what I never understand is why beginner's buy a big boat
first instead of going up the ladder in an organized fashion, learning
along the way...I know that that takes time and energy, buying and
selling boats, but they could lease with another couple or
something...buying "the" boat first just creates unnecesarry angst and
often destroys the desire...

katy,

I agree completely. Anyone with your sort of experience
knows "how to do it". But many people unfortunately,
don't know "how to do it" and end up with more boat than
they can handle. The outcome is either hilarious or tragic.