Ever heard that BOAT stands for Break Out Another Thousand? When people tell you that they aint joking one bit. If its not something you have to fix, its a multiple hundred or thousand dollar gadget that you absolutely must have(want) for it. Or as soon as everything seem to be working in perfect order the (**() trolling motor will fall off while riding down the highway! So, when you hear people say that boats are inherently expensive, believe them. That being said, I would much rather spend every extra dime i have keeping up a boat than spend my free sitting on the couch instead of playing out in God’s playground. The season when folks like to buy boats is here and i am sure there will be someone unaware of how much it really cost to own and properly maintain a boat. good luck on the water this spring and summer.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
I finally saved enough for a boat and now I am having second thoughts. I am a saltwater guy…not that interested in lakes, and there aren’t really any powerboat-navigable rivers around here (Atlanta). So realistically I’d probably only be able to use the boat on the coast 6-7 times a year. And I am not having any success at talking the wife into moving to the coast. I can pay a guide $300 to take me out 6-7 times per year and probably be ahead of the game. I still haven’t decided though. If I run across a really good deal, I’ll probably jump on it.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
I can fish a week in Costa Rica for what the Insurance and taxes are on my boats! But aint it fun!!
Surf I offered to take you out on my boat a while back… It seems that our schedules never lined up. That offer still stands! Let me know if I can help you out anytime you are down here.
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
That is awesome, Madfire. I will definitely take you up on that. Hoping I can squeeze in a trip in the next 2-3 weeks. Is the wind slacking up at all? Seems like it’s been blowing for 2 months.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
I hate to see boats in driveways in my neighborhood sit there and rot. Some people get out maybe 2 - 4 times a year. If you can only manage that, by all means, do not get a boat. Thats where the saying comes from about the 2 happiest times for boat ownership: When you buy it and when you sell it. I have never felt that way. I have 2 boats and love, love, love them. Love to fish in them, cruise, beach at a sandbar, tinker on them, wash them, etc. IMO if you live in Charleston and don’t get on the water, you are missing the best part of the lifestyle. Yes they are expensive and require a lot of upkeep. But to me its worth it by a long shot!
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
Second on Optiker’s comment. I own two boats as well and the pleasure I get from those vessels is far more valuable to me than any of my other “hobbies”. I just spent close to $1600.00 on some killer electronics and I can’t wait to play!! I don’t golf and my motorcycle days are pretty much over so my boat is my biggest joy. Bottom line, if you don’t get it out of the driveway your wasting your time owning a boat!!
My goal in life is to own a fleet! Got a flats boat “Southern Grace”, 2 kayaks, and 2 float tube, and that ain’t near enough!
The thing that was tough for me was getting used to things not working or breaking. But somewhere along the line I came to understand that stuff’s gonna break but eventually it gets fixed. I have tried so hard to learn to do what I can.
They can be a pain and WILL break your heart, but its freedom man and there ain’t nothing better!
If it swims throw a fly at it!
The best money I ever spent was on my boat. Yes, ANY repairs are expensive, but to be able to spend time with the wife and kid or a few friends is well worth every penny.
17’ High Tide CC
60 Yamaha