Scott: Thank you for your comments. Let me respond to a couple of your points: >list provided earlier is pretty good, but wasn't organized in a way to be useful< You are correct. I listed those items totally off the top of my head. Took me about 30 seconds. There was no effort put into organizing it. My only point was in doing so was to respond to those who pointed out that cost of ownership is unpredictable. Even though this is true, it is also false. Some costs ARE predictable or can at least be estimated with a reasonable degree of accuracy. As I continue to work on this concept, it will (in fact, already has) become much more organized. You listed three categories of variables (ownership, boat, operation). As I started to work this up, I quickly came to the same conclusion. I have already made most of the "boat variables" decisions. We are definitely looking at trawler type boats - not interested in sail boats, motor-sailers, speed boats or even "fast trawlers". It was this decision that led me to this email list. Exactly what size and configuration is still an open question. It is the "ownership" and "operation" variables I am trying to identify and quantify as best I can. Regarding your comment >nothing will help you quantify the enjoyment you will get out of the experience as much as getting out and doing it< Couldn't agree more. We could call this the "intangibles" variable and it is utterly unquantifiable but carries much weight. We do plan on doing a few charters before coming to a final decision on whether or not to go ahead with this boat purchase idea. Thanks again to all who have provided feedback on this issue. It is much appreciated. TK Allen