Lordy,lordy,lordy.(yep,I'm from the south)
We've had this same conversation, but,not exactly the same,on TF,Grand Banks. All the nay-sayers "don't get a wooden boat "Danger Will Robinson!!!!!
I call BS. As I said on the GB forum.....I'll bet you dollars to donuts that 90% of those that say that have never owned a woodie. And,almost all the folks that say "run Forrest, run" have only heard,or seen,other people, who have heard from other people, that knows someone that may have watched Gilligan's Island,ect,ect. You get the point.
Steel hulls,aluminum hulls....all subject to electrolysis.
Fiberglass hulls blister,AND,if the stringers are encapsulated (Fiberglass over wood) you may wind up with a hollow piece of nothing,holding up(or not)your motors.
Wooden boats are subject to either rotting, or getting water soaked.
All these different types of boats have their own troubles. Some are easily fixed.....some are not.
Choose a boat that matches YOUR skill set,not some Armchair Admirals,who pretty mych don't like any boat if it's not their boats Mfg.
For me....give me an old woodie with good bones. It may ,and probably will have,cracked ribs,soft spots,bad wood on the superstructure....ect. Nothing a person with a basic knowledge of woodworking tools,and willing to study up on basic boat repair, can't fix.
Fiberglass is a different story. Not as easy to hide a patch,put on gelcoat,get Fiberglass out of your skin,ect.
Metal hull repair is harder,unless you,or a friend, can weld.
My point? Choose wisely. Know your limits. What do YOU feel is going to be the easiest for you to comprehend. Not the nay-sayers on the forum.
Great question for a thread by the way.
Oh,and my answer?
I got a 42FT Grand Banks that was hit by a tornado. Stbd side bulwarks and lots of handrail and caprail damage. Also,no rubrail on stbd side.
10 days,4-5 biscuit and gravy breakfasts, and less than $400 later.....she's getting back to her "former"former glory.
Just my 2cents