Rockfarmer
ArboristSite Guru
Well Darrel lets compare it to boats (something we both know much more about). If I was lobstering I really wouldnt care exactly how pretty my downie was. I want to make sure I had the biggest Cat turbo in it, flawless elec sysytem and everything in perfect working order so that I could pull my 800 pots in 12 footers and make it back to the dock for 3 so I didnt miss my kids football game. Ive seen custom built boats, prettiest boats youve ever laid eyes on never leave the dock, owners to scared its to rough or doesnt want to put a scratch on it. Myself I had an old 88 Grady that I kept in perfect shape. Sure it was scratched, stress cracks, but in that boat I felt safe going out 70 miles and coming home in 8 footers and did. Ive seen a friend fish a pos Moonie boat for many years and he never got less than 10 fish a year, eventually winding up with a beautiful Downie stick boat. A couple of his best friends is on the show Wicked Tuna and I have one there too. For me its function before looks. If I had a perfectly restored saw Id be nervous about putting it in the back of my 86 and going into the woods for the day. Thats just how I think.