As someone who has owned many boats, ranging from a 30 year old "beater" to
several brand new boats, I would say cost of ownership is lowest in years 2
through 5. The first year is costly as there is always "one more thing"
needed to equip the boat, and no factory in my experience produces a defect
free boat. Warranty will likely cover major flaws but most small items will
be "owner fix".

Most boats will then be very reliable for a number of years. Fixing up an
old boat that you buy cheap is often a thankless task, and you will often
spend far more than you can ever recover at resale, but for me the biggest
problem is lack of time on the water.

Apart from age, there are other big factors, quality and design. Here are a
few things I would look for which result in less troublesome boats:

1. Single screw diesel power, with thrusters is needed. Power catamarans
   usually have 2 engines.
2. No exterior woodwork. None.
3. Type 316 Stainless steel railings and fitting. If a magnet sticks to it
   it isn't 316. 304 is commonly used but will develop rust stains.
4. Window sizes moderate, with sturdy frames. Diamond Sea-glaze windows are
   excellent. Bonded frameless windows good to if underlying structure sturdy.
5. Good mechanical and electrical installations, with room to work and
   conduits for additional wiring.
6. Single steering station and one set of controls.
7. Good drainage, hose it down and be sure no water remains.
8. Fiberglass construction with minimum number of moldings. The deck,
   cockpit and cabin should be all one piece IMHO.

There are more items, but you get the idea. Quality boats give less trouble,
and maintenance is a design problem as much as an age problem. I have
reached the stage in life where I will gladly pay more up front to avoid
trouble later.

The 10% figure is a very rough guide. Don't forget depreciation, as with
cars quality makes depreciate less, and depreciation is a cost you don't
"feel" until you sell, unlike regular repairs.  It is easier to start with a
new boat and keep it in perfect shape than to fix up someone else's neglect,
again IMHO.

Kind Regards,
HYPERLINK "mailto:designer@aviadesign.com"Grahame Shannon
HYPERLINK "http://www.aviadesign.com/"Avia Design Group Inc.
4884 Skyline Drive
North Vancouver, BC
V7R 3J3 Canada

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.5/425 - Release Date: 22/08/2006

Is the meaning of 'IMHO' printable? If so what does it mean?

-----Original Message-----
From: designer@aviadesign.com
To: power-catamaran@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 8:46 AM
Subject: [PCW] Cost of ownership and other questions

8. Fiberglass construction with minimum number of moldings. The deck,
   cockpit and cabin should be all one piece IMHO.

Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free.

In My Humbly Opinion

-----Original Message-----
From: power-catamaran-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:power-catamaran-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of
mrchuckjohnson@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 6:18 PM
To: power-catamaran@lists.samurai.com
Subject: [PCW] IMHO...

Is the meaning of 'IMHO' printable? If so what does it mean?

-----Original Message-----
From: designer@aviadesign.com
To: power-catamaran@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 8:46 AM
Subject: [PCW] Cost of ownership and other questions

8. Fiberglass construction with minimum number of moldings. The deck,
   cockpit and cabin should be all one piece IMHO.

Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email
and IM. All on demand. Always Free.

Power-Catamaran Mailing List

--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.4/424 - Release Date:
8/21/2006

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.4/424 - Release Date:
8/21/2006