I get it-pulling the trigger on a boat purchase is hard to do. It is a big commitment of time, money, and your effort (see Feb blog). You are looking for that perfect boat, that fits all of your needs 100% of the time-unfortunately, that boat does not exist. We must live with some trade-offs or dare we say “imperfections” (hushed tones of course!).
I suggest looking for the boat that will fulfill 90% of your needs, especially if that final 10% will only be used occasionally. Looking for a boat with large guest stateroom and two heads? Why? Because you invite guests on your boat for two or three weekends a year? I hope they will be grateful for the extra expense you incurred, but probably not.
Does your ideal boat even exist? That heavy deep-keel trawler you want to move at higher speeds with low fuel burn. We are all still looking for that one.
It may be that you want to add moorage into the mix. Now you are looking for the perfect moorage, to be available at the exact same time as the perfect boat, at the perfect price. You must start somewhere, if the moorage becomes available where you want, try to grab it. If it is the boat that arrives first, buy it and work through the moorage over time.
There are many trade-offs, big and small, you will need to make if you want to be able to find a boat and situation that works for you. Waiting for the planets to align perfectly is just a way to avoid beginning. Find the 90-percenter and take that first step. Imperfect looks pretty good when you are tooling down the bay on a sunny day.
Todd Powell Boats 