Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

I'm somewhat ashamed this ever happened, but maybe a cool ending.

I had a 1986 25' Baja Force. 454 TRS.
Loved that boat.
It wound up costing me a house, an ex-wife, child support, a new truck, a business, and a credit report. All this wasn't due to the boat, just a lot of bad circumstances at the same time.
I left the wife with the house and my daughter, all I wanted was my truck and boat (and my dog).
Moved 250 miles away to Pittsburgh, and reality set in. I could no longer afford the boat and the truck. (The business closing left alot of credit debt.)
It got bad enough that I abandonded the boat. Called the bank and told them "come repo it". This was a pretty bad time in my life.
The bank decided they didn't want it, and just wrote it off ( by this time it was in bad enough shape, and I couldn't afford to take care of it).
So, the boat is still sitting at a marina in Pittsburgh.
At this point, I don't think anything can be done with the boat, it's just been sitting, rotting, for a few years.

The cool part,
I talked to a good friend last night that is still in Pittsburgh, there is a Yacht club that is owned(?) by a baja dealer, and they wanted to make a bar from a performance boat hull. They had some contractors in and they built them a ship-lap wood boat. Not what they are looking for. My buddy is trying to get my old hull to them and have them use it as the bar.
I do think it would be really cool if this boat get's a second life as a bar, it served me well, and I'd love to go visit her,instead of just seeing her cut up and put into a dumpster.
He promised me that if he set's up the deal he'll send pictures of the progress - IF it happens I'll post all the pics.
As I said, I'm ashamed this happened, I made a few mistakes, but I made sure the only one that got hurt was me ( not the ex-wife, daughter, the sub-contractors...) The bank took a hit, but I'm still working with them to rectify the situation.
If my old boat winds up as a bar, I'll buy the first round.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Cool!!!

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Man that is a sucky situation. I thought I was going down that road once (less the kid, wife and dog) but something turned around for me. Probably the wife I have now and things have been going really well since. Hope things turn for you as well and keep plugging away. You know what they say. Hard work breeds success.

Jon

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Cat's point bothers me as well. At least send your daughter a card once a quarter (once a month would be better) with a snapshot of you doing something. You don't have to be PART of her life. You don't have to visit her or anything, but it will damage her (probably already has, but this can provide some healing effect) if you don't make occasional casual contact. No need for difficult notes written in the margins. Just something along the lines of "heres what I've been up to".

A Hallmark, a stamp, and a snapshot once a month. Costs less than a draft at the pub.

Now back to your boat.
I don't know what this bar's budget is, but have you been to any bars that have ICE bars? They have a lucite or sheetmetal trough lining the drink area (could be down the gunwale and across the nose) and chilling coils running through it. They pour water in it and freeze it up. There is usually a strip or two of neon from below as well. VERY VERY cool.

To do that on top of a boat bar would be the ultimate!

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

I'm sorry, that is a sad story.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

This boat idea reminds me of that Cig bullet or cafe hull that was turned into a wet t-shirt runway at the Hulligans bar that was at Fort Apache.

Anyone remember that.

E.S.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

about my daughter,
over the past few years, everytime I call her, the ex-wife starts an arguement. I felt this wasn't good for my daughter to see, so I've kind of kept my distance. I send her holiday gifts - which is the only time I receive a phone call from her. (I would expect my ex, as a responsible parent, to have her at least call me on Father's day, my birthday, X-mas... but that has yet to happen)
I have been writing to my daughter over the past few years, but she hasn't seen any of it yet. I'm basically writing her a book - keeping a journal - of what is going on in my life, and also an explanation of "why things are the way they are". I figure when she's old enough to understand, I'll give it to her, and explain any questions she has.
Things for me have actually taken a great turn!
I have an incredible wife now that I love with all my heart, have a good job and moving up, nice house, two great dogs, and almost back on my feet to buy a boat. It's been a rough few years, but I'm coming through.

My exwife called me 6 mos. ago to tell me she was moving in with her boyfriend (had to tell me a phone # and address for my daughter). I asked "are you planning on getting married?" she answers "I made that mistake once, I'm never doing that again!".
Funny, I talked to my daughter this past week, asked her to send me a picture of herself, she asked if I wanted one from the wedding. She then went on to tell me that she's going to have a little brother July 5th.
Do the math.
At least the ex can focus on making some other man's life miserable instead of mine.
I have a good little life now, not making as much money as I used to, nor the free schedule I had when self employed, but I'm happy. The time for me and my daughter will come, it's just a matter of time.

But I started this thread because I thought it was interesting that my old boat may become a bar, instead of scrap.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Mcollinstn,
Funny you mention the picture thing. My daughter and I promised to send pictures this week. I went out and bought some cheap frames that I can put a few pictures in. Would I be wrong to put in a picture of me and my wife? My daughter knows her and loved her - would this just cause more problems with the ex-wife?? (these are the things I have to think about).
I'm figuring the ex is gonna be really busy with a new husband, and a new baby, that I might actually get a chance to spend some time with my daughter.

ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!
THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT MY OLD BOAT BECOMING A BAR!!!!!
It would be a cool thing.
My personal life, and previous financial problems are irrelevent.
I'm recovering, and the only thing that could make me happier is if I could afford the "mistress" that I'm dreaming about.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

hey, if they need another hull for a bar i cut up a 30 foot Obssession with that same intent (just never happened :rolleyes: :D ) i have about a 4 foot section of the stern and about a 6 foot section of the nose.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

The only good part is we finally found out what a Baja is really good for :evilb: :evilb: :D.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

that is wrong!! :D :D

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

How typical ... :(

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

It was a great boat, and served me well.
Lake Erie can be a nasty lady, but I always made it home.
I tried posting a pic, but having problems with the size.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Rather than delete the above, I know I'm gonna get some chit for this... - hell, I'm gonna get chit for this whole thread..

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

No comments about the size ... :rolleyes: Theres a glitch in the system right now and nobody can post pics.

Dont worry bout what people think, as long as you know your doin everything you can ..... remember those sayings ... cast the first stone ... mile in another mans shoes ....... besides, most peoples intentions are good. They only want to help.

The boat bar idea sounds great.

Glassdave, I have a friend who is looking to buy a bar in Port Clinton. He is also a boater. Ill mention what you have to him if thats ok with you. :cool:

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Phuck the ex. worry about whats good for your daughter. stay in touch and be in her life as much as possible. i cant think of anything that is more important in life then the relationships we fathers have with your kids.

the bar idea is cool :cool:
make sure you post pics if it happens!

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

DannyD (Swipes) was looking for a section of a bow a couple months ago. he may still need one.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

RaceG - did you ever get the Junkyard CD?? - I'm listening to it right now. Good Stuff!

Steve - you're right, I've just been walking gently around this Biotch for several years, and I want to make sure my daughter doesn't know how bad things are between her mother and me. I always tell her she has a good mom, and the woman is a good mom (but a lousy wife).
Poor bastage that knocked her up....Good luck to him - never even met him yet, but, Good luck to him...
I know he's not a boater, he'd never put up with her sh$t if he was.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Bouy,
Thats great man. I bet that time in your life was very difficult. I also bet it would be hard let your boat go. I know it would be hard as hell for me. Don't get me wrong , Family first, toy's second, obviously. I can imagine you had some great times, met some of your best friends, even been in a few close calls on that Baja. At least it won't get scrapped. I think it would be really cool to go to that bar and tell a few tales about the boat, you know the good times. I'm sure you would certainly have the attention of one or two people. Hope it works.

P.S. I wouldn't send the pic of you and the new bride, just you. As much as your daughter likes your new wife, her family will alway's be you, your ex, and herself. Never forget that, no matter how happy she is for you. What would be REALLY cool is framing a pic of you and your daughter, the most important lady in your life. If you don't have one, photoshop works great. I would never want to get a divorce with children. It must be devastating. just my .02

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

I was past Circuit City several times in the last two weeks but never had enough time to stop. Did download a few tunes, sounds great. Hopefully monday I can stop and pick it up. Theres a few others Im wantin too. :cool:

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Need-the-speed,
I fought it every step of the way - it literally came down to eat, or pay for the boat.
I bounced back, and things are getting better.
Yeah, I almost was killed in that boat several times. STUPID kid that I was.
Anyone that thinks Lake Erie isn't "offshore" - I'll put a friggin boot in your a$$!!!
Alexis ( my daughter) , I think she will understand when she's old enough.
In the meantime, I've simplified my life.
Me, loving wife, 2 dogs (one is a pain in the A$$),regular job, regular house , do laundry on sunday, grocery shop on Saturday.
Good god, I've become suburbanited...
It ain't that bad - as long as I get my 35' mistress

RaceGirl - you probably won't find that CD at BB.
I met you down in KW - You introduced me to A-4 - Loved your shirt!!!
It's a great band, - if you want files of there songs, I'll send them to you - pm me.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Thanks everyone. I've re-read this thread several times, and I've been doubting myself for a while ( about how I'm handling this).
Your support, as well as your "get off your A$$" remarks have made me think alot.
Thanks.

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

LOL - Oh ya!!! I remember that!!

Thanks! :D

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Race Girl for Pope,

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

Thanks but Im not catholic. I do like to wear black but Im not sure about red. Oh and I hate head wear. I think they would get mad when I missed Sunday mass cuz there was a race on. :D

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

You don't have to be a priest or a cardinal... but you do have to be a dude. :D

Re: Maybe a good ending to a sad story...
 

I don't know how old your daughter is, but how about email or instant messenger? That's one way I keep in touch with my son during the week without having to talk to the ex. I also got him a cell phone so I can call him direct. The best piece of advise my attorney gave me was communicate with the ex-wife ONLY by email, it avoids a lot of problems. Good Luck.

what do u do when u want to leave but u cant stand the ideal of losing all the **** u worked ur ass off 4, i want to seperate and see if thats what i want but she begs and says it will be better,its not going to be ive told her i want out. my heart is not in it anymore.it started 3 years ago and we grew apart i told her 1week before thanksgiving that i wanted out again its been like walking on eggshells now.just dont know where to turn been waiting to get thru the holidays my youngest is 16now i have 2 more sons over 18 just really bummed dont know what to do

the only thing worse than being alone this time of year is wishing you were.. life is to short to wait.. do what you have to do for YOU

formula smormula
 

Ha haah ha that reminds me of a 4 year run in from 94 to 98with a guy in with a yellow formula he had a 27 or 29 and my 24 baja ol. 4 summers in a row I beat his azz:grinser010:,every winter I heard he was doing something to his motors , well I did too went from 425 to 585 to 600 in that time span , I even raced him when my wife was with child:eek:, it was flat azz calm that day out in the bay my wife said don't think about it and I yelled what as I opened up them dry pipes . but in the 20yrs I never had a small or large formula get by me on the cape, oops well the 1st year 1990 second trip out when I HAD A STOCK 454 i HAD JUST BEAT A 27 FORMULA WITH TWIN 260S, AND A 357 RACE BOAT WITH BLOWERS hunted me down 5 mins later and smiled as he went by us:ernaehrung004:. he was part of a 1ST 37 OL RACE TEAM. that was the only one of a lot of formulas on the cape the big boats we would blow away in the calm and in the rough just stay 50ft in front until they gave up, and with a Dean GELLNER 1050hp motor my return to the water this summer after a few yrs should keep it that way, not bad for a 20yr old boat,:ernaehrung004:. and after my friend destoryed his F2 formula kept blowing stringers on the 1st boat so the factory gave him a new one but he sold both for 75,000 one was a 99 and the other was a 01went over seas, when they each were 3yrs old he liked his skater/ superboat/ and spectra cat, race boats much better and if it was to rough he would keep the formula on the trailer he did that at least twice once in a cape cod race cause he figured it would fall a part again . he raced apba for 8 yrs from 97 to 05 with 5 boats. The spectra 30 with trip 2.5s rode the best I though, we did a RI pokerrun in 1998 and were running between 90 and 104 in 3 to 5 footers off of newport and blockisland sound they could have been bigger it was a lot of hugh air but the landing was smooth.only boats faster that day was a new 37ol with mike f throttling. PS can't wait to troll for some formulas this summer.:evilb: oh after the last beating I gave the yellow boat I herd the guy sold it and bought a hot rod.

thats a good idea with the cell phone and bouy thats a good idea about a book, I hope you can take her on school vaction now that the ex has a new husband, thats got to be tuff for you good luck.

I am sorry to hear that. That is a tough and complicated one to go through. I hope that you have friends or family who you can talk to who will listen without causing more trouble.

I will say that all of the **** you worked for is not worth being unhappy. I know happy people who have nothing, but their freedom. And happy people who have nothing but their partner. People first, stuff second.
Oh... and no pressure.... but how you handle this may define how your 16 year old views you for years to come.

I hope that you find some peace in this.

Being a product of a divorced home I could tell you that with maturity comes wisdom and she will come around. Just keep plugging along with the cards and try not to get discouraged.

WOW.
Isn't this a piece of history being brought up.
Johnny, all I can tell you is my own experience.
I'm happier now than I ever was. I've got myself back into a boat (24 Pantera) that I'm working on. My wife and I just celebrated 5yrs married, and we're still best friends. My old dog that I kept from the first marriage had to be put down a year ago. That broke my heart - I miss that guy. Have two dogs now that make us happy, and drive us crazy.
Me and the wife took some chances on new jobs, and we're doing quite well now. It's a modest living, but a very good happy life.
I'm still in touch with my daughter, but that is still a difficult situation.
The cost of losing everything was worth it.

You're happiness is important. And the "stuff" isn't what makes you happy. It only enhances your happiness.
I recall 6-7 years ago having to go through the car looking for change to buy necessities. I had to go through all that to get where I am today.
But it was worth it.
If you're miserable with her, well, that's no way to spend your life.
You only get one chance at this thing (life), better make it count.

Oh, and I still have no idea what has happened to my old boat - if anything.

thanks, bouyhunter happy holidays