I have a 19' bow rider I bought new in 1998. I added a utility outlet and
ski tow ring when I first bought it. The next summer, I added a wakeboard
tower, handheld radio and handheld GPS.
I joined the USCG Auxiliary and use the boat on safety patrols. I've added
radar, GPS sounder, a second VHF radio and direction finder, more utility
outlets (for chart light and for using a searchlight) spare anchor and rode,
tow bridles and lines.
http://members.cox.net/wgander/MyBoat.htm
I'm not done yet - I'd like to add a fuel flow meter and trim tabs.
I get tremendous satisfaction and joy from this boat and have it on the
water twice a week.

" JimH" jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote in message
. ..
........have you sunk into your boat since you purchased it? Do you even
know??

I have always maintained detailed logs on expenses, maintenance and trips
on
all our boats, so knowing an expense cost total is easy to find.

For us we hit the $2,000 mark and we will be in the $2,300 range once I
buy
the fixed mount VHF radio AND the bill for the engine tune-up comes in
from
the marina. Remember, this is not a 50 foot trawler but a 1997 21 foot
runabout and the expenses were made only since August of last year.
Except
for the tune-up I did all the work/installations myself and the cost of my
labor is not included in the total cost spent on the boat to date.

New hardware items include: Depth finder, compass, anchor and chain,
anchor chocks, porta potty, helm seat, helm seat pedestal and seat slide,
battery A/B switch, starting battery, deep cycle battery and case,
sunbrella
bimini, stereo and marine stereo box, new prop, VHF antenna and ratchet
mount, misc. hardware including battery cable and connectors, cabin door
latch, anchor chocks and seat pedestal base hardware.

Maintenance items include epoxy barrier paint (2 gallons) and bottom
paint,
OEM gelcoat repair kits, new thermostat and an engine tune-up.

None of these items were absolutely necessary as most are upgrades and I
will not recoup the cost of these items, let alone my labor costs, once I
sell the boat. However, the upgrades make the boat safer/more reliable
and
more comfortable. I also know I would have spent considerably more for
the
boat if I purchased a similar one with all these features and upgrades.

So how about you? (Chuck, you are granted immunity unless you want to
fill
us in on the costs of your total makeover). ;-)