Close to pulling the trigger on my "custom" Privateer 24, and I'm scared silly

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

A couple of months ago, I posted a question about buying an older hull that was professionally rebuilt. Well, I've been working with the guy who is rebuilding a Privateer 24 center console, and I told him exactly how I wanted the boat laid out...exactly what kind of console, exactly what kind of leaning post, exactly what kind of livewell, massive sunpad/casting area in the bow, my choice of Awlgrip color, my choice of non-skid for the interior, my choice of bracket for the engine, plenty of built-in storage, everything. Everything that would make the boat feel, well, like it was "mine".

I have to say, part of me was hoping that he would not be able to do something that I wanted, so that I could walk away. But it's all do-able. Next, I was hoping that the price would be so outrageously high that I couldn't afford it, and therefore i could walk away...but no, the price was just at the max of what I thought I could afford (16k for the hull...no electronics, no power...everything re-built from the hull up, all composite, no wood, done by a team of pros).

I have a 4 year old, a 1 year old, and #3 is due on June 1. On top of that, we live about 70 miles from where I like to boat. So it's not like we'll be using this thing a lot, for now at least. And the kids' 529 plans could sure use that money. So my brain is saying "let's think about this"...Plus, my wife just stopped working, to be a full-time Mom. So we'll have one more mouth to feed, with a bit less income than we are used to (she was working 15 hours a week).

My heart is screaming "are you NUTS, just buy it!!" If I wait until the kids are all older, #1 I may not have the money, and #2 I might not have the opportunity to get a boat I love (Privateer 24) customized to my exact desires.

I wanted to thank all who responded to my original post. If we pull the trigger, I will be posting pics of the rebuild...

My advice is to wait.

If you lived near the water and your family loved to boat it might make sense. But 70 miles away means several hours travel time to use it, plus the time you are out in it. That is a lot of time away from your kids....and a lot of strain on your marriage.

You also are about to start the youth sports thing. Within several years, weekends will not be spent on your boat....at least during the day.

There will never be any shortage of Privateers or guys who can rebuild them. Your kids, however, WILL grow up and move on. Any action you take at this stage of your life should have them as the priority.

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by numbskull

My advice is to wait.

If you lived near the water and your family loved to boat it might make sense. But 70 miles away means several hours travel time to use it, plus the time you are out in it. That is a lot of time away from your kids....and a lot of strain on your marriage.

You also are about to start the youth sports thing. Within several years, weekends will not be spent on your boat....at least during the day.

There will never be any shortage of Privateers or guys who can rebuild them. Your kids, however, WILL grow up and move on. Any action you take at this stage of your life should have them as the priority.

Well said, and true, always reminds me of that Harry Chapin song,
Cats in the cradle.

[Sea Dangles]

The key is balance.With three children myself I can speak from experience.As much as I love to fish, I like being a part of their lives even more.I'm about an hour away from the water no matter where I fish,but fish I do.If your not stealing time from the kids and you have your wifes blessing(most important part) then go for it.Nobody has the right to judge how your free time is spent besides your family and your conscience will be your compass.I have some wonderful memories as well as pictures of fishing with the kids.Your decision,although selfish to an extent,was made with the childrens comfort in mind so enjoy.Now it's off to Webster MA? for travel soccer!!!But last week I was catching cod on the bank.Good Luck.