Shakedown Cruise

[beamie]

I will say this when it comes to building your own 'custom' or 'homemade' boat.

There are some great boats one can build, plywood over glass etc.

But unfortunately it is really all about the passion of doing something and satisfying yourself. For there really is not much resale value in it.

Which is unfortunate for there is nothing wrong with glassed over plywood. But most people get scared of the word wood.

So if you built a 20 footer for 12K, and put a 15K motor on it and had your labor in it. What is it worth? May 15k.

Not gonna get the same as a 20' grady...........

If you have skill and no big funds to buy a new production boat you can build a great fishing boat for allot of sweat and moderate amount of money and have allot of fun doing it.

But like after-hours said.....yes many get started and not finished.

[Rmarsh]

Beamie...you make some good points.
I never really considered resale value...although I'm sure I could get more than the $3,500 I paid for the outboard.
Building my own boat is the only way I would/could ever own one.
It's definitely not something I would recommend to the average person. I have a long history of building stuff....including a home I built for my bride and I when we married at 21 years old.
I jokingly told my wife and kids I wanted a viking funeral....they didnt think it was funny! Seriously though I want it to stay in the family for as long as it lasts...and it will certainly outlast me.
Also..... I have learned every aspect of my boats mechanical systems....because I installed all of it.