I have spent my whole life owning boats. From the time I came home at 10 years old with a 8 foot john boat on top of my Radio Flyer. I believe it is the individuals decision what boat to buy and in what condition it is . Just like the john boat that you had to keep moving so it wouldn't sink, my father helped me patch the holes and my mothers cousin gave me a 3 horse motor. I know the guy that sold me that boat laughed until the day he died about the little kid that bought his trash for ten bucks.
Ever since that day I have always owned a boat (or two,three) and bought fixer uppers. Have I always made money? Probably not, but I always sold them for more than I paid and never kept track of what I paid to fix them up. I don't believe in financing a boat, I am more pay as you go. I use my boats, I take them out every time I can and enjoy cruising.
My latest endeavor is a 49 Alaskan (Grand Banks) Raised Pilot House that I bought way too cheap on ebay. The difference is I went in eyes wide open. I knew this boat would have big issues and it does. It is a shame to see a piece of history deteriorate and waist away. Did I buy this boat to make money --NO! I bought it to make my last boat a beautiful piece of history. I enjoy working on a boat more than anything else. It is like therapy to me, although i swear and cuss while upside down in the Bilge busting my knuckles raw. I love to see the fruit of my efforts after years of work.
Now that you have the history I would love to post the progress of the rebuild over the next few years. The only condition is the first person that criticizes that I didn't get a survey or sea trial, you will never hear about this rebuild again. I know the rules and if you want to abide by them- so be it- that has whats given me the ability to get some great deals over my boating career . If you want to see the story of me buying this great boat check out my letter in the Bay and Delta Yachtsman December Issue. ( under anonymous )
I enjoy the Forum and it can be very informative, but sometimes opinionated.
This boat has great history from the first owners that were somewhat famous to it winning the Queen of a regatta as late as 1998. How could I let it Die?
