K to have a waterfront house.)I practically tore that thing apart learning how do dock. Anyway, I know the reputation of Bayliners,but I used that boat almost everyday and I would see people with boats a lot nicer then mine that were never used and dare I say I felt superior in my little Bayliner... that is untill my bilge stopped working and a few days of heavy rain and my boat sunk at the dock. Now I have Whaler, but is still about the ride!
ratherwhalering posted 08-09-2002 12:18 PM ET (US)
I've always thought that the journey, not the destination, was the best part of any trip. Now that I have my montauk fully functional and looking great, I find myself looking for an OR 18. My friends think I'm nuts, since I couldn'y get he $$, let alone the labor I put into the Montauk, back if I sold her. The really sick part is that I miss the projects, puzzles, and results. That's probably why I hang out at this site, and always look at the repairs section first. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to use her (got 28 and 30 lb. King Salmon yesterday), but I miss the challenge. Enough said...anyone know about an OR 18' for sale?
John O posted 08-09-2002 12:22 PM ET (US)
My wife and I are in the process of buying a house or some land to bulid on in the future. The scary thing now is that I look to see if the garage space will be big enough to work on my 88 Newtauk. If not I move on to another property and tell my wife that the "house" had problems. She also can't understand my suggestions of buying land and buliding a large barn or garage FIRST and later adding on a house. What's the problem here?
John O posted 08-09-2002 12:25 PM ET (US)
oh yeah, enjoyed working on my 88 this spring as a"new" boat owner, but the summers are for the water. Each season has a place. This winter I will remove all the Teak/ Mahog and refinish. Can't wait!
rsgwynn1 posted 08-09-2002 12:52 PM ET (US)
I've been working on my 22 Revenge Cuddy since April, and the end still doesn't seem in sight--which is fine with me except that the Texas gulf coast is not the best climate to be spending long hours at outside work. However, whenever my wife asks, "Will it ever be finished?" I just remind her that there is an institution called "The Navy," and that 90% of their duties consists of chipping rust and painting.
70_Katama posted 08-09-2002 01:01 PM ET (US)
My wife thinks I'm nuts. Working late into the night, spending all kinds of money, Hanging out at this site. "Are you ever going to use that boat"?
"It's not ready" I say. Hell, sometimes I go into the garage and just stare at it. I've had the bug for sometime now. Should have her out in a couple of weeks for the first time in a long time!
Oh well.
Bigshot posted 08-09-2002 01:20 PM ET (US)
I like finding the deal. Then ripping it down, detailing, and putting it back together. The 13 was a great project but was more time consuming(and $$) then I expected. The end result is worth it though. I wish I had a child so I could keep it for him/her. But she has to go and I'll find another one day.
My Montauk on the other hand looks like a hunk a crap. I have not washed it since April I think. The bottom paint needs attention, the rubrail is shongo, etc. Problem is it is totally functional and I just go outside, pull off the covers, hit the key and go. Even the lights still work. After all the oak leaves bounce off my head, she looks clean enough to me:) I do have to install the rubrail I have had since December, buff and wax it, tighten the railings(again), strip the teak and refinish, paint the pate, and rewire the bilge. No biggie but aint gonna happen in this FL heat. Maybe in October.
Bigshot posted 08-09-2002 01:22 PM ET (US)
PS I have put 100 hours on it since I rigged it in early feb. Not too shabby and leaves little time for cleaning:)
hauptjm posted 08-09-2002 01:37 PM ET (US)
BS, man can I relate. The great thing about the Montauk is, when the time comes, she'll shine up better than any other craft available. I have a buddy that probably went 5 years in the total use and no maintenence mode. Other than basic engine and fuel stuff, he went all out racking up untold hours. Then the 12 year old 175 Rude went on permanent vaction. He pulled her together, put a new 200 OMC on, and went back to using her almost daily. And that was back in '92.
She still works like a charm.
ps. She's a '71 21ft. Outrage. 31 years old, and just hitting the prime of life.
Chesapeake posted 08-09-2002 01:52 PM ET (US)
Nick: I was wondering if and how you might answer. You have owned more boats than most of us (together?) and I wouldn't have thought that you could own that many boats and still have time to work on them. Interesting balance. How do you think Larry Goltz will measure up on this topic?
Men: Thought I may have been the odd bird on the roost. Glad to know that this workonwhaleritis is not a rare disease. Keep 'em coming...
PS. Since a 19 won't fit in my Chicago garage... should I sell the house or is there a better way. Love that snowy Saturday morning in the garage, on the whaler, with a cup of black coffee.
Drydock posted 08-09-2002 02:24 PM ET (US)
Well what would you expect from a username of Drydock! I used to build model ships when I was a kid. Now I try and work on full size boats. I get a special pleasure from my project boat which is a sail boat and from my whaler which only needs some improvements and enhancements. I find it enjoyable to spend time around them both in the water or out. I would miss either of them. But my wife thinks I'm a nut.
skred posted 08-09-2002 02:47 PM ET (US)
You know the old story: "I got a Whaler for my wife - best swap I ever made...."
JFM posted 08-09-2002 03:56 PM ET (US)
I get 5 weeks vacation. I just used 1 up working on my Nauset and I don't even have it painted yet.
Beater fishing boat in Fla., I don't think so. When I get it finished I'll be afraid to get in her.
Regards, Jay
GAwhale posted 08-09-2002 04:36 PM ET (US)
I bought a brand new Whaler. No Regrets.
I have a four year old. Whenever I do projects around the house, she always wants to be Daddy's helper.
I work on airplanes in a Heavy Maintenance Hanger. The planes come in every six years for this big visit. It's always amazing how fast the planes get taken apart; and then how incredibly SLOWLY they get put back together. The airplane gets worked around the clock 7 days a week. There is lots of metal work.
I like my weekends riding on the boat with my family. It might be fun to restore a Whaler someday. I'll proably just keep mine and take care of her.
JFM posted 08-09-2002 04:36 PM ET (US)
That's 5 weeks away from my wife vacation:). Hopefully she won't read this one. She won't be back for 3 more weeks!
Regards, Jay
David Jenkins posted 08-09-2002 04:52 PM ET (US)
I almost started the same thread this morning when I read Taylor's comment, "Of course I'd rather be boating" in http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002588.html . I was thinking that, strange as this sounds, if I had a choice between spending an afternoon on the lake in a dirty boat that needed some repairs done to it, or spending the afternoon making the repairs and/or cleaning the boat, I'd rather spend the time working on the boat. This would be especially true if I was in the planning stages of taking the boat on an overnight river trip or on a family vacation.
skookum point posted 08-09-2002 06:24 PM ET (US)
My ratio over the past 35 years of boat ownership is about 10 to 1. That is, ten hours of working on boats for every hour on the water. I have a bad habit of buying project boats one after another. But its ok. I enjoy it. Sometimes the anticipation of a day on the water is better than the reality.
David Ratusnik posted 08-09-2002 06:36 PM ET (US)
Wonderful question by your wife. .03 While I detail the he** out of my boat, being in it X3- cruising with family-water sports, fishing with a few guys, or, as today, just being out on it myself (a little fishing) - I'd prefer to pay someone else to fix most aspects of it. I'd rather work a little more at my specialty and pay someone else a few bucks to fix things right- their specialty. One orientation. What a lovely day on the water today. David
Jay A posted 08-09-2002 07:34 PM ET (US)
My basement is my "doghouse" I spend most of the winters working on my HO scale train layout. It's now 12'x18' and keeps growing! Early spring is when I concentrate on my boat.I launch in mid April. Now I'm prepping for football,I coach H.S. football and time on the water becomes very limited. I'm glad I sold the camper! My wife is very understanding, she tolerates the train,loves the boat and hates football! I guess two out of three ain't bad!
browning20ga posted 08-09-2002 08:16 PM ET (US)
"Chesapeake" GREAT post, thanks, I thought I was the only one with this delema after refurb'ing my 13'er!!! I guess I'm more normal than I thought (well compaired to you guys that responded to this post anyway)
Thanks again, Darrell
bocadrew posted 08-10-2002 11:22 AM ET (US)
I think a lot depends on where you keep your boat, in the water or out. I keep my boat in the water which makes it much easier to just use it, then pull it out of hte water to fix it. The other day I go to the store and bought some oil for my teak and was all prepared to start sanding, looked up the sky, noticed what a great day it was, threw the sandpaper and oil on the dock and took off. If on the other hand the boat had been in my garage, and I had to go down to a ramp and wait on line to launch it, it may have ben another story.....drew
Hendrickson posted 08-10-2002 04:16 PM ET (US)
Got to STOP checking out all those deals that I just cannot say "no" to...two and one-half acres can only hold so many boats!
David Ratusnik posted 08-11-2002 04:08 PM ET (US)
I guess my opinion goes across the grain (so to speak) or into a 50 mph blow. I didn't buy my boat to work on it (although it's kept nice) or to worship it on a trailer (queen)-- it needs to be on the water (family in it). .03 Boating Costs = Dollars into it - divided by - hours on the water (doing something enjoyable) yields REAL cost to boat. I just know too many guys (unfortunate) with boats on trailers or lifts going nowhere. Eventually dump the boat or give it away. kDavid
David Jenkins posted 08-11-2002 09:13 PM ET (US)
My wife works hours and hours in a garden that bears no fruit or vegitables. It gives her pleasure and it may increase the value of the house slightly. Nobody thinks that is odd behavior. Why is working on a boat any different?
Dick posted 08-11-2002 09:43 PM ET (US)
I absolutly love the look of well maintained teak and mahogany on a boat. We have several classic mahogany cruisers in our moorage and I drool over them.
I have been there and maintained the teak and mahogany, would I do it again. No!
I bought my 99 Montauk because it was a high usage and low maintenance boat. I'll spend my time on the water and not worry about varnish and teak oil but I appreciate those who have the dedication to maintain a wooden or a wood trimmed boat.
Thanks to all who have the ambition to keep that wood beautiful.

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Author	Topic: Rather work on your boat or ride in it?
Chesapeake	posted 08-09-2002 09:59 AM ET (US) My wife recently asked me this question. It was 11pm and I was in the garage and in the whaler taking measurements for a new hatch cover for my Nauset. I may be the odd-ball here, but her inquiry has nagged at me for a couple of weeks. I have come to the conclusion that I love being in the boat... but I enjoy restoring it even more. The prospect, however, made me a bit seasick. Since the Nauset is just pretty much done, down to a new motor, I find myself thinking about another re-hab job. Was wondering how others on this forum might respond to the same question. Bob "Chesapeake"
jstachowiak	posted 08-09-2002 10:44 AM ET (US) I've been on this site since I bought my rehab project whaler and have asked myself and wondered the same question. I'm not sure I can answer that question. I like both equally, and when you reach the end of a project, there is something missing then. So you look at and long for that next project. I believe you and others are like me, when you are not working on your boat, you probably are thinking about it and what and how you are going to tackle the next phase of your project. Good luck, and like everything, moderation and balance.
Gep	posted 08-09-2002 10:44 AM ET (US) Bob, Face it, most of our wives don't understand. When I finished my 13' restoration I didn't want to take it out on the water. It might get dirty you know.
Gep	posted 08-09-2002 10:48 AM ET (US) Oops, I hit the send button too quick. I was going to finish by saying that now I have a 18' Outrage for a project and she's dreading it. I think it's a little more fun to be using it though. You could always do what I have to do now, work on it while your on the water. I've been changing out parts and polishing it while anchored at the beach. That way the wife and kids get to do thier thing and I get to do mine. Mike
jimp	posted 08-09-2002 10:50 AM ET (US) Bob - You got the disease! I agree with you. My 1990 Revenge 22 is in fine shape, needs things here & there. But my beat 1968 waterlogged Squall is drying out in the garage - 4-5 years from now (maybe 10), I can start to work on it! Like reading a good book. James Michener's novel "The Novel" says that as you get towards the end of a really great book, you read slower, not wanting it to end. Just like Whaler projects, you keep on finding things to do, to make better, etc. But sooner or later, you have to splash her. JimP
JBCornwell	posted 08-09-2002 11:35 AM ET (US) Howdy, Chesapeake. I just came in from the shop to take a break and check the net. I was working on my 11 Tender and planning more improvements to my 17 Montauk. Too bad the market thrashed me so bad that I had to sell Mike the Outrage. Now there is an opportunity to spend many hours turning a usable boat into a marina queen! Which do I like better, working on them or using them? You might as well ask me which of my four children, 8 grandchildren and one Great. . .etc. is my favorite. Each satisfies a different need. Red sky at night. . . JB :)
T Party	posted 08-09-2002 11:44 AM ET (US) Ride. I've built a simple plywood rowboat, oars and paddles (one has a gaff hook on one end); I've raised my Montauk console on varnished mahogany blocks of my own design and labor, and I'm in the process of rehabilitating a worn out Windmill sailboat that I got for nothing, and I have plans to add a stern seat/rear casting platform in my Montauk (when I repower, which may be soon, I'll install a setback bracket and hydraulic steering) - so I'm not saying I don't enjoy projects. I enjoy working on the boat - but what I enjoy most is that special pleasure and pride that comes from using the products of my labor and having them perform as expected (or better!). In sum, I enjoy the work a great deal, but not nearly as much as using the thing. Also, and this may be kinda nuts, but as soon as I reach a satisfactory level of finish, I stop. I don't keep polishing or adding coats of varnish or paint or wax or whatever. I keep my boat ship-shape and try to keep everything in its place, but I don't scrub everything down until it's dirty. in other words, my work is not for the sake of working, but for the sake of increasing my enjoyment of the boat and maintaining it properly.
Chesapeake	posted 08-09-2002 11:45 AM ET (US) JB- When I started reading your post, I thought it would finish that your favorite was the child that was conceived on a whaler... JimP- Being a Michener fan (boat is named after his "best" novel), the comment about reading slower is pertinent. Now at the end, tackling the smallish, tedious issues like nicks in the gelcoat seem to occupy an inordinate amount of time.
Whaler Proud	posted 08-09-2002 11:58 AM ET (US) I went into a deep depression when I got mine ready for the water. I recovered when the first splash hit me. This winter I'll tear it apart again to fulfill the restoration urge.
bocadrew	posted 08-09-2002 12:15 PM ET (US) I would rather ride. Hate working on boats. I envy the skill only, of those that do. My first boat was a Bayliner that I paid five thousand for (after i paid 400K to have a waterfront house.)I practically tore that thing apart learning how do dock. Anyway, I know the reputation of Bayliners,but I used that boat almost everyday and I would see people with boats a lot nicer then mine that were never used and dare I say I felt superior in my little Bayliner... that is untill my bilge stopped working and a few days of heavy rain and my boat sunk at the dock. Now I have Whaler, but is still about the ride!
ratherwhalering	posted 08-09-2002 12:18 PM ET (US) I've always thought that the journey, not the destination, was the best part of any trip. Now that I have my montauk fully functional and looking great, I find myself looking for an OR 18. My friends think I'm nuts, since I couldn'y get he $$, let alone the labor I put into the Montauk, back if I sold her. The really sick part is that I miss the projects, puzzles, and results. That's probably why I hang out at this site, and always look at the repairs section first. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to use her (got 28 and 30 lb. King Salmon yesterday), but I miss the challenge. Enough said...anyone know about an OR 18' for sale?
John O	posted 08-09-2002 12:22 PM ET (US) My wife and I are in the process of buying a house or some land to bulid on in the future. The scary thing now is that I look to see if the garage space will be big enough to work on my 88 Newtauk. If not I move on to another property and tell my wife that the "house" had problems. She also can't understand my suggestions of buying land and buliding a large barn or garage FIRST and later adding on a house. What's the problem here?
John O	posted 08-09-2002 12:25 PM ET (US) oh yeah, enjoyed working on my 88 this spring as a"new" boat owner, but the summers are for the water. Each season has a place. This winter I will remove all the Teak/ Mahog and refinish. Can't wait!
rsgwynn1	posted 08-09-2002 12:52 PM ET (US) I've been working on my 22 Revenge Cuddy since April, and the end still doesn't seem in sight--which is fine with me except that the Texas gulf coast is not the best climate to be spending long hours at outside work. However, whenever my wife asks, "Will it ever be finished?" I just remind her that there is an institution called "The Navy," and that 90% of their duties consists of chipping rust and painting.
70_Katama	posted 08-09-2002 01:01 PM ET (US) My wife thinks I'm nuts. Working late into the night, spending all kinds of money, Hanging out at this site. "Are you ever going to use that boat"? "It's not ready" I say. Hell, sometimes I go into the garage and just stare at it. I've had the bug for sometime now. Should have her out in a couple of weeks for the first time in a long time! Oh well.
Bigshot	posted 08-09-2002 01:20 PM ET (US) I like finding the deal. Then ripping it down, detailing, and putting it back together. The 13 was a great project but was more time consuming(and $$) then I expected. The end result is worth it though. I wish I had a child so I could keep it for him/her. But she has to go and I'll find another one day. My Montauk on the other hand looks like a hunk a crap. I have not washed it since April I think. The bottom paint needs attention, the rubrail is shongo, etc. Problem is it is totally functional and I just go outside, pull off the covers, hit the key and go. Even the lights still work. After all the oak leaves bounce off my head, she looks clean enough to me:) I do have to install the rubrail I have had since December, buff and wax it, tighten the railings(again), strip the teak and refinish, paint the pate, and rewire the bilge. No biggie but aint gonna happen in this FL heat. Maybe in October.
Bigshot	posted 08-09-2002 01:22 PM ET (US) PS I have put 100 hours on it since I rigged it in early feb. Not too shabby and leaves little time for cleaning:)
hauptjm	posted 08-09-2002 01:37 PM ET (US) BS, man can I relate. The great thing about the Montauk is, when the time comes, she'll shine up better than any other craft available. I have a buddy that probably went 5 years in the total use and no maintenence mode. Other than basic engine and fuel stuff, he went all out racking up untold hours. Then the 12 year old 175 Rude went on permanent vaction. He pulled her together, put a new 200 OMC on, and went back to using her almost daily. And that was back in '92. She still works like a charm. ps. She's a '71 21ft. Outrage. 31 years old, and just hitting the prime of life.
Chesapeake	posted 08-09-2002 01:52 PM ET (US) Nick: I was wondering if and how you might answer. You have owned more boats than most of us (together?) and I wouldn't have thought that you could own that many boats and still have time to work on them. Interesting balance. How do you think Larry Goltz will measure up on this topic? Men: Thought I may have been the odd bird on the roost. Glad to know that this workonwhaleritis is not a rare disease. Keep 'em coming... PS. Since a 19 won't fit in my Chicago garage... should I sell the house or is there a better way. Love that snowy Saturday morning in the garage, on the whaler, with a cup of black coffee.
Drydock	posted 08-09-2002 02:24 PM ET (US) Well what would you expect from a username of Drydock! I used to build model ships when I was a kid. Now I try and work on full size boats. I get a special pleasure from my project boat which is a sail boat and from my whaler which only needs some improvements and enhancements. I find it enjoyable to spend time around them both in the water or out. I would miss either of them. But my wife thinks I'm a nut.
skred	posted 08-09-2002 02:47 PM ET (US) You know the old story: "I got a Whaler for my wife - best swap I ever made...."
JFM	posted 08-09-2002 03:56 PM ET (US) I get 5 weeks vacation. I just used 1 up working on my Nauset and I don't even have it painted yet. Beater fishing boat in Fla., I don't think so. When I get it finished I'll be afraid to get in her. Regards, Jay
GAwhale	posted 08-09-2002 04:36 PM ET (US) I bought a brand new Whaler. No Regrets. I have a four year old. Whenever I do projects around the house, she always wants to be Daddy's helper. I work on airplanes in a Heavy Maintenance Hanger. The planes come in every six years for this big visit. It's always amazing how fast the planes get taken apart; and then how incredibly SLOWLY they get put back together. The airplane gets worked around the clock 7 days a week. There is lots of metal work. I like my weekends riding on the boat with my family. It might be fun to restore a Whaler someday. I'll proably just keep mine and take care of her.
JFM	posted 08-09-2002 04:36 PM ET (US) That's 5 weeks away from my wife vacation:). Hopefully she won't read this one. She won't be back for 3 more weeks! Regards, Jay
David Jenkins	posted 08-09-2002 04:52 PM ET (US) I almost started the same thread this morning when I read Taylor's comment, "Of course I'd rather be boating" in http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002588.html . I was thinking that, strange as this sounds, if I had a choice between spending an afternoon on the lake in a dirty boat that needed some repairs done to it, or spending the afternoon making the repairs and/or cleaning the boat, I'd rather spend the time working on the boat. This would be especially true if I was in the planning stages of taking the boat on an overnight river trip or on a family vacation.
skookum point	posted 08-09-2002 06:24 PM ET (US) My ratio over the past 35 years of boat ownership is about 10 to 1. That is, ten hours of working on boats for every hour on the water. I have a bad habit of buying project boats one after another. But its ok. I enjoy it. Sometimes the anticipation of a day on the water is better than the reality.
David Ratusnik	posted 08-09-2002 06:36 PM ET (US) Wonderful question by your wife. .03 While I detail the he** out of my boat, being in it X3- cruising with family-water sports, fishing with a few guys, or, as today, just being out on it myself (a little fishing) - I'd prefer to pay someone else to fix most aspects of it. I'd rather work a little more at my specialty and pay someone else a few bucks to fix things right- their specialty. One orientation. What a lovely day on the water today. David
Jay A	posted 08-09-2002 07:34 PM ET (US) My basement is my "doghouse" I spend most of the winters working on my HO scale train layout. It's now 12'x18' and keeps growing! Early spring is when I concentrate on my boat.I launch in mid April. Now I'm prepping for football,I coach H.S. football and time on the water becomes very limited. I'm glad I sold the camper! My wife is very understanding, she tolerates the train,loves the boat and hates football! I guess two out of three ain't bad!
browning20ga	posted 08-09-2002 08:16 PM ET (US) "Chesapeake" GREAT post, thanks, I thought I was the only one with this delema after refurb'ing my 13'er!!! I guess I'm more normal than I thought (well compaired to you guys that responded to this post anyway) Thanks again, Darrell
bocadrew	posted 08-10-2002 11:22 AM ET (US) I think a lot depends on where you keep your boat, in the water or out. I keep my boat in the water which makes it much easier to just use it, then pull it out of hte water to fix it. The other day I go to the store and bought some oil for my teak and was all prepared to start sanding, looked up the sky, noticed what a great day it was, threw the sandpaper and oil on the dock and took off. If on the other hand the boat had been in my garage, and I had to go down to a ramp and wait on line to launch it, it may have ben another story.....drew
Hendrickson	posted 08-10-2002 04:16 PM ET (US) Got to STOP checking out all those deals that I just cannot say "no" to...two and one-half acres can only hold so many boats!
David Ratusnik	posted 08-11-2002 04:08 PM ET (US) I guess my opinion goes across the grain (so to speak) or into a 50 mph blow. I didn't buy my boat to work on it (although it's kept nice) or to worship it on a trailer (queen)-- it needs to be on the water (family in it). .03 Boating Costs = Dollars into it - divided by - hours on the water (doing something enjoyable) yields REAL cost to boat. I just know too many guys (unfortunate) with boats on trailers or lifts going nowhere. Eventually dump the boat or give it away. kDavid
David Jenkins	posted 08-11-2002 09:13 PM ET (US) My wife works hours and hours in a garden that bears no fruit or vegitables. It gives her pleasure and it may increase the value of the house slightly. Nobody thinks that is odd behavior. Why is working on a boat any different?
Dick	posted 08-11-2002 09:43 PM ET (US) I absolutly love the look of well maintained teak and mahogany on a boat. We have several classic mahogany cruisers in our moorage and I drool over them. I have been there and maintained the teak and mahogany, would I do it again. No! I bought my 99 Montauk because it was a high usage and low maintenance boat. I'll spend my time on the water and not worry about varnish and teak oil but I appreciate those who have the dedication to maintain a wooden or a wood trimmed boat. Thanks to all who have the ambition to keep that wood beautiful.