As far as initial cash outlay, he's absolutely right. How does it go?
"Rich men build boats for poor men to sail." If you scout around a while
and haggle you can be afloat for an order of magnitude less. Not only is
the boat and motor cheaper, but all that little stuff you didn't add in will
probably be included: PFDs, cushions, anchors and rodes, mooring lines,
spare parts, trailer, boat cover, etc.

BUT:

1) building is a pleasurable activity in its own right.

2) if you built it, you can fix it.

3) the cash outlay takes place over years.

4) you have an excuse to buy tools.

5) no one else will have a boat that's exactly like yours.

Roger

http://home.earthlink.net/~derbyrm
wrote in message
ups.com...

I have become interested in building a power boat, specifically, the
Glen-L Wee Hunk Pacific Dory (16') as a general purpose run around the
bay, up the river boat. My son thinks I can buy a boat for less than I
can build. My general estimates are as follows:

Motor (new) $4000
Other $1000
Trailer $1200

Total for building: $6200

He believes I can buy a used similar boat for less and he may be right.
Any perspective on this?