Well I'll start:

About 5 years ago, I purchased a 1976 EBCO open bow 16.5' boat with a 75 hp
Chrysler O.B. Numerous fixes, repairs, upgrades, general maintenance and
LEARNING and we (wife (#1)(family) and I) bought a 2004 Larson 180 SEi (so
far 2 hours of the total time meter). I love her ( wife jealous sometimes I
think)!!! Her name is "Shiznaz" (help from kids). Every one in this group
has helped allot. I listen, watch, apply suggestions, learn and laugh.

I have learned mostly, you gotta love your boat to own it. If you can't
stand to spend as much time on her out of the water as in the water, you'll
only pay for it later. For that lesson, I thank you all. Some may get
discouraged with the banter and politics; hey it's life. If everything was
lovely (weather, etc...) we'd all be boating and then come home and brag
about our boats, family, and the fun we had.

Remember, "Keep it real; keep having fun!"

Mike ( SHIZNAZ)