Okay, I admit it. I love boats. Sailboats, powerboats, dinghies even canoes. I don't even know why. They all cost unreasonable amounts of money and require a large commitment of time and money for maintenance and repair. And of course there is always that hopefully remote possibility of drowning while using them.



None of that matters of course when you are out there on a glorious summer afternoon enjoying all that boating has to offer. The boat slicing through the water, sails trimmed to perfection a cold beverage (non alcoholic of course) at the ready surrounded by your loved ones. Life doesn't get any better than this. Pictures are taken. Sunscreen is applied. And plans are made for future boating adventures.

Back at the dock reality begins to invade your thoughts. If we are going to continue having fun with this boat then I better start getting a few things fixed or upgraded. Maybe it's time for a new mainsail? What about the engine? Should I think about fixing that starting problem? And what about that smell that seems to be emanating from the holding tank?

The to do list for the boat owner is something that is always there. It is both the wish list of upgrades and the nasty reality of cleaning, sanding, varnishing, fixing and general maintenance that can drive you to wonder what in heavens name you were thinking when you thought that boat ownership was something you wanted in your already busy life. Even the dog is looking at you like you're crazy when you load your sander with a fresh sheet of paper. But then as you finish putting on that new coat of varnish and you see how wonderful your yacht looks (yes, now it's a yacht) and you stand back and admire your prowess with the brush it all seems worth it. Boats are beautiful. All of them. Something about that symbiotic relationship of form and function that just makes the heart pound a little faster.

When the job is done it's time to take a stroll around the docks. Very dangerous. The eye can't help but fall on those bigger and even more beautiful floating perils. This is where twofootitis can be contracted. It is highly contagious and can hit the boat owner at any time but never more than when that to do list is being addressed. With thoughts of a new boat that list just fades away. Of course that new dreamboat will be perfect and ready to go with just a wink and a nod right? Of course the reality is that new boat comes complete with its own to do list. Electronics need to be installed, additional sails bought, maybe a new dodger added, the list can be very long.

Maybe a brand new boat is still worth consideration. Something 4 feet longer sure would be nice. Bigger is better right? Those sexy ads in the glossy boating magazines look so sweet. They make the mind wander to places of untold wealth and leisure time. I know I'm hooked. I've already picked my ride just as soon as I pull in that big lottery win. Forty odd feet of teak and fiberglass, with all the bells and whistles. All the luxuries too, washer/dryer, counter blender, hot and cold running everything. The works. Of course she'll also be a performer the likes of which not seen before. I'm thinking close reaching at 7 knots in a 6-knot breeze. It's a dream remember.

Of course you have to wake up eventually and face the fact that you won't likely win that lottery and you already have a boat that get's you out on the water. Be thankful for what you have. So the head stinks a bit and you have to bleed the fuel line every time before starting the engine. At least you're getting out on the water. Isn't that the point after all?