T&T: A nagging question

[Bob Clinkenbeard]

My view on this subject is,  that Americans, including myself, are used to 
having most everything we need and have become a very wasteful society.  (I 
don't mean to be political here..only an observation on boats and there are 
exceptions, so don't get offended.....)  Most do not go to the effort to 
maintain what they have.
When I drive by peoples houses I see their small boats sitting in the 
driveway unprotected from the elements and many times out back under the 
trees and forgotten.  I think the same thing happens in the marinas on a 
larger scale of those who can afford the big boats.....neglect due to a 
wasteful mentality.  It makes me ill to see something I would love to own, 
going to waste.
Why go to the trouble to maintain and take care of something when you can 
get another........?

Besides...a boat is not a necessity of life and it can lose it's priority 
pretty fast.  I would bet that most boats are bought on a whim...impulse 
buying....that moment that we decide we can have whatever we want and forget 
all of the other considerations of a large purchase....I deserve it!

I have always been a repairer/restorer in my daily life as a 
general/remodeling contractor for 37 years.  I saw neglect everyday...and 
that kept me in business. :>)  I have always found more personal value in 
something that was restored to it's former glory...than in something new.  I 
like old things that look and perform as new.
Now that I have dropped out of the rat race (the rats were winning!) I find 
myself looking for ways to make what I have,  last longer....

Bob Clinkenbeard
Restored
24' custom trailer trawler "Bobbin Along"
Locust Grove, Georgia
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-aboardbobbinalong