Just wondering what the average is? Guys that buy boats with 10-20 year loans… does anyone ever own a boat that long?
My boats life spans are usually not very long. They are always… to big, to small, to slow, to thirsty, to old… list goes on.
How long have you all had your current boat?
1986 17’ Bayliner Capri
150 hp Force
Have had my 18’ Whaler I built for allmost 30 years now, same Merc 115 motor on it for last 20. Been thru half dozen others boats but will die still owning my Whaler, ,or in it!!
Russ B.
God is great, Beer is good, People are crazy
I am on my 2nd boat. First was a 15’ skiff and we grew out of it in 3 years as the babies became toddlers and so forth. Now have an 18’ cc and would like to move up to a 20’ but with things being the way they are ($$$$$), I’ll be with this one for a few more years. Truth is, it does everything I need it to do. I think it is a boater’s nature to want something just a little bigger, newer, etc…
Lets see…
So yea I keep my boats for at least 10 years.
I’ve owned my 64’ model Whaler Super Sport for 35 years - it does have a late model engine (1984 Evinrude 88 hp. 
) She looks and runs like a new one. Have never done anything to it except plugs every year but did get Chris V to put a fuel/water seperator on it last year because of the ethanol issues with fuel. I’ve never replaced a water pump, impeller or even had to work on the carbs. I am however considering getting Chris to take a look at replacing the impeller this year. (it might need it I guess) My other boat’s an 88’ model Luhrs and she’s the same way. Boats are like women, the more you pamper them the longer they hang around!
Mike Austin
HATTERASER
I’ve kept them from 6 months to 6 years but I always pay cash for luxuries and while I did finance my truck and my wife’s SUV I had the titles to both in just over 2 years. I only owe on my house and won’t go into any more debt without a huge fight. Credit cards? Nope. Proverbs 22:7 says that the borrower is slave to the lender. How true that is.
Triton 22 LTS
225 Opti
quote:
Originally posted by wstrickland1I’ve kept them from 6 months to 6 years(This is where your response should have stopped!! I know you probably didn’t mean it but the rest of this makes you look condesending and holier than thou to rest of us since it had absolutley nothing to do with the question asked! Just saying!) but I always pay cash for luxuries and while I did finance my truck and my wife’s SUV I had the titles to both in just over 2 years. I only owe on my house and won’t go into any more debt without a huge fight. Credit cards? Nope. Proverbs 22:7 says that the borrower is slave to the lender. How true that is.
Triton 22 LTS
225 Opti
yeah, that blasted Dave Ramsey’s got me all tanked up…and completely out of debt except for my house.
The OP referred to 20 year boat loans. That’s a very bad idea…just sayin’
Triton 22 LTS
225 Opti
I have mine 6 years.
Double D.
Was not trying to start a finance vs cash debate. Just curious. Longest i ever had a boat was 4 years. I hope my current boat last me about 10… being optimistic.
Talking to friends, seems like only 3 years is the average. The guys that bought there boat new in the 80’s and still runiing it today… You da man.
1986 17’ Bayliner Capri
150 hp Force
Had my Angler for 2.5 years…wish I would have kept it longer. Will probably have the Wellcraft for several years…as long as it does the job
Mike
Wellcraft 250, 225 OMC
17’ Hydrasports bass boat, 150 Evinrude
12’ jon, 24lb thrust MK
16’ canoe, oars
Bill,
I agree - Dave Ramsey philosophy on debt is good to live by. My wife wouldn’t let me finance or take equity out of our house in order to buy my first boat. “Beans and Rice” until I had enough to pay cash.
I see you,ve sold you GW (I wish I could have bought that boat from you - that was a steal) Congrats on the Triton !
Answer: aprox 3 yrs (my first boat) - i can see owning her for another 3-5yrs - would like to go to (2) outboards rather than a main and a kicker I currently have
18 yrs here and counting
Had my Contender for 7.5yrs so far, debating on getting another boat, just don’t want a boat payment. My johnboat i will keep till it won’t float, just need to sell my 4stroke & get me a 40 or 50 2stroke.
21 Contender
6 Years for me so far…want something bigger but this one is paid off. Previous boat was a little skiff that my dad gave me…had it for probably 4 years.
If at first you don’t succeed, drink another beer!!!
Sea Pro 190CC Yamaha F150
10 years now for the Scout…7 years on the Triton. Not planning to get rid of either.
Ed Black
Triton 2486 WA Yam OX250
Scout 175 CC Yam 115
1988 Henry O with its second motor. The Hull is rock solid. Don’t see any reason to change anytime soon. I might get a second/different boat but have no reason to retire the Henry O.
Buy a well designed handlaid hull. Get your money’s worth by running it forever.
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott