At times conflicting priorities?

CWKboat

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 9, 2008
Messages
243
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!
 

jokaj

Seaman
Joined
Sep 23, 2008
Messages
73
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

Don't worry and be happy with your life's investments! I am on the other side of the coin. I wished I had gotten my first boat earlier in life instead of waiting and waiting to "afford" a boat. Got my first boat in my late 30s. :)
 

CWKboat

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 9, 2008
Messages
243
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

Thanks for the perspective, never thought of it that way! It's great to be alive and able to enjoy boating at any age!
 

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,298
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

I had a boat before I had a car. Dad let me use his to pull it to the ramp. Couldn't afford a boat so I built one out of plywood. If I met a girl and she didn't like boats, she didn't become the girlfriend. I've spent more money on boats than cars, and almost as much as my house. My wife has 6 horses, so the tradeoff in expenses is fair.

On the other hand, the family never wanted for anything. I put my kids through college. My home is comfortable and meticulously maintained. I never bought a used car - always bought a new one.

I have an acquantance who has had financial problems, but he always had a boat for himself (didn't take the kids fishing). And he always had money for a case of beer even if the kids badly needed shoes.

The moral of the story is that as long as your boating expenses can be classified as "discretional", then don't worry about how much you spend. As long as your "needs" are fulfilled, no reason not to enjoy some "wants" as well.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

Don't undervalue the pleasures of messing with boats. Those hours are priceless, whether messing with boats, outboards, cars or whatever.

You have done well, stay with it. :)
 

aspeck

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
May 29, 2003
Messages
19,258
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

Had my first boat at age 12 ... 12 foot tinny. Have moved up a few notches since then. As long as you can afford the boat, the enjoyment of them is worth it.

And it is okay to have your own economic stimulus plan ... the boating economy always needs help, so, for the sake of the economy and the good of the nation, go ahead and buy another boat! :D
 

CWKboat

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 9, 2008
Messages
243
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

Great responses and food for thought, gentlemen. Thanks!
 

CWKboat

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 9, 2008
Messages
243
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

Had my first boat at age 12 ... 12 foot tinny. Have moved up a few notches since then. As long as you can afford the boat, the enjoyment of them is worth it.

And it is okay to have your own economic stimulus plan ... the boating economy always needs help, so, for the sake of the economy and the good of the nation, go ahead and buy another boat! :D

Funny you should mention that: With all the talk about state governments losing funding and facing imminent financial insolvency, the boat titling office here in SC told me just today that "we will work with you in getting your out of state Mercury titled here, because right now you are one of our best customers." Wonders never cease!
 

float2

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
94
Re: At times conflicting priorities?

I've spent alot of time in boats since I was a kid. Dad had these boats when I was a kid: 14 ft Jon, 16 ft MirroCraft Mr. Muskie, Glastron HPV-175. He then got a Cajun bass boat when I was in college and now he has a Ranger missile bass boat. I have had my old Glastron for 10 years which was my first boat. I've never had a boat payment and I've done all my own trouble shooting and work on it which is rewarding in a sense but I also have missed out on some prime boating in the summer months because of it. I know people who have boat payments that equal their car or truck payments and they only get their boat wet a few times a year. And I could not see spending that kind of money on something for such minimal use especially in this economy. Boating on the cheap is my philosophy even though its nearly impossible to do (so many other areas in life that the $$$$ needs to be spent). I see boating as a way to get my family out of the house away from the computer and tv and actually experience life in a way that will help us grow together as a family. I look back at the pictures of me and my dad in the boat when I was a kid and that makes me want the same for my kids and all the stories and memories that go with it.

Hang with it, boating can be done affordably if you have patience and the ambition. I am fortunate to have a family member that shares my love for boating and the knowledge to maintain and repair them when needed which helps immensely.
 
Top