Counting the cost

So if you set out to repair an old boat, a consideration should be if you have the wherewithall to finish it, right?  My problem with wood is that I can cut it and burn it.  Other than that, making pieces fit together in a precise manner has never come naturally.

I'm thinking that it will be critical to observe the caveat "measure twice and cut once", among others.

But I think I found a boat that I can reasonably get into the water and have it be functional at least.  Might not be the the most perfect restoration when it's complete, but at least it only cost me $300 (so far).  I know that boats can be a big hole that you pour money into.

Perhaps it was getting the ol' cart before the horse, but I also bought a 1975 Mercury 20hp outboard from a guy over in West Fargo, ND for $350.  So my investment more than doubled pretty quick.  (This picture is of a 50 horse.  I haven't brought home the motor yet.)

I did already have the trailer, which was good.  That came from last summer's boat project.  I got a 1960's catamaran sailboat in useable shape for $200 including the trailer.  That mostly cost me some elbow grease in addition, plus some paint for the wood parts and a big hunk of wood for a new rudder which I planed into shape.  It also cost a trip to the ER when the 30-foot mast came down and hit me in the head...  My wife said it had that same distinctive sound like when someone hits a baseball with an aluminum bat.  So that sailboat already went into retirement and I got a smaller one that I can safely put the mast up and down on by myself.  This one's looking for a good home nearby where it can be parked in the water for the season with the mast up.

(to be continued...)