Boating, the little discussed side....

[Skip]

The " average " boat owner puts 50 hours on his boat a year.
Figure an average day is about 6-7 hours - that would be 7 or 8 trips a year.

I think many buy a boat before researching the true cost. They find out quickly how expensive a boat is to run and maintain.

Just insurance , trailer tags , boat reg , fishing license can be over $500.00 - before the boat even gets wet.

I tell people that unless they plan to use a boat 50 times a year or more - it will be far cheaper to charter a boat when they want to go.

I see some awesome 40 to 50 foot sportfisherman that have never left the docks to go offshore. Now / then a family boat ride across the bay but not how that boat - IMHO - should be used.

I hate to see nice boats in winter left uncovered -

[Mikie]

Shouldn't you guys be fishing or joy riding rather then worrying about other people's boats or boating habits?

[goinsfishin]

I know a guy (retired) who bought a new 1801 Parker in 2001......he's now selling.......boat has slightly over 100 hours total in 9 years.......has it dealer maintained and winterized every year.....then sits at his dock.....what a shame.

Anyone interested in a good boat at a good price lemme know and I'll get you in touch with him.

[eradicator]

When I began looking for a boat a couple of months ago, I was sorely temped just to go up to a couple of homes where they each had a nice looking boat parked on the side and ask if they wanted to sell it. I figured there were some awlful good deals out there but that some folks just never got around to listing them for sale....in the end, I didn't do it...but I sure was tempted.

I grew up on the water and a LOT of people back in the 70's used to buy boats as status symbols. They never had any intention on using them much, just showing off that they had it. Kind of insecure to me but I'm not their shrink.

Have a great day everyone,

erad
________
LIVE SEX WEBSHOWS

[Bend-Lure]

Originally Posted by Skip

The " average " boat owner puts 50 hours on his boat a year.
Figure an average day is about 6-7 hours - that would be 7 or 8 trips a year.

I think many buy a boat before researching the true cost. They find out quickly how expensive a boat is to run and maintain.

Just insurance , trailer tags , boat reg , fishing license can be over $500.00 - before the boat even gets wet.

I tell people that unless they plan to use a boat 50 times a year or more - it will be far cheaper to charter a boat when they want to go.

I see some awesome 40 to 50 foot sportfisherman that have never left the docks to go offshore. Now / then a family boat ride across the bay but not how that boat - IMHO - should be used.

I hate to see nice boats in winter left uncovered -

50 trips a year is a lot. I wish I could take 50 trips a year in my boat. I probably do 30 a year. If I knew a charter that was open and available on nice days with 24 hours notice, and was willing to meet me whereever I wanted to fish, then I would be all over it.

[Skip]

Bend a lure - some charters will give a good discount for booking a lot of trips.
Trick is finding a captain you get along with and who fishes the way you want to.

I know one charter has been booked on Wednesdays by 6 guys for something like 15 years.
The group pays if all or only 1-2 can go.

I sat down with pen / paper and figured expenses for a year - then divided that by $120.00 ( average share on a charter ). I could charter twice a week - at least. Most years I get out 75 to 100 times so it kinda works out.
Then figure in fishing gear / lures / etc - it really adds up fast.

When a $$$$$ break down occurs - then it really hurts owning a boat.

For me - owning a boat is worth it but far too many really do not get their money back.