Re: iboats forum is addicting?!
I've been on other forums as well, for fellow campers, Tacoma's, Checkmates, Scream and Fly, etc..., they are all great, but I think the level of involvement and degree a differences on iboats exceeds the interest I have seen on the others...maybe because it's more universal rather than make specific?!
Anyway, I appreciate the level of talent and expertise displayed here and the camaraderie/ribbing/advise/friendships that develop because of our love of all things boating is obvious!
I grew up in Tacoma, Washington on my grandfather's little closed bow (can't remember make/model/size) and in 1979 he purchased a 21' Bayliner cuddy-cabin and we went fishing quite a bit. I grew up sailing a 20' O'Day sailboat with a friend of my step-dad's and learned a lot about sailing.
Moved to Colorado in 1985 and the practical side of me never saw enough water to justify having a boat. In 2007 I purchased my Baja from one of my good friend's dad and have sense used the wheels off it (pun intended). With 2 young kids I hope it leaves the same memories for them as my growing up with boats did for me.
After cruising on the forums here (most nights over the past 2 weeks catching up on all the restoration projects, tinny's and glassers) I have gained a new found respect for the older boats and and glad to say my boat is 30 years old this year (I consider it old), not at the age of WOG or others but old to me?!
I don't know if I need a restoration...based on what I've seen restored/rebuild I wouldn't bet against it?! I have a very solid floor, very sold transom no cracks and a few scratches. She's been trailered, mostly inside stored or covered and her only real use was probably 1982-1990 then again in 2007 when I purchased (heck, knowing the PO, I bet this thing went a few years completely unused?)
Anyway, Happy Boating and Happy iboating!
Brett