OK..here goes.
First..Thank you soo much to all of you for the words of encouragement, I sincerely mean that. It has helped make today a better day.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Some background on myself:
I am a widower, have 1 child(son) who is now 27, and soon to be a Grandfather in May with my first Grandchild!.(Grandaughter
This is now "MY TYME"
I bought this boat in December, it was a Christmas present to myself. Something I've always wanted, but could never get a round to pulling off.
Anyone with some internet savy will see where and for how much I paid for it. This was through someone I knew whos friend was selling it, he assured me that it was a nice and good boat, and well maintained.
I believed him, and it did look good.
Keep in mind, this is my very first boat, I have absolutely zero, zilch, nada experience with boats. I am not the most mechanically savy, it looked good. I did know however that I wanted a boat better than a rowboat with a motor on the back.
I did look over the boat, didn't see anything at the time to raise my concern, other than a few cosmetic blemishes which I can expect for a boat that is 30+
I did not open the engine hatch, it was covered over and not easily accesible at the time. I took for word that everything was on the up and up.
I do have a legal document signed, stating that it must pass Sea Trial, but also that is was sold AS IS, (which I assumed would mean the cosmetics, missing Hatch cover on companionway, which I now have), nicks and scratches..all minor IMO.
Even though I did ask on a few occasions if it had been winterized, and was assured that it was. Looking back now, I am under the impression that the seller lost interest in the boat with the purchase of his motorhome and just parked it, without any winter preparations. This is the feeling I am now getting. (I know, some of you may say that I have legal recourse, but this was verbal only, nothing on paper. Caveat Emptor.
I am stuck with it, I may have some $$ recourse, but my main concern is going forward. I love this boat, the looks of it and want to do whatever it takes to make it worthy again. I don't want out, I have great support technically on this forum, it seems if you guys don't know the answer, you all go out of your way to find the answers. For that I am grateful.
I will be boating with this boat, it might just be a little later than planned.
I have already put out thousands$$ to buy every safety thing needed, new rode, anchor, chain, windlass, radio, etc.etc.etc..
Downrigger, new trolling rods, reels, lures,
marina membership, marina fees paid for the year
Along with the courses I have taken, VHF Licence, CPS course..etc..
What else can you do during the winter except spend money on toys for your boat. Please note, I live in a condo, I do not have a yard or garage to lay the boat up in during the winter, to me it's the marina, or stored.
There is NO GOING BACK
I AM DETERMINED TO MAKE THIS WORK !!!!
If I need to change out the motor, well then I will motor next year, and just sit on the dock and look at it in the water this year.
Sorry for the long rant, just wanted to get as much as I can in. So that you all know where I am standing.
Wish me luck
PS..Before anyone says I should have had a marine survey done, the $$ amount was a gamble against the boat price. Also would not had been possible to do a complete survey until spring, and it was priced to sell with another waiting to jump on it in the wings.
PS..Trailer it is sitting on doesn't come with it.
