[pianewman]

SHHH! What are you trying to do! Drive up the resale value of these few boats?

Seriously, thanks for your input. I was hoping to hear something along these lines. While my 12-year-old son doesn't care for the "old" character of the boat, it really appeals to me, exactly because it is classic!

Unfortunately (?), the boat in question seems like too much of a risk, as I'm involved in getting my dad's 20' CC back on the water. I'm going to continue my quest for the right Bowrider, though, as I think it fits my family's needs.

My search has introduced me to the wonderful Carla and Skip Fink, and we had several spirited conversations re: Bowrider. I'm hoping to visit them in the not-too-distant future and check out their renovated red one ("CJ"), and when I do, they'd better not turn their heads or I'll take it out from under their noses! I have to say I was thrilled to speak with Carl Moesly's daughter, which I've been lording over my dad, who read everything "Seacraft" he could get his hands on back in the late 60s, early 70s.

Thanks, all, for a great forum. I'm completely addicted again, and hope my marriage can survive it!