I can only add, when you think you have a budget..triple it! I am speaking from experience from buying an older boat. Not a complaint at all, just a little reality then you won't be shocked. There will always be more upgrades as you go along.
I would have to agree! As good as shape as my boat was when I bought it, it is still 20 years old. And that guy had his own ideas or ways to do boating.
I first spent close to 10K on her and not even putting the boat in the water. Not counting the sea trial. Had the heat exchanger cleaned and test after taking the end cap off and finding sea weed in it. Also replaced exhaust manifold gasket. The engine work was $2.5k The engine work is the only thing that I did not do myself.
Added more chain to the rode, needed a bigger anchor, I made outside window covers, added grab handles, placed 6 breaker DC panel with a 12 breaker panel at the helm, installed better stereo speakers, removed dead wires, replaced spot light, painted bilge, added USB charging ports, bought TZ software, added fuel shut off at the genset, replaced and added LED lighting in the bulge half of which was not working.
My 2nd yr, I replaced the house batteries with Li. The old AGMs were dying. $5k Replaced rub rail added 2nd VHF, added auto pilot control to fly bridge.
Now starting my 3rd year. Replacing the rudder lip seal and life lines.
Other than the engine, all small stuff and it all adds up. I know I left things out too and I did expect to spend about 10 to 15k going into this so I had the money set aside, thank GOD!! It also helped that my wife wanted this boat more than me. Just ask her.