A quick query; lets suppose you were open to the fact that you may be exposing yourself to a money drain, even more so than your average boat may be, by embarking upon a refurb. or project boat; what if any downfalls would you all see in docking said vessel in a freshwater lake during refurb. versus having it in final destination coastal waters?
I live approx. 5 hours from the coast, but less than an hour to a suitable freshwater lake that could easily accommodating a vessel of the size I am considering.
As my fledgling plan laid out in general discussions, to charter for the next 5+ years or so until certain of what type of vessel will fit us personally, so purchasing a fixer upper at say year 2-3, whilst continuing to learn while chartering comparable boats, would give me the opportunity to continue education and experiences, but also familiarize with my own vessel?
Not looking to get into a detailed discussion of the infinite pitfalls associated with a project boat, just FW berthing vs SW berthing!
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Crawfish

[AlfredZ]

Since you will need to work on it inside and out, I can suggest having it on the dry close to the lake may you require to run some tests or trials, then you can launch anywhere once you think it is ready.

My opinion!

Cheers,

[Savasa]

Good Morning,
My $03. Since you mention the option of fresh or salt water I will assume you have a method of moving the vessel (If not, then situate at final destination). I would suggest initially locating her as close to your home as possible on the hard as AZ mentioned with some sort of waterproof covering (temporary shed?). Running even "less than an hour" back and forth will get pretty stale IMHO. As your restoration progresses THEN move her to fresh water, for tests/trials (AZ). Then to home port.
I'm not going to even suggest potential pitfalls as that is YOUR decision. You're a better man than I Gunga Din.
Peter

Sound advice,
I think your right, even an hour would get taxing eventually... Forgotten tools, parts, etc. Not a great plan....
Regarding the transport, I can only imagine that moving a 50+ ft boat is not something you would want to be doing often, less you eat up what little money you have remaining following the refurb...
Refurb. I think i understand your comment there as well, will have to do a great deal of research before any decision is made in that regard I think!