Evan Gatehouse / Diane Selkirk wrote:

snip
I'm thinking a 1-3/4 HP plunge router would be my best choice; a laminate
trimmer seems pretty underpowered for what I may try to do? I'm not and
never will be a super wood worker type of person and envision a mostly white
painted ply/composite interior with matching varnished hardwood trim to
match what is already existing on the boat. Budget is about $200+ USD

It is amazing what tasks you can perform with a good router. The beast
just sort of grows on you.

That said, a plunge router is a total PITA for almost any routing job
that doesn't require the plunge capability.

Take a look at the Porter-Cable combo router kit which is about $200.

Contains both a fixed and a plunge base along with the motor.

I have one and it has served my needs; however, having said that, if you
are doing a lot of cabinet work, routers are like clamps, you can't have
too manyG.

If you decide to do a lot of laminate work, then the small laminate
trimmer routers almost become mandatory, otherwise not.

More important than the router IMHO, are the bits. Stick with carbide,
forget high speed steel.

I like CMT and will continue to buy them until they prove they don't
deserve the business.

HTH

Lew