This more an effort at group therapy or support, but lately as I enter my late 30's, I'm starting to become a little conflicted/regretful over the money I've spent on boats over the years. I'm single, so I'll get that out of the way. I started with my first boat in 1992 - a 15 ft trihull with a 1976 70 HP Evinrude. It blew up in 1997, and I let it sit 3 years and astounded myself by rebuilding it (first timer) in 2000 and it still has 120ish compression. In 2001 I became infected with the inline 6 disease as I bought a 1500 and later had it rebuilt by Clams Canino and then painted it and mounted it on a 18 ft Cobia in 2008. Then I moved up to a 1987 Merc 115 that Clams also overhauled and I have it on a 1978 Checkmate that runs like a scalded dog. I still have all three of these motors, and recently got a great deal on a '87 Blackmax 150 to go on a 2002 Larson 20 footer. I've decided that this will be my last boat, and I'm going to paint and re-decal the Blackmax. None of these boats were purchased at significant expense, but as we all know things start to add up fast!
When I stop and think about the money I've spent on boats over the years I shudder!! Of course it has been great stress relief tinkering with them and there's nothing like the satisfaction of problem solving, but when I think about it, I could have just bought a new cookie cutter Bayliner with a Mercruiser outdrive years ago and maybe come out cheaper, LOL.
I keep telling myself that it's been an education of sorts and it costs money to learn, but to make a long story short, I think I'm having a boating mid-life crisis and want to know that I'm not alone in some strange way!
When I stop and think about the money I've spent on boats over the years I shudder!! Of course it has been great stress relief tinkering with them and there's nothing like the satisfaction of problem solving, but when I think about it, I could have just bought a new cookie cutter Bayliner with a Mercruiser outdrive years ago and maybe come out cheaper, LOL.
I keep telling myself that it's been an education of sorts and it costs money to learn, but to make a long story short, I think I'm having a boating mid-life crisis and want to know that I'm not alone in some strange way!