Well I have been working away for the last week and a half, and boy is it nice to be home with the family. I've tried to have a weekend away from the computer, but couldn't help taking a look at this post on the site!
Well things have moved on very slightly - I have made contact with a marina in NC to move the boat to if I purchase, as it is on a private slip at the moment. I think I am going to go ahead with the purchase after doing a bit more research here in the UK. A friend of mine (who just so happens to own a paint shop) has just brought a monster truck (as you do) One of the guys he races with has those 454 big blocks in his truck, and can rebuild them with his eyes shut. They have parts sent over from the states every couple of months, and has offered to rebuild the engines for me.
Just got to sort a good shipping quote out, and when I do then it will be time for the green back to do the talking! Would anyone care to take a punt at what this boat should be going for? For the record, the couple of people I have talked this over with in the UK say they would have cut the cheque already! The current asking price of this boat PLUS the shipping is well worth the effort of getting it back to the UK. I cant buy a boat like this for love of money over here.
As far as spending $30,000 on a good to go boat, the simple answer is I dont have it right now. Even if I purchased a good to go boat, then chances are I would need to do the following to get her ready as a game fisher.
Would need to convert shore power to 220 for a start!
Electronics - fish finder, gps etc
Outriggers
fighting chair
The boat I am looking at has a chair and riggers - they alone would cost several thousand bucks to buy and ship to the UK.
Also, I dont want an over finished boat. I am only realy buying this boat as a game fisher. The plan is to strip her out and put back in what I need. Why go to the additional cost of equiptment you dont need? chances are it will need upkeep, and upkeep costs money, money I would rather spend on kitting it out right to start with. For a start away with the AC, it doesn't get that hot in Madeira! Next the microwave and fridge - I am going to need the space for a nice big ice box, somewhere to keep the tuna on ice! A basic galley will do, somewhere to make up a few rounds of sandwiches or fillet a Mahi for some Ceviche.
I could go on, but I have yet to make an offer on the boat!