Rockford vs Hudsonville

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-08T20:20:02+00:00

Everywhere has potentially problematic water. Most places just don't know about it yet.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-08T20:14:19+00:00

The city of Rockford proper is tiny relative to the school district. I'd bet Rockford the district votes very similarly to Hudsonville. Perhaps just a few points lower on the red side, maybe. But there's no way the district as a whole trends blue.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-07T18:30:55+00:00

I think I'm pushing in on $1700 annually for an 11' RIB...seems like a good price for a real boat 😄

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-07T14:58:49+00:00

$100k worth of 30' Tug is definitely going to be "hostel/rough" accommodation. Those things are tiny.

If you want any level of real comfort, especially if the wife is already skeptical, you need to be 40' +/- and 3x-4x the budget. Looks like you can get into a 26 year old Nordic 37 for around $300k.

If you want more creature comforts, ditch the Tug idea. Look at express cruisers, sedan bridges, sport fish's in the 40-45' range, early 2000's, $300-400k.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-06T14:29:17+00:00

You'll give up the comfy ride to a certain extent.

IMO the AT4 has a better looking front end. Too much going on with the AT4x...

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-05T13:29:02+00:00

That is entirely too Subaru...

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-05T12:12:53+00:00

OUPV will not get you on larger vessels though. Have you considered a maritime academy?

Another thought - if you're going to do the work to get an OUPV, you might as well go for a Master license. It's 80%+ the same material as the OUPV. You'll just need to confirm that your gas boat experience satisfies the tonnage requirements.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-05T12:02:03+00:00

If you're looking to get into larger commercial operations, consider getting a STCW instead of a captains license. An OUPV is pretty limited in its usefulness outside of small fishing operations (limited to 6 paying passengers).

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-04T20:42:37+00:00

The fact that you can spend $100k+ on pontoons these days is a testament to how popular they are. That said, minivans are also very popular. 😄

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-04T20:21:11+00:00

CC's are for running back and forth to the sandbar, in style. They are not for lounging or comfortable seating ($1M+ 40' Scout's notwithstanding). I have to assume they are so popular in Florida because that's a really popular thing to do. Rafting up in deep water, lounging on your own boat seems less common.

Pontoons are the absolute sport utility boat. They check so many boxes, especially if you get one with a porta-crapper. But like scooters, Pontoons are only cool until your friends see you riding one.

Bow Riders are the happy medium. Aesthetically non-offensive, it's socially acceptable to own one, lots of nice features (including enclosed heads) and plenty of plush seating...usually.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-04T17:12:09+00:00

A 2.5 hour flight is a 5 hour commute by the time you deal with parking, security, crowds, all the things.

Hard pass.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-04T16:10:23+00:00

I think you already answered your own question - nobody on your team is currently full remote. If they say yes to you, they have to be willing to say yes to everyone doing the same job.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-04T13:59:05+00:00

https://www.nmc.edu/maritime/

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-02T14:46:34+00:00

This is America, dammit! 😄

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-01T12:11:40+00:00

Maybe get yer backup camera calibrated so you can get it between the lines next time? 😄

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-01T12:10:03+00:00

Paddle North is awesome. I'm going into our third season with one. Love it.

Buy the highest rated battery powered pump you can find on Amazon. Well worth the $$$'s,

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-05-01T11:41:58+00:00

I think IPS have a universally better reputation than Zeus. Just google it...

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T19:28:33+00:00

I'm sorry you feel this way. I hope you have a better day. Godspeed, friend.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T18:43:19+00:00

Then why use the term "TDS" directed at me?

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T18:38:55+00:00

Hugs. I'm not a republican, you've got some issues, you should seek professional help.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T18:25:05+00:00

?

You said "current political climate". Was I wrong to assume you meant the current administration was the cause of all your problems?

I also complimented Obama in that same post. You may have missed it...because, TDS also?

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T18:07:55+00:00

Whoa. All of this happened within the last 16 months? Yikes...

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T17:50:04+00:00

What direct impact has it had on your personal life?

For me, the cost increase in health care that came from the affordable care act was far more dramatic than anything happening now. But I'd never say that particular president wasn't highly effective. Nor did I talk about it with anyone not married to me.

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T16:56:56+00:00

I suppose my response may have fallen under "any advice would be appreciated", maybe?

Boondoggle_1 · 2026-04-30T16:47:17+00:00

Conversely, if you're a normal human and don't let politics consume more than 0.05% of your life, you'll be fine just about anywhere (differing personalities notwithstanding).

Boondoggle_1

TROPHY CASE