When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

[BugsBunnyBoater]

Is there a certain point that you know its time to give up on a boat project?
I have started two boat projects and they have both beaten me really badly.
In my case the time to give up was when I could not see an end to the project and all the deadlines I had set in my mind to be on the water kept passing.

If you have given up on a project point what made you decide it was time?

 

[chrishayes]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

it is almost inevitable that the cost of the resto will outweigh the value of the boat. Thats not why most people do it. There is no money in production boat restoration...you either love it, want to do it, or have to do it.

 

[dbkerley]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

When the passion leaves .... so should you.

 

[matthewp]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

It's a labor of love. I've passed a few mental deadlines. I'm trying not to let the project kill me. If I'm feeling stressed or that there's no end in sight, I try to take it easy and remind myself that I'm the only one working on it and there are bound to be setbacks. For me, it's not a "full throttle or no throttle" decision. Back off a little and get back to it when you're ready.

I'd set one on the back burner and focus on the other boat. Trying to accomplish two resto's at once can't be helping matters.

 

[chrishayes]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

It's a labor of love. I've passed a few mental deadlines. I'm trying not to let the project kill me. If I'm feeling stressed or that there's no end in sight, I try to take it easy and remind myself that I'm the only one working on it and there are bound to be setbacks. For me, it's not a "full throttle or no throttle" decision. Back off a little and get back to it when you're ready.

I'd set one on the back burner and focus on the other boat. Trying to accomplish two resto's at once can't be helping matters.

Excellent point

 

[IVAZ]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

When the fat lady sings!..... or maybe thats when the project is complete?

 

[raven174us]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Yeah, mainly it depends on how much you want to put into it. I'm restoring my first boat, so I am working day and night on it. To the point that my back and arms are killing me. I use to restore old motorcycles and I kept at it till I lost the passion for it and moved on to boats. I don't even have this one done and I'm ready to start another project.

 

[rucaradio]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

I so totally agree with you about the arms and back killing you.. The past four days using the angle grinder have KILLED my arms. The wife is prepping the outside surface so we can Interlux it and she pulled something in her shoulder, so she's been laid up all day.

Taking a day off the project today, and it's KILLING me! Thinking about going to pick up a couple cans of engine paint and doing that tonight so I feel accomplished.

 

[sschefer]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Excellent replies, I can relate to all of them. I think the key is starting with something simple, completing it and getting to enjoy it while you plan your next great adventure. If you know that the outcome will be grand your motivation should be greater as well as your patience.

 

[escapade]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Once you've started its already too late to give up, you've invested time and money into the project that no matter what you do will never get back, but some people lose the drive or funds to complete a project.

I've been working on mine for I don't remember how long, and just take the jobs and break them up into do-able projects, like this weekend I will be getting the wood for the stringers and engine stand and if avail the lexan I order for the windshield

 

[Duckseason]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

The way things are going I would rather give up on the usa than the boat project.... At least I can control what happens and when ..

 

[legoman67]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

you need to add a never.. LOL

 

[NickAndJena]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Give up?


What in the hell does that mean anyway???

LOL

I might consider giving up when I'm buried 6 feet below, although I may even have second thoughts then...

Hey, I'm a US Marine I can't help it.

 

[drewpster]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

I have no advice to offer because I really do not know how to do that. I guess when its too much...everything. But I try to access that before I begin.

 

[lakeorbay]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

When you become physically or financially unable or if it's affecting your family life to the point of divorce or kids not knowing who you are......seriously.

I would not feel right about giving up on a project. It would eat away at me. If it's taking too much time and money, then just slow down on both, but finish. Some people don't know what they're getting into until they find ALL of the problems (like me). But it inspired me.

 

[sschefer]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Read this, http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=315278

If anyone here feels like the lone ranger of boat restoration hell, think again.

 

[larboc]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Restoring boats is dumb.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Restoring boats is dumb.

Disagree with this statement. It is however a labor of love and knowing just what you have when you finish the project.

 

[sschefer]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Restoring boats is dumb.

I completely agree with this statement. Ironic isn't it because you have to be pretty darn smart and talented to pull a restoration off.

The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again the same exact way and expecting different results.

Let's see, this is my fourth resto, yep, I'm insane. Is there a difference between dumbness and insanity? By this definition, not a lot.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: When do you know its time to give up on a project boat?

Great now im dumb.I should have never started this boat thing.Wish Id found out before I got 2 of them.Dont tell Ive looked at more.It was only looking Im not cheating.Maybe another jetdrive with a open compartment and a big block.Is there a help group to cure this like aa?