Which boat to keep?

[cortezaero]

I have two boats and only space and money for one.
1. 1980 Cortez 16' sailboat; good condition, just needs mostly costmetic work.
2. 1989 Sea Ray 19' Open bow runabout, 135 HP Mercury; needs engine tune-up, needs crusties cleaned off the hull/motor, may have wood rot problems; was in a slip and flooded because of rain. I'm not sure how long it was flooded.

A couple of years ago I was single and keeping just the sailboat would be an easy decision. I'm not very experienced with sailing, but I love it!

However, I am now married with 3 step-kids who have no boating experience. The sailboat really only has seating for 4 topside, others would have to go in the small cabin. I grew up waterskiing and really enjoy it.
I'm concerned that my kids (7, 12, and 13) will find sailing boring compared to the Sea Ray.
I'd love advice!

 

[eastont]

Re: Which boat to keep?

Get rid of both and replace them with a nice express cruiser in the 25' range. Everybody will get what they want skiing, cruising or just laying at anchor and jumping in the water to do some swimming and then having a nice on-board lunch.

 

[cortezaero]

Re: Which boat to keep?

I don't have the money for that; would get too little from both boats to buy a different one.
Plus my HOA says that whatever I put in my backyard has to sit lower than six feet. Arrgghhh!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which boat to keep?

that is a hard one, the 6' is the first to overcome. i agree the kids will be board on the sail boat.

 

[pmillar]

Re: Which boat to keep?

Well, I grew up sailing (cruising) and it did kind of bore me on a larger boat. It was fun and exciting on a smaller sailboat. Be aware a powerboat will cost you a lot more money to operate on an annual basis unless you race and buy sails once a year. I can't recommend putting kids down below while on the water unless they are napping. It would be a recipe for seasickness.

To be honest, the powerboat you describe sounds like an expensive disaster. If it's really a case of choosing between the two, I recommend keeping the sailboat, dump the powerboat but keep the engine. Then you could rebuild the engine as time and money allow. At that point it would be easier to pick up a cheap hull to then go skiing and playing with.

Good luck.

P.S. I should add that the sailing did hook me on the water though even if I was bored back then. I have since done a lot of racing on the west coast but am now looking to a ski/fish boat for family fun on the lakes back here in MI.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Which boat to keep?

i think keep the sailboat. the flooded hull on the speedboat would worry me a lot. you get wood rot and you won't have a boat either. at least not w/o major effort to keep it alive.

also, myself, i don't like big crowds, and 19' is pretty small for 5, least on my 19' it is. any arguments and everyone will be involved. that sure ruins a nice day at the lake fast. 5 people is a lot of weight to drag around for water skiing too.

keep the sailboat and take a smaller crowd. hopefully all the kids will want to go. but it's too small, so they'll have to learn to share. some go this time, some next time. course that means you'll have to go out more since you'll have to keep both sides happy . that'd be a bummer huh?

+ sail boating is a major skill too. if you can sail, you can drive a speedboat, which is not always true in reverse..

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Which boat to keep?

Not an easy decision for you... especially since you've brought up a good case for keeping either style of boat. I say "style" because the power boat you have is not worth the effort and the $$$$ you need to put into it. Sailing is fun for those that enjoy sailing - usually not a child's interest, though.

As eastont points out, I would dump them both and save for a better powerboat - maybe a 22' bowrider. The money you would spend on the sunken boat may actually come close to what you would buy a pre-owned in fairly good condition. Plus, you'd be on the water much sooner. trailer and boat should be lower than 6'.

Good luck and happy boating!