Well i was informed that my BLOG was not keeping pace with my vacation... (it's a lot of work - not working!)
(note: i take a shot showing the headroom - priority one.)
water in bilge. 
crack on deck. 
water inside. 
too short.
just find a nice view with a cool ocean breeze and order your tuna rare.
yesterday: i did 'open-boat' on two sailboats here in Marathon. (like open house) neither rates top contender marks. they had some 'issues.' Please allow me to explain.
#1. DISCOVERY. You first see the sailboat. Either in person or on the internet. (as this one was in the Marina and the for sale sign was visable from the road) from photos or 'the road' they all look the same - beautiful. you can't smell the mildew, see the dry rot or the neglect till you open it up and climb down into the 130 degree heat of late July Florida boat shopping.
(note: i take a shot showing the headroom - priority one.)#2. INSPECTION. When fact separates from fiction. is it tall enough? is the bed long enough? is it rotted? sunk? hurricane damage, moldy, mildew, nasty? IS IT WORTH THE MONEY? can this be a home?
water in bilge. 
crack on deck. 
water inside. 
too short.#3. MOVE ON. after you determine (quickly now after more experience) that this vessel is not worthy of your time, you walk away. then you have a lovely dinner and begin searching for the next one to look at. remember, there are plenty of boats on the sea.
just find a nice view with a cool ocean breeze and order your tuna rare.-skip
