How far would you go to see a boat

[Dale R. Hamilton]

SWMBO and I have picked out George Buehler's 48' diesel duck as the boat we would like to buy to cruise the hemsiphere in our retirement. Now we have never seen this boat- in fact North America has not seen the boat. Seattle Boat show Jan 6-14 promises to have one. We are in Nashville Tennessee- air fare about $300 per, maybe 2 nights hotel, a rental for a couple days- maybe $1200 to fund the trip. We are still at least 2 years maybe 3 years from actually commissioning a build- should we decide on this one. Whatdya think? go or no go?

[Gresham CA]

Go for it Dale. You have to look at it as an adventure. Hell, I drove over 900 miles just to check out an inflatable dingy. It was a nice roadtrip though.

[ssor]

Dale have you ever been to Seattle? It's a nice place to visit and it's not like you're just gonna look at a boat and head for home. Take a rain coat. :D

[bamamick]

Oh yeah. You have to go. You are not talking about buying a Laser. You are talking about a very important decision for your future. You've got to go.

By the way, I have driven from Alabama to Maine and back to buy a boat sight unseen, so who am I to ask? ;) !

Mickey Lake

[Noah]

I took 3 plane trips before I found my Hinckley. It's part of the fun of buying a boat. Make the most of each trip though.

I spent time making a list of all the good boat yards near the area and looking at other boats as well as the specific boat I went to see.

[Alan D. Hyde]

Devise a legitimate way to write off a part of your trip expenses for business.

IIRC, didn't you say that you file a Schedule C on a boat-related business???

:D

Alan

[StevenBauer]

No question - you must go. smile.gif How could you even question this? I'm even thinking of joining you! :D

Steven

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Actually I could write it off Alan. I have a boat building business and this is certainly research- Damn I'm damn near convinced. I just wrote George Buehler to verify it will be there.

[Doug Wood]

Of course, you have to go. Only problem is...if you fall in love with the boat, your 2-3 year time frame may turn into 2-3 weeks ;) .

[Mike Vogdes]

Yes go and enjoy the visit, the air fare is cheap enough.

Looks like a real nice boat...

[ 12-27-2005, 05:57 PM: Message edited by: Mike Vogdes ]

[Stari27]

One only goes around once, so defintely go. I drove from Minnesota to the Upper Peninsula of Michican on February 2 to see the Fortuna, it was an adventure.
PetrB

[Venchka]

New Orleans-Rockland, ME-New Orleans to sail in a Caledonia yawl prior to making the plunge to have one built.

Go for it! Allow more time. You might find a better alternative. There are worse places to spend time around boats.

Wayne
In Texas. :D

[Bruce Hooke]

OK, I'll be the practical one...first off, can you speak directly with the owner of the boat to make absolutely certain that the boat will be there? Second, might it make sense to have a chat for a while with the owner to try to flesh out and address any initial questions you might have...

[Stiletto]

They look like an able boat, but I am a little surprised you have made a decision already without actually being on one.
Bruce makes a good point, make sure the boat will definitely be there.
Good luck! Where's the envy graemlin?

[Stiletto]

Double post removed

[ 12-26-2005, 10:38 PM: Message edited by: Stiletto ]

[Art Read]

"... maybe $1200 to fund the trip..."

You forgot to budget for "Seattle Coffee"...

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Just don't show my buddy Phil this boat

http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/1/7/6/1/1176191_1.jpg

http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/1/7/6/1/1176191_7.jpg

http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/1/7/6/1/1176191_20.jpg

This is his kind of dream boat, he is probably booking a flight as soon as these photos are posted.

[kc8pql]

My God man! You're talking about spending close to a half million on a boat. $1200 to actually see if this is the one you really want is chump change!

May be a bit big for Old Hickory though. :D

[ 12-26-2005, 11:27 PM: Message edited by: kc8pql ]

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Let me put it this way: If you saw a used boat in wood that you wanted, would you pay for a hauling and a good thorough survey? Of course you would, because knowing is most of the battle.

Besides, if a build commission on this boat allows you to design the interior, then a couple of years is a reasonable time to think that through.

BTW, that's a REAL boat. She looks like she has serious steadying sail capacity, and lots of storage and living space. Beautiful. ;)

[Dale R. Hamilton]

well if I needed any more reason to go see the boat- you guys have provided it. Leaving Jan 8th for Seattle. Both George Buehler, the designer and Bill Kimmly the builder will be there- and of course 2 Diesel Ducks. Many thanks- will give you full report

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Yep... best place to have your arguments about boats agreed to every time...

:D

[JimConlin]

To look at this question in the abstract, if i were in the market for something dead common, i'd be reluctant to spend more than 2% of the budget to go see one. If i were looking for something truly unique and special, i might spend 20% in shopping costs.

[Figment]

I'm told (by pro exhibitors) that the Seattle show is one of the nicest on the circuit. Enjoy!

[Meerkat]

For $600 cash, I'll go, take LOTS of pictures, interview the owner if available, and run up to Whidby Island to have a chat with Mr. Buehler on your behalf... ;)

[ron ll]

Now that you've decided to come to Seattle, is there anything us locals can help you find while you are here? Chandleries? Marinas? Eateries? Maybe plan on a ferry ride (walking distance from the boat show) to Bainbridge Island just to experience Puget Sound a bit? One of my favorite haunts is Second Wave, which is a warehouse-sized second-hand boat equipment store. Also, the Center for Wooden Boats on the south end of Lake Union is worth seeing. The fishing fleet in Ballard? The Locks? What are your interests?

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Well I'll only have one day, but very much appreciate the offer.