Wavenbye,
First, it's not really possible to 'hyjack' a thread on a Dockside Chat forum, right?
We're just talking here, right? OK.
Here's more info on "Leaky", my sunken, first, practice boat, from my thread on looking for boat-lift advice info on http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=271371
"The skiff is/was sort of my practice, starter boat. It was a rental in Ocean City, MD for the past 30 years or so. I got it for $100 for the boat, $200 for the motor. I learned much from it, such as:
1. Bottom paint can cost more than a boat.
2. 2-year bottom paint lasts exactly 2 years, then barnacles are free to eat the boat.
3. If you buy a rental boat, make sure they didn't use drywall screws to attach the oarlocks, in case your motor won't start out in the bay.
4. Enough stainless screws, bolts, and 5200 caulk to keep it from leaking can cost as much as a boat.
5. Battery and auto bilge pump are overpriced in a marine store (so I didn't buy), but underpriced at home in a storm wondering if your boat will make it thru another one.
6. Don't, under any circumstances, name your boat 'Leaky'. Leaky is not amused.
7. Don't name the motor, 'Rusty'. (Or, 'C'mon, you F'n POS')
8. Think 'Happy Thoughts', for Rusty's upcoming description on Ebay.
9. Don't rename the boat, 'Poseidon.'
10. If, after a storm, you're more concerned about how badly your pier is smashed up, than how badly your boat is smashed up, then you need a crappier pier or a better boat.
I am grateful to Leaky. (A bit irritated at Rusty - not his fault tho) Until Leaky, my wife thought she didn't like boating. Then she suggested we get a 'real' boat, for skiing/tubing. (WOOHOO!!!) So I thought I found an OK boat to buy, she says, "We're not ready. We don't even have a boat lift yet." (Double WOOHOO!!)"
So, I eventually got TWO lifts, that SeaSwirl 2100 DC in my avatar, and a McKee 16' skiff for the kids.
So, I really have a lot to thank Leaky for.
Here's a pic of the new lifts and one new boat. The kids were out with the other one....
Jim