I would think that if maintenance avoidance is the issue then buying new and
selling before the maintenance intensive curve appears would be the
answer -- regardless of hull construction material.

Or, you could buy used and use the money saved to either have the yard fix
the "pox" (should it appear) or hire someone to maintain your wooden boat.

Or ... etcetera ad nauseum.

I have looked at boat ownership about a million different ways and from what
I can gather boats all cost the same. You just either pay it up front, pay
it on the back end, pay it in sweat or pay it by doing without.

I might be wrong but that is what I have observed thus far.


"Everett" wrote in message
...
Having had a couple of fiberglass sailboats in the past, but having been
off
the water (sniff) for over a decade, I find myself toying with the idea of
a
wood trawler. I like the idea of wood as a traditional material, as well
as knowing there will never be any of the "boat pox" problems now common
with tupperware boats.
HOWEVER:

The idea of maintenance scares me

Is there a good source of information about what it takes to keep a
trawler
in the 32'-36' range afloat and healthy? Can one really find good,
experienced surveyors in So Cal who know wooden boats? What should a
fellow
know to avoid stupid (and very expensive) mistakes??

Thanks,
Everett