I’ve realized I need two boats.

First, a small one to get my feet wet and build hands-on experience. Even that’s been tough, most of what I find online is overpriced, beat up, or doesn't match my expectations.

Then the bigger one, the real project. That’s even harder. The right boat isn't listed on a website; it’s sold by word of mouth or sitting around until someone asks.

The only way is to get out there, walk the piers, talk to fishermen, boat owners, and locals on the water. Someone knows where the right boat is.

It’ll take time, but I’d rather wait than buy the wrong boat again.

I’ll keep you posted on what I find out there.