Hi Phylis,
My last boat was a senior 31. It had two great big diesel in the back, with outdrives, wired into the boat's electrics. I owned the boat for four years, and fitted out the interior for me and my girlfriend to use as a livaboard. We used the engines maybe ten times, in four years, and even then it was to check that they were still working, (and on two occasions to change marina's). I spent lots of time and cash looking after them (esp. the outdrives), because I knew they made up most of the value of the boat. We intend for the widebeam boat to be used as a static houseboat, that still has the capacity to move along canals/slow flowing rivers if it has to. Not to be a cruiser by design. When I come to sell it I expect the new owner will want it for the same reason. I would rather spend what I have on items that we will use every day, like boilers, toilets, lighting, furniture, rather than spend it on something that will be used rarely if at all. If in three or four years we decided to use to boat for continual/regular cruising, I would probably re-power. When you're on a budget, you compromise. Is my reasoning sound, or am I missing something?