For me, the savings was the difference between having and *NOT* having.
None of the older tubs that I have seen have appropriate capability for the
halibut and tuna fishing that we do here in Oregon, not without spending too
darn many $$$ because boats that *can* do the job don't depreciate much and
they are hardly ever on the market. See http://www.reelboats.com . I did
see a divorce sale Arima 22' Sea Legend w/hardtop that I would've loved to
own ...$33k, including motors and trailer ...an absolute steal! But, I saw
it after I was 30% into my building project. Oh well ...those rare good
finds do happen, just not often. My 22' boat project will cost somewhere
between $21k and $28k ready-to-rock (pardon the pun), depending on final
choice of motors and electronics.

Brian D

PS: We're a debt-free pay-as-you-go family ...big payments for lotsa years
is not an option. Something that can be paid off in 12 months would be
however (or own rule). Boat building boats larger than a skiff allows both
the pay-as-you-go paradigm and also saves you money.



"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message
...
On 19 Apr 2005 08:38:03 -0700, wrote:

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?

There is one indisputably good reason to build your own: There is
nothing else you would rather be doing, even including boating. Saving
money is a rationalization, but not likely a reason.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"Religious wisdom is to wisdom as military music is to music."