Does It Take Everyone This Long?

[Kefaa]

Let me start with my family (spouse and children) have been very supportive over the past few years with my sailing review. We sold our last boat about 13 years ago (kids were born) and are now getting back into it.

For the past year or so, I have been doing a lot of research, and have posted numerous questions here and elsewhere concerning approach, thoughts, etc. Then, came the 8 year-old. "Does it take everyone this long to get a boat?" My instant reply was "Of course, because you have to be sure it is what you want, there are lots of choices, there quite an investment..." But thinking about it, maybe it is me.

We are long term buyers. "Typical" Americans may own a car for 3 years, but we own ours until they die. (146,000 miles and 11 years on the Tahoe). I want something I know meets the requirements of the crew, will leave me sufficient funds to repair, supply, and upgrade where necessary. I also recognize that a two year project boat will lose support quickly .

People ask "Did you look at a XYZ?" so it sends me looking. I had a broker tell me this week good boats can be in and out in less than 24 hours. I will lose those every time. I am unwilling to buy without a survey and an inspection by me, etc. If others can afford to do so, good for them.

So... Is it me? Did you look for something that gave you all you wanted for the price you could afford or compromise to get something? Or luck upon something where a compromise was unecessary? Unless you can buy new (I cannot), then I have to wait for something to meet my needs to be on the market.

Thoughts?