I had no idea. I was looking on ebay, with no intention of buying anything, at prices for something I could take past the galveston jetties. One prerequisite (from the wife) was that I had to have 2 engines to venture offshore. Most anything with 2 engines was 11K or better. I ran across one for 6K. If it's junk, I thought, I could sell the engines for that. I found 6K on anunused credit card and hit 'buy it now'. Having been somewhat in the marine industry (service work, engines, generators and such), I wasn't afraid of a little work. I get there and the hull is near -perfect-, really. Just a couple of boat trailer dings on the bottom. The P.O. had redone the transom to accomadate the 2 big engines, and did a fine job. Being OK with the boat, I handed over the cash and drove away (new trailer, tires, etc, included). Cool, I thought, fair deal.

I was very worried that Laura would say 'what piece of junk did you bring home?!?!' or something to that effect (I have done that before). But, no, she said "Wow, that's a NICE boat!" "I love the lines." "Look at all the room." "Can we go out tomorrow?"

We did go out the next day. And the one after that. The ride impresses everyone and the speed was thrilling. And she's a very pretty boat, to boot. But I was organizing a list of things to do. First, a compounding and waxing of the hull and it looked new. I bet this one was stored, unused, for a long time.

So, now I'm hooked. What else could one want? A great, dry ride even in heavy(ish) seas; solidly built; plenty of fishing/people riding area; nice looking; dry stowage in the cuddy; all in an easily trailerable package.

Just want....more fuel capacity...t-top...more electronics...