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rwidman · 10-09-2017, 16:36

Ahh, the dreamers.

Just down the river from my marina is a boat graveyard. A place where people take their worthless boats with the intention of "fixing them up". Reality of course is, they don't fix them up, they just leave them anchored (usually with three cinder blocks on a rope) until they break loose and drift into the marsh. With the six foot tides, it's not long until they get stuck, tip and sink.

There's a local guy who drags them out of the water to the boat ramp and hauls them away for the value of the lead in the keel.

There's a point in the life of a boat (if it hasn't been cared for and maintained) where it's not worth the cost of repairs. Spending $20K to repair a boat that will be worth $10K when you're finished is not smart.

**Don C L** · 10-09-2017, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwidman

There's a point in the life of a boat (if it hasn't been cared for and maintained) where it's not worth the cost of repairs. Spending $20K to repair a boat that will be worth $10K when you're finished is not smart.

Yes, perhaps, but that last sentence is true of the vast majority of boats, regardless of condition. I think it is not what it's ultimately worth to someone else, but what has that 20K gotten for the owner?

**newhaul** · 10-09-2017, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwidman

Ahh, the dreamers. . Spending $20K to repair a boat that will be worth $10K when you're finished is not smart.

Wether is is or isnt worth it is a matter of personal opinion.
Btw just owning a boat requires a certain amount of crazy.

hafa · 10-09-2017, 19:19

"Smart" (within the context of anything financial) and "Boat Ownership" are mutually exclusive terms.

**Jim Cate** · 13-09-2017, 16:50

Oh, I dunno... owning boats and sailing have allowed me to avoid being locked up in an expensive psychiatric care unit... must be some fiscal advantage there!

Jim

double u · 15-09-2017, 03:36

as to excessive costs of favourite pastimes, there is a saying around here that would translate into
"the last shirt has no pockets."

**Don C L** · 28-09-2017, 18:20

found the original listing

**Don C L** · 02-10-2017, 18:17

This one will be scrapped if someone doesn't want her. Of all boats to be scrapped... a Spencer 35? Perhaps folks just don't know the build quality and the history in these boats. If you google "Hal Roth" and "Spencer 35" you will see why this is a boat that should continue to sail.. and CAN. I hope someone will step up to get a great boat and keep her sailing.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...327939893.html

The Spencer 35 Sailboat : Bluewaterboats.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Roth

**JPA Cate** · 02-10-2017, 18:32

Don,

I didn't look at your links, but where is the Spencer lying? Someone could at least secure a tarp over her.

Ann

brownoarsman · 02-10-2017, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Don,

I didn't look at your links, but where is the Spencer lying? Someone could at least secure a tarp over her.

Ann

She's a little north of San Diego.

She actually doesn't look in bad shape, either, and would seem worth the repower. Looks like she's been kept neat and not trashed at all.

**Don C L** · 02-10-2017, 19:27

She's in Mission Bay right now. I understand the owner needs to move her out of the slip this week but I don't know any other details. If there were any way I could swing it, I sure would. I have been seriously considering it but can't see a way realistically right now. Even if I could afford another slip (and boat!), and justify it, sailing her up here to my neighborhood engineless would take more time than I have available.

Joel E Felt · 02-10-2017, 19:42

Don, thank you ! ! You have touched a nerve. (In a good way.)

joel

DenverSailors · 03-10-2017, 01:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don C L

Yes, perhaps, but that last sentence is true of the vast majority of boats, regardless of condition. I think it is not what it's ultimately worth to someone else, but what has that 20K gotten for the owner?

The money I’ve “lost” while filling my lungs with fiberglass dust working on old, ugly hulls will never equal the joy I’ve experienced standing shoulder to shoulder with my kids creating beauty from a forgotten dream. Some expenses are worth bearing; and if you can sail away thereafter...alleluia!!

Thank you, once again, Don!!