==============================================================================prowlersfish wrote: ↑Fri Jun 22, 2018 8:00 pm If your going to repower with diesels , it should only be done if you plan on it being the forever or at least long term boat ( unless you have lots of extra $$$ )
case in point:
I am the SECOND owner of a 1983 Trojan International Express.
The original owner bought her at the Miami International Boat Show.
This was THE BOAT that was on the Convention Center floor.
He owned her for 18 years, and she was used to running from North Miami to the Bahamas ona regular basis.
I have owner her for 17 years.
First owner paid the depreciation costs.
I have covered the refit costs.
At the completion of the cosmetic refit of nearly all the soft goods, I will have for all practical purposes, a new, diesel engined boat.
This boat is large enough and versitile enough in design for me to do ANYTHING !
unbolt the remobable deck furniture, bolt in the removable livewell and fish.
Just had the FACTORY deck/fighting chairs redone.
I have two fridges, one is an icemaker - in the wetbar - she's great for entertaining
SHe has a 16,000 BTU HVAC (replaced in 2005)
With the new Northern Lights diesel gen set I can safely gunkhole, or overnight at the many locations within 2 hours of home dock.
Here in FLorida we can boat all year long, and we participate in the annual www.puntagordaboatparade.com
So in my own case, when it was time to examine the repair/replacement of the 2,600 hour (not a typo) Crusaders, one of which had some issues, the decision was easy.
Bought this boat at age 44
I am now 61
Boat is lift kept on a canal , behind the house, and she has survived Category 5 Hurricane Andrew, Cat 4 Charley (direct hit, she rode out the eye of this 140 mph storm) and most recently Cat 2 Hurricane Irma.
this boat is small enough for me to easily single handle till my boating days are over, which i intend to continue with till I am gone.
So for me, it all makes perfect sense.
Well, at least thats how I convinced myself
RWS