Oh Happy Day $$$

That should take care of 2 or 3 no holes barred York trips.  Better budget a storage bldg next to the train room.

Yep, I miss my boat and my airplane, but I don't miss all the bills for them!

Celebrate accordingly with a 'new to you' Lionel Vision Big Boy!

Enjoy the $$$$$

B.O.A.T.= Break Out Another Thousand!!!!!

I'm a salt-water boy. Grew up around Mobile Bay and the Gulf and the bayous. Boats, water-skiing, casual fishing and the like were second-nature. But boats (and pickup trucks) weren't monsters then, and you have done yourself a world of good. 

Any boat over 14 ft and 35 hp is a hole in the water money pit, as you said. 14 ft and down, they can be enjoyed as manageable toys.

I recommend a Lionel SP AC-9 (non-Daylight!) as a "graduation" gift. 

My flight instructor told me many years ago if it flys or floats, rent it.  Actually there was a third item but this is a friendly forum so I will leave that to the imagination.

Hey, That's the boat I just purchased

There are two big pains with boats and collector cars: maintaining them, and storing them.  Both efforts can eat money.

Do you remember me? I’m pretty sure I was your best friend years ago.

I know the feeling.  Congratulations! No more throwing cash in the water!

My Dad had a few boats when I was growing up. I with him and watched him battle and curse them for many years. Seems like the only time they had problems was when he wanted to use them. By the time I was old enough to have one myself, there was no desire to do so. I agree  with Necrails above, if you want to go for a boat ride, rent one! 

I also agree with the OP about the two happiest days a boat owner has, I have witnessed that as well!

Told to me by a friend; "Sailing is like taking a cold shower while tearing up twenty-dollar bills."