29VISTA2000,
Thanks, I appreciate it.
You know, sometimes you will find that looks are deceiving. This boat may not have been near as bad as the pictures depict. You have to be able to see potential

.
There has been many times that I have heard such comments as has been listed for the auction on this boat when in reality, it could have bee in need of a really good cleaning and some upholstery work. Had it not be around 1000 miles for me to tow it back I think I would have jumped on it. The cost of transporting for that distance would have added greatly to the overall cost and that is what made it prohibitive for me.
Several years ago I had a pretty severe heart attack. I was laid up and unable to get around for quite sometime. I had a 20' open bow runabout sitting out on a concrete slab. The cover had rotted away and when I saw it, I felt the same way a lot of the comments on here say about it being a piece of crap. I eventually started feeling well enough to do something. I hauled to a quarter car wash and sprayed several bottles of Zep mold and mildew remover on everything, carpeting and all. It was full of leaves, mold and mildew and I would have difficulty giving it away.
After investing about $20 in quarters and even more in the cleaning supplies the boat looked almost like new. I fired it up, changed oil and filters and used it for about a year and sold it. In my lifetime I have discovered that you can't always go by appearances.
Let me explain more.... I will be 64 years old in January. I have been around the block more than a few times. I have been shot, crushed by a trailer, run over by a military truck, have had three heart attacks, three open heart surgeries, two strokes and am on my second defibrillator. There has been several times that I would not have be expected to live, but instead of looking at me like I was an old worn out piece of crap, God saw fit to give me a second chance. Actually more like a 7th or 8th chance. He always provided another way that the doctors could keep me alive.
Keeping this in mind, when I see something, or someone that looks as though it, or they, are not worth putting any effort into, I will take a closer look. Sometimes first appearances are not as they appear.
All of my service connected disabilities total to about 210%. I can still out last a lot of people that have nothing wrong with them. I still see the world as being pretty much the same as I look through my eyes (with the right prescription) and I am fortunate enough to have somewhat a clear mind, unless I find myself in a wooded area after dark. It seems like I should still be twenty five years old, but high mileage prevents me from moving like it.
It is very possible that with a good clean-up and an engine refit, that boat might have been fine at a fraction of the cost of a well maintained and running boat. You just would not know it without a closer look.
230 Mike, That is why I am a Patriot Guard Rider. Thanks!
God Bless All.
Ed