Like to hear about non-standard DIY with such good results. Well done! I had similar aspirations to build a boat at about that stage in my life but never got the time and resources together at the same time.

Your part about the girlfriend taking off brought to mind when I met my wife. 1981 - I was 31, 5 years divorced, renting a room at a friend's house, driving a '52 Chevy pickup or riding a motorcycle. Keeping body and soul together with a bit of consulting as what my friend described as a Self-Unemployed engineer. Gail had a good job at the Portland Oregonian, some money in the bank, nice apartment and newish car. Soon after we got to know each other I assured her that I had potential - AND SHE BOUGHT IT! Next thing we were living together, pregnant, married, etc. She quit her job to raise kids (and me) while I decided to actually make a living for us. Looking back I can't believe I somehow made the right decisions.