Jerry,
If I had the waterfront home, or a large pole barn, I would have many more. The issue is the storage for me. I live in Downtown Annapolis, where land is scarce. I had a garage for my classic Mercedes Benz, but she dissmantled it while I was at work...
I think I would add a CC 23 Lancer, Lyman 26ft Cruisette, and then a large Commander. I was set on a 38 for years, but now I like a few other models as well. I also want to upgrade my McKee craft to a faster one. We shall see.
As far as my "system" with the wife. She no longer is involved in boat decisions...my next wife though will be passionate about boats, or at least happy
I think if one has a good partnership with a wife, and each is more interested in the others happiness, then both will be taken care of. There are many worse hobbies to be involved in then boats, ones that are not family oriented such as golf, gambling, "out with the boys", or woman of the "Spitzer variety". All in all, I think we are all harmless with our boat addictions. Remember, "Idle hands are are the devils workshop".
Yes they can be expensive, but if our bills and the future are being invested in as well, we have to get pleasure from various things, and boats are certainly the way I stay sane, hope, dream, discuss, and ponder.
I grew up on an island near the Chris Craft plant in MI and the gleaming varnsish and the blub, blub, blub of an old engine are some of the warmest thoughts I have and take me to a place where life was not complicated and everyone was happy. (we did not have electricity, phone, or indoor plumbing. Just a wined up Edison record player, boats, board games, and conversation for entertainment) What is the price for those memories? What is the price for the peace and warmth it provides 45 years later? How can one quantitate the sound of water rushing by the hull during a slow cruise under a sky filled with stars, your child curled in your lap as you both spot the constallations? How much should it cost to see the smile on a child or adults face as they water ski for the first time, take the wheel of the boat, or jump off the side into the cool water on a hot day?
At the end of our lives, we will think fondly of our families and friends, we will wish for one more day making memories out on the water, we will not think of work, or our bank account. We will see ourselves as young again, laughing, splashing, rehabing,....BOATING.
Kevin
Too many boats and still creating more memories