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NoTies · 06-06-2007, 00:54

Brian & Clare.
If you're in Auckland and want to get together for a chat, advice, share plans, whatever, PM me your phone number. I am a marine engineer experienced in steel constuction amongst other things and might be able to offer you some assistance. Sue & I are also intersted in delivering aid to the islands next year (possibly in conjunction with my sister doing missionary work) so would value listening to your experiences/advice.

brian and clare · 06-06-2007, 17:45

Hi guys,

Thanks for the offer. We might just take you up on that. It would be good to sit down and have a coffee. Clare will be e-mailing me the boat photos today from school when she gets a moment, so I will put those up soon and you could have a look. I have been reading the bruce roberts book, and any others they have in the library on steel boats. Wheels has told me that a fire can warp the frames pretty easily, so I suppose that is something to look at. He said that most folks take a couple of years to finish one out, so that is a strike against it, but at 45 to 50 feet long (paced out, not a very scientific measurement) it is biiiig. The metal is pitted and hull a bit unfair, but a big ugly boat can still carry a lot of people and stuff, even if it isnt "yachtie". Oh, for anyone who might beinterested, the rigging knife is now on trademe at the below.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=103569571

As far as experiences, in Panama it really was quite easy to get things to the folks who needed them. We didnt come prepared enough because we didnt know how things would go, and did not have a ton of stuff with us. I should say that these are not "the unwashed masses" or anything, just people who are generally very happy (kids are always laughing) who just dont have very much at all. Truth is you (or me) are probably doing yourself more of a favour (ego boost? warm fuzzy feeling?) by helping them, than you think. That whole getting more than you give thing is pretty spot on.

Not much is wasted when folks are poor (or dont have a large income, which I think is more appropriate, since poor is often associated with lazy, stupid, etc.). The kids would ask if we had t-shirts or things like that. We would generally offer a trade, as it works better for everyone. Ask for a couple of coconuts or something easy. They will come back with a heap of them, and everyone keeps their dignity. For things like medicine, books, etc. There will be a bit of asking around involved, but that wont take long. We had a bike that we wanted to get rid of, and so just leaned it against a garbage, and it was gone in hours. Hopefully some little kid was happy. Also, rusted tools that most people would consider beyond help went like hotcakes. It doesnt matter how it gets to them, just that it does.

OK Gotta run for now,

Brian

southernman · 07-06-2007, 03:19

Hey guys you were looking for a topsail skooner were you not? Look what is on trade me

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...5148&v=Gallery

Chuck it in the marina - live aboard - cheaper than rent I'd say or a house.

**Alan Wheeler** · 07-06-2007, 12:20

Ummm.....potential ;-) but $95K is a tad optimistic me thinks.

brian and clare · 07-06-2007, 16:01

QA quick note,

Clare tried to shoot me the photos from school yesterday but they turned off her internet access. Billing department screw up. Hopefully will have them soon.

Brian

southernman · 08-06-2007, 01:15

True - it's a tad expensive but you know the price is just an indication - try an offer of 50k and see what happens!! Pay it off in a year!! Get out there sailing!!

Hey guys live the dream - love your auctions and follow your plans with interest. What about making a documentry and keeping records of your endevours to go sailing? Might be able to sell it in a few years for a bit?

Keep the dream alive and you will get there!

All the best

seafox · 10-06-2007, 00:29

hi Bryan & Clare,
don't want to rain on your party but have you considered tax on your profits?
I suppose you could sail off into the yonder and avoid the tax man!!!

NoTies · 10-06-2007, 01:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox

hi Bryan & Clare,
don't want to rain on your party but have you considered tax on your profits?
I suppose you could sail off into the yonder and avoid the tax man!!!

Explain???

seafox · 10-06-2007, 03:40

These guys are trading for a profit. Their intention is to sell for a profit each time.
The IRD considers that income and would want it included in their tax return as such. No different than trading in property or houses.
In fact if they get enough from these early trades they may be trading in cars next.
Just another thing for them to think about.

**Alan Wheeler** · 10-06-2007, 12:25

Hey, Aunty Helen has to be able to afford to buy crayons and sketch paper somehow.

seafox · 10-06-2007, 13:39

They could offer her a ride in the boat.

brian and clare · 10-06-2007, 19:49

Good point, I hadnt even though of that. I will leave it be until we get into the big bucks though (crossed fingers). So far I think they can overlook the 80 bucks or so in profit. ;o)

B&C

**Pblais** · 11-06-2007, 01:35

Quote:

I will leave it be until we get into the big bucks though (crossed fingers). So far I think they can overlook the 80 bucks or so in profit. ;o)

It makes the idea of promoting the story on the Internet a bit of a poor idea. It's all cute when it's small stuff but once it gets into serious money it is maybe better to lose the cover story and stick to business.

seafox · 11-06-2007, 03:15

I agree, the more people that know about it the more chance you have of Mrs Clarkes men knocking on your door one night to collect.
Gonna have to start another paper clip auction just to pay the tax