This is not uncommon.

I guess the good news is that the second project is easier because of the takeaway from the first.

One thing to keep in mind on some of these projects is to know what your capabilities are going in.

Very few people can "do it all themselves" know what to farm out.

Talking about it sometimes helps.

Looking back,  I think between my dad and myself, we have done about 12 boat projects together,  not counting the ones we worked on for friends and family.

It's almost second nature now,  knowing what we can and cannot do ourselves.

Head up and get after it.

If it was cheap to do,  the rivers and lakes would be so crowded, it wouldn't be fun.

GT

Ya I've been posting a lot of "rookie" questions on here and nobody gave me shit about it.  It's been super helpful but sometimes difficult.  I have the ability to do everything but I'm on a limited budget and when I screw up it just costs more haha!!  Sometimes it gets frustrating but I'm glad I have the amazing support from everyone on here and look forward to posting pictures when I'm done!  Thank you for the encouragement!


Matt

Who farted?

YEP I HEAR U IM ON MY 3RD BOAT IN 8 MONTHS


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Might I suggest a build thread.  Post pictures of your findings and you will receive commentary that will help you formulate a plan and reduce mistakes.

One thing I learned the hard way (several times) is, sometimes it's better to start with a good foundation.

When you add up the costs of gel coat, upholstery, replacing stringers, etc. it's more expensive than buying a sound foundation on which to build.  You have to be careful, it's posdible to dump tens of thousands into a hull that doesn't retain its resale value.  Look at what you are starting with and what you will end up with.

You can't really look at a boat as an investment.  You will almost never get back (monetarily) what you put into it.   The time spent with your kid is priceless though.  However, only you can assess what is the best value for you.

Good luck,

Joe

HEY GT ITS A 18 CRUSADER


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Do you still have that one?

Pretty much echo what they said...

I built my first boat on a very limited budget. It did take me a very long time and i dont even have the foggiest idea of how much money.

When i would get frustrated, or discouraged. Take a few weeks off from it, maybe a month or two.

Hell my first rogers sat for about 6 months before i even started on it. (never completed it, and sold it)

A build thread is a GREAT idea. Heres a link to mine http://www.socaljetboats.com/projects/1970-weiman/

Couple of words of advice

Budget - Yeah.... i completely understand having a budget, but also just accept the fact you will probably bust through it.
I have about 3k in my fuel system because of a loose wire.

You will have a LOT of fun doing the build, and time with your son is what matters the most. My dad and I built mine with me footing the bill, well most of it.

There are a lot of very nice boats on here. And lots of very nice people. I've accepted the fact i personally dont have the budget to have my boat as nice as theirs, so i chose what I wanted out of it and did that. I have something different that is fairly quick.

One thing i did, that i will not do again. Is i went in WAY over my head. When my first engine let go, it was all holds barred. I dropped every last dime i could just to get the boat back together. (hence the 3k fuel system)

And double check everything. The fuel system was my fault and was a loose ignition switch terminal dOh!

But of all things... Have fun, cherish the time with your son and itll be worth it some day. Maybe this season, maybe next. I'll never forget the nights/weekends wrenching on mine with my dad til 1-2am. The beer drinking and the joking/ball busting. Memories i hope to make wiht my own son some day