Steve's buying a damn Pirate Ship

We all have crazy dreams. And one of mine is to own a pirate ship. But most ships are big. And expensive. 

Then along came Joe. Joe loved to build models of ships. And one day he said "Why not just make one...bigger?" And so he did. He built a 1/4 scale reproduction of the Nina. That's right, one of the three ships Columbus came to America in. 

 It took him seven months. She's a beauty. And yes, she works. But Joe is getting up in years and he has some health problems. So he is selling his beloved Nina.  He was asking a fair price but hasn't gotten any offers. So I made him an offer of what I thought I might be able to afford. 

He agreed. I told him I needed a month. He said he would give me the time unless someone else offered him the full price.  That seemed pretty fair on his part. 

So here I am, with the chance to buy a truly amazing and one of a kind item. I would buy it outright, but much of my money is tied up in getting stock for my business and other expenses. 

This is where you come in. I am hoping that if enough people pitch in I can get this boat. Once in my posession I plan on making a few cosmetic changes.  I want to replace the sails with faux square rigging. Improve the prow (maybe add a mermaid) reposition her electric motor and in general give her a more piratical appearance (small canons are being discussed). None of these changes should be permanent. 

This is a good chunk of change.  If I can't raise the full amount for the boat I will use it all on my annual party The Bag End Bash in 2019. 

Any amount will help but I want to offer incentives for those willing to donate more to this totally insane project.

Anyone who donates $25+ will get a cool custom leather pin I will design. 

Anyone who donates $35+ gets a pin and a custom scroll declaring you an official member of the crew.

Anyone who donates $50+ will become a crewman (or crew woman) with your choice of fancy title on your scroll. Plus 3 leather pins. 

If you are crazy enough to donate $75+ you will be considered a partner in this endeavor.  Your name will appear on the Ships Registry papers I will design and YOU will get a copy bound in leather.

And of course, the highest donors get to ride FIRST.

I thank all of you for your time and attention. If you can, please share this campaign with anyone you think might want to support this venture.