A Trawler Deal. Some years ago, I joined this group to seek a trawler project. There were many amusing replies, suggesting a limitless supply of such things. In 2011 we found a fun one in Vancouver B.C. She had not left dock under her own power for a dozen years. But she had a good story - "Despatcher" is a 1928 ex-RCMP rum runner chaser patrol boat, converted to a cruising trawler in the 50's. We spent a year going over the systems and have cruised her for two summers in the Gulf Islands and Howe sound. One more vacation and we're ready to take some time off the water. A set of pics, a few videos and a longer write-up are available at the web site www.attheworkshop.com<http://www.attheworkshop.com> under the heading "A Trawler Deal." Those with potential interest please read on. As almost anyone will tell you, these old wood trawlers are priceless and worthless at the same time. What we'd most like to achieve is a seamless transition of ownership. One idea came to mind but we're open to any kind of offer. How about this? The buyer agrees to a low price, maybe zero, to buy the boat. But we reserve the right to buy it back for the same price in a year. The buyer, however, can also buy out our option to repurchase for a total sum of $10,000 any time during the year. What this means is that the new owner can try the boat before committing any meaningful capital. If the boat holds up, which I think it will, the most the buyer would have to pay is $10,000. If we don't exercise the repurchase option because other activities get in the way of more boat time, the buyer gets the boat for almost nothing. Renting the boat to someone raises insurance costs and renters don't have any incentive to catch problems and provide upgrades as needed. Seeking a higher price increases the time and effort required to find a new owner. The web site gives more particulars on how the boat is equipped. It is fully outfitted for basic living and cruising requirements including all required safety gear, navigation gear, lighting, and so on. The interior is comfortable as the pictures show. Power is twin 80 hp English Ford Diesels. Anyone out there with an adventurer's heart? This offer might sound strange but it reflects the reality of old boats. At the 2011 survey, the conclusion was that, in today's market, the boat had three, very different, valuations: Replacement cost ($1 Million), Market value if fully restored ($40K), cost of a full restoration (about $200K). If you do the math, it makes sense to enjoy the boat as long as it lasts without undertaking wholesale upgrades and shipwright quality repairs. This boat is so simple that almost anything can be fixed from parts available off the shelf at a decent hardware store, lumber yard or Canadian Tire. OK, maybe a trip once a year to Steveston or West Marine. Rex