On 30 May 2007 05:48:28 -0700, b393capt
wrote:

Also ... how about the math. A 50 foot boat has got to cost you,
including depreciation, insurance, yard services, wear and tear
(corrosion) of boat and electronics even when not moving, of upward of
$50,000 a year. If you have 20 opportunities to go boating each year
(due to weather, hurricane season, wife needs you to do work around
the house, kids have soccer, etc.), each weekend you loose is worth
$2,500. Why not cut your losses and get it taken care of by a pro?

Your overall number of $50K/yr is in the ball park but my situation is
different. Being retired I have a lot of time for both boating, and
working on the boat. It's docked at the house so access is quick and
easy. In order to keep costs under control I try to do as much of the
boat maintenance as I'm capable of. Diesel engines, generators and
hydraulic systems are totally beyond my expertise but electrical
systems and electronics are areas where I have some experience, not
necessarily boat experience, but well grounded in the fundamentals.
Past projects have turned out well and I'm sure this one will also.

If I called in an "expert" at $85/hr for everything that needed to be
done on the boat, my annual maintenance budget would be at least
double. That's why people come to these internet forums, to expand
their knowledge, and help others do the same.