This approach isn't for everyone, but I would do it again assuming that I had the time, again. Find a boat you like with the proverbial 'good bones' in serious disrepair. Pay minimal money for it, and then gut it, in stages so you still have the use of it while you work. New engines, gears, genset, interior, electronics, pumps, salon glass, hull paint, new galley apps, freezers, heads, corian, diesel heat, watermaker. Now, did I save any money compared to buying a later boat that didn't need all this stuff? No, I spent much more, especially at today's depressed used boat prices. But, I have a zero-time boat as I want it. And a fully engaging multi-year hobby. Only do this if the boat is a very long-term hold, preferably your last boat. Now, based on all the money that I've put in the boat, how much of it will I get back when I sell? Very little. But....here's the payback: I run the boat the boat to Alaska in May, in non-virus years, chase fish and explore all summer and return before October. Daily use, several thousand miles of running, usually in remote areas. Reliability of systems is the primary concern. Some rough ROI yardsticks: If the boat gives me 10 seasons of mostly trouble-free use in this application, I've broke even. If I get 15 years, I'm way ahead. I'm entering year 8, so I like my numbers so far. The only thing boat-wise I'd change is that it would still be a Hatteras, but I'd like a 48' or 50' sportfish rather than my 45' for the additional storage space. I'd still run it like a trawler, 8 kts.