I just went through this, got married in September.
Generous people who understand what a wedding costs covered their plates. A few (out of 190) gave a little more. A bunch gave a plate and a half, and more than a few gave $50 or less.

It's tough for anybody like us, who appreciate expensive toys more than expensive ceremonies, to watch that much money kind of dissapear. Luckily I was engaged for a few years and seen it coming, so I got new cockpit upholstery and a few other updates beforehand, and i've already been testing the waters about new motors in the future.

Luckily we came out of it about a wash, although her parents and mine chipped in a few grand. I would be completely bull$hit pissed if I had to take debt for a wedding. I can say that now that I'm done with it

Anyways, i'll be back next summer (hopefully) with my rusty old slow motors and a wedding ring.

Frank bought my 525's and I'm taking his Zul's. The AT should be in the triple digits now boys......

Adam, I know you're talking **** since you'd never drop $30k with Richie to pick them up, haha!

And did you really compare the overall operating cost of stock 454's with 1500's??? Next you're going to tell me it's cheaper to own and operate something like a Civic compared to a new Ferrari!

Hahahahahahah

It sounded good though haha.....well you guys are talking about building bigger motors and babying them so they don't blow up. All I'm saying is that even if they don't blow up they still cost more to run, so you mind as well build smaller motors for a lot less money and beat the piss out of them . I would much rather run that civic like it was stolen, than drive a ferrari around like grandma cause I was worried that if I missed one shift my year was over.

[QUOTE=10M;3576273]I just went through this, got married in September.

We can tell....your avitar expired and hasnt been renewed! If you ask nicely, she MAY let you! Hahah, congrats!

Put the Zuls in your new Skater and then your cookin with FIRE!

Adams best post to date......

+1

Kevin, hahah I haven't laughed this hard in awhile...

I know Scot did not like this post but I think it says alot. There is a balance of power torque prop and hull efficiency and check book size that all come in to the numbers. But Scot I believe your boat runs in the 120 range but what are the costs to build the engines the upkeep and life expectancy? You said it your self you baby it most of the time. Now I know you did have to pay all the money to build those motors but if had to would you have? And why? Or why not? It really got me thinking the other day about Herb's boat and the cost to own that boat. Why would someone want to own a solid lifter motor in a boat? Are you really trying to get every last hp or mph out of it? And again if so there is a cost to it and for what about 1% of your boating time. Not to mention we all know that my XR drives are the negative for my boat, but if I blow one $5k get me running again. If someone is running 1000-1200 ft lbs of torque the number sixes will not last forever, and when they go it could be $15-$30K not to mention the cost of props. So again to Adams point that is a lot of Xr's. I also love Pat's qoute on fast cheap and reliable you only get two. It is so true. I never look for the cheap way out. I either do it or I don't. If I was worried that if something broke that I would be out of boating temporarliy or permantly then I would sell everything and find a new hobby. But at the same time if it breaks or I am afraid to take it far or it drinks fuel like Kevin drinks Kettle One and 7 up then I would also get out. It needs to fun and enjoyable for me to justify the $20,000 a year it takes for me to do this sport with the insurance, rack storing, fuel,winterizing and upkeep etc. I don't want to worry about using or breaking it. At the same time I know I want to have a decent speed, my goal is 75mph cruise and a 95mph top end. I know I will never have the fastest ride out there nor do I want it for the reason already mentioned. I hope I get what I am looking for with Adam's 525's I think this has been a good topic and appreciate everyones point of view and my goals are no way everyones goals. Hell if I was 30 years old and could afford it I would the best I could and ship the boat to Florida and use the hell out of it. Unfortunately I can not do that until I am 50