What do you give up to own a boat?

M74CRAN · Mar 21, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Luckly I am not yet in that position I am 30 and my kids are 6 and 3, last year was the first year we went camping, I borrowed my Dad's boat (same one he used when he took his kids camping 15 yrs. ago) and the look on there faces is priceless, so I went out and got my self a $300 boat 1961 cougar glass of memphis I think, with a 40 hp johnson and right now it fits the bill just fine, so I think if you still want to get on the lake with the family go cheaper, who cares if you don't win the fashion show it's all about the look on their faces and the memories.

rogerwa · Mar 21, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

My son played travelling baseball last year. But this year I could not get him interested in baseball. He felt the baseball took too many weekends away from the cabin so he chose not to play. I think it backfired on us..

demsvmejm · Mar 21, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Originally posted by Bondo: Or,................ Looked at from another angle............ The Amount of Fun,+ Enjoyment is Just as High, In a $1500.00 Boat, As a $15,000.00 Boat....................... You, And your Family, Can have your cake,+ Eat it Too.................

How true! I paid $3000 for my boat and have people green-eyed all the time. It's nothing fancy, just a good looking boat in good condition with good payments, $0.00. Your kids will only be little for a little while. Unlike some of the posts about not remembering the sports activities, my oldest son remembers 8 years ago when he started hockey. He remembers 2 years ago when he played hockey. He remembers. My 7 1/2yo daughter talks about last year on the boat, she remembers three years ago, daddy wanting a boat. My point is, kids will remember what's important, to them, and to you. They remember what's important to you, if you're there for them. You sound like you have your priorities straight, I mean your kids. If you sell your boat, remember, 5 years from now, 7 years, 2 years from now there will still be boats to buy. But there won't be children to nurture, not necessarily as children. They will be grown, maybe not grown up, but they won't be the same children. Follow your heart and make memories with your kids, in a smaller(?), cheaper boat. They'll remember. And someday when you're sitting around the campfire with your grandkids, your kids will remember what you gave up for them. And maybe, just maybe thank you for it. And you'll get all mushy inside and tear up, knowing then that you made the right choice. From your post you will make the right choice, at least as best as you can determine. I salute you as a parent. Bravo!!!

stratosman1 · Mar 26, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Chris, I feel like I know you, my son plays on 2 ball teams in the summer, 1 travel team and one local, my daughter plays softball and is very involved in show choir. This does not include church activities or any other things that "come up". BUT, there is no way WE as a family would give up our time together at the lake fishing, boating, swimming or just floating. We love it, and it gives my wife and I quality time alone with our kids (14yr. old girl, 13yr. old boy). Now as to the financial part I own a 1991 Stratos fish and ski that I paid $3000 for last summer, needed a little work, but it's mine, I have the title and we love it. I guess what I'm saying is that it is definately worth it to own a boat, just make it happen if it's a cheaper boat you need then fine or if you can cut corners elsewhere and keep the boat you have, great. Just my 2 cents,

steam_mill · Mar 27, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

I've actually spent the last 20 minutes reading all the replies. I'm in quite a different situation. I would rather be in yours! My wife and I don't have children. Not by choice. Although we could afford the boat and baseball and whatever, we don't have the children to worry about. I think like many have answered, ditch the expensive boat and buy a less financially demanding boat. What counts is the time together as a family. Although we are quite a young couple (me just passed mid thirties and wife just under mid thirties), right after college, my wife and I worked very hard. In our twenties, we worked two jobs to pay down that darn mortgage. We now regret not having enjoyed more time with our friends and family. When we were younger, our friends did a lot. They may not have gotten the great careers, financial rewards etc. But they have the memories. We don't! I think life if a balance. I don't agree with financing depreciating assets. But I also know time with friends and family is the most important thing that we can have. Tx. Joe

llfish · Mar 27, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Chris, I have been through the same thing you are going through. When the girls were playing ball many many years ago I sold the boat and bought a used boat with a good friend. Years later my oldest daughter told me she had more fun on our old boat than the fancy boats of her friends. She told me she wanted her daughters "your granddaughters" to have the same fun as she did it an old boat. Good luck!

lewkster · Mar 27, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

welcome to the american dream. we buy bigger then work harder to pay. then run short on time so justify bigger mowers, snow blowers, which we work harder to pay for again. on and on it goes. today i live simpler then i ever did. but have my first boat(nothing to fancy but new motor cause i dislike headaches)new car. I dont have cable tv cause we dont watch it enough, and basic internet connection cause it works. dont oder pizza in very often but go out to eat once a week. saved enough last year thru these tactics to fly my son up from texas to minnesota rent a cabin for 2 weeks, fish,go tubin. my dad came to visit a couple days and fish with us. invited the nieghbor up and her daughter stayed with us for a week (playmate for my son both under 10). the 2 weeks at cabin minus 2 weeks pay plus exspenses cost more then my boat is worth. I could buy a much nicer boat and guard it with my life but be stretched to go anywhere. we all no what a day out inna boat cost (gas,snacks,bait) trade offs! I traded the american dream in on lower stress living and do more then i ever did before.

jimmbo · Mar 28, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Had to choose between the girlfriend and the boat. Sometimes, not often, but sometimes I sort of miss her, mostly when it's time to launch/load.

walleyehed · Mar 28, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

jimmbo, my case could be simular to yours, but I have 2 kids (and a wife) and this "sickness" that draws me to water and boats doesn't fit "MY" family like it does others...my wife could care less about boats and could care less if I actually enjoyed them, in fact, she hates boats and hates me going anywhere with it unless it's for the purpose of guiding to make money. My boy is 3 now, daughter 7 going on 8. my boy wants to be around the boat ALL the time and play with the fishing rods, etc...my daughter got scared 2 years ago when a 7-8lb wiper ripped the pole from her hands right at the boat....she won't fish anymore. My wife has filed the big "D" twice and for some reason before the 90 day period was up, she cancled the action....once in '96 and again in '99. Only a jackA$$ would back out at this point, but I don't think I will ever "Truely" fully enjoy a day on the water knowing my wife hates me being there. I was raised around boats, I grew up working on them, it's in my blood...what's a guy to do???

pirate2501 · Mar 29, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Chris, Sell the boat, pay off the loan & look for one you can pay cash for if you have any money left over. there's a bunch of them at www.traderonline.com - boat search.1990 - 1999 between 16'& 22' for 2500.00 -7500.00 depending on make, model & year right in N.C. Don't get a camper if you live on a lake and can trailer the boat. You can use the boat more than the camper without having to travel anywhere, saving more money. you will be looking at the camper in your yard and wishing you had a boat to use on the lake. Just buy a cheaper,older boat. Garry

uscboy · Mar 30, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Originally posted by walleyehed: what's a guy to do???

You know, guys can file the big "D" also, not just women. You only get one life man, why spend it with a woman who makes you miserable? Just ain't worth it.

uscboy · Mar 30, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Btw, I give up exactly $44/month for storage and some sweat equity from time to time to own a boat. It's old, but in great shape. The price was right... free. Plus, the wife and I aren't breeding, so there are no braces or softball leagues to pay for.

Nos4r2 · Mar 31, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Downsizing aint a bad idea,I grew up on and around boats (in fact the earliest memory I have is being on a boat identical to the one I have now) and my father owned a 30' sailing yacht when I left home. The house was always a total mess with minimal attention, the carpets were threadbare and things only got replaced if they broke-mainly due to his complete refusal to spend money on anything apart from the boat. In my opinion all you need to to is strike a good balance-since learning the lesson of my father's errors I've never bought anything on HP, I don't owe anyone any money and I've bought and paid for everything I have in cash. Thats why my boat is worth 4 times what my SUV is worth...and the boat's only worth a max of £2000. But it's all mine, goes quite well and it's got enough room to sleep aboard for a few days if you don't mind being cramped. There's room for 3 to fish and I can ski behind her if/when I pull my finger out and buy some skis.All that and my girlfriend and I are saving to buy a house and actually doing quite well at it! (yes, we're still renting and own a boat-somehow I got my priorities a bit mixed up) The downside is that I spend a lot more time working on stuff than other people,but it also doesnt help that I'm as stubborn as a mule and refuse to pay for anyone to work on anything when I can usually do a better job myself without any labour charges.

lenny2113 · Mar 31, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

As I was reading post by Nos4r2 I finally decided to put my 2 cents into this. My wife and I both work; we have a 10 month old daughter. We do not own a house, we rent an apartment. We have a new car. My pride and joy is a 1976 Formula 26' - paid cash for. In many otherss opinion my priorities could be way out of line. Oh, that includes my family and my wife's family and relatives. I hope when my daughter grows up she will enjoy boating. In regards to renting vs. owning a home: For the last couple of years the home prices here in NY city rose over 100%. I may be wrong with my math, but stock market strategy "buy low sell high" is holding me back from buying a home. In addition to that I refuse to pay $4k mortgage for $600k home and call it a smart investment. I have chosen to live my life enjoying things. Pulling 4k per month for a home is not my thing. I would rather be boating and renting a $1.5k apartment. I wouldn't even give up boating if my wife and child both hated it. It's a hobby that I love and will make sacrifices to keep and enjoy it.

Nos4r2 · Apr 1, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

**applause** More power to your elbow Lenny! If I could find somewhere round here that I could rent that had a garage for a reasonable price I'd be doing the same thing, but in the UK rents are higher than mortgages...

IdahoKid · Apr 1, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Might as well throw out my story. I have a 4 and 2 year old. My family just made the move from California to north Idaho specifically so we can have the memories that everyone here is talking about. As far as kids go, this is it, your only chance. And the kid you create, create their own kid, and so on, and so on, so what you put into them can outlast your time here by 100s of years. To me, that was worth giving everything up, and moving to a place to create the best childhood for them I could. I gave up my cars (Mustang GT, and 67 GTO), I gave up the beach and surfing, all of that, and it was worth it. But I didn't skimp on the boat. You need to feel safe on the boat (16ft is pushing it). Your kids are going to want to bring there friends on the boat, etc. If you're going to do the boat, do it, if not, don't. But don't kind of do it. You don't want to give up weekends tinkering on and old broken boat (unless your kids like tinkering with you, then that's awsome). You don't want to loose weekends to your kids wanting to hang with friends when you're kids could have it all, their friends and their parents, so have a boat big enough for that. Plus then you get to really know their friends, and their friends come to respect you. Thats my two cents, and you can tell if I completely changed my life and moved to the middle of nowhere that I must feel it's the right choice

DJ · Apr 1, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

I'm not giving up anything anymore. Heck, I live in the desert, what's a boat? I have the responsibilty for maintaing the "fleet" at my families lake home (1800 miles away), that's enough. Since nothing is my name, I don't have to pay the bills, but I get to use.

Fleet includes. 26' Crownline Bowrider. 454, Bravo III drive. (2000) 20' Starcraft pontoon/75 HP Merc. (2000) 14' Aerocraft fishing boat. (1966) 2-17' Aerocraft canoes-square end. (1965) 19' Grumman "Sport Canoe" (1973) 4 HP Johnson (1975) 17' Boston Whaler w/70 HP Johnson (1995) 8 HP Honda (kicker for Whaler) (1999) Been retired, to hard to keep running, put the 6 HP Johnson back on. 6 HP Johnson (1978) 7 1/2 HP Evinrude (1957) A blast on the 14' boat and Sport Canoe. 3 HP Evinrude-Ducktwin (My favorite) (1966) Yikes, I'm getting tired just thinking about the "get ready" time I'm going to spend in May when I fly over there.. Just kidding about the "no expense" part, I pay my fare share. The point is, that a boat is NOT the primary existance of my life. I have other priorities which absolutely come first. Family is #1. I'm blessed.

IdahoKid · Apr 1, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Let me clear up. I don't think a boat is the end all. But if you are going to have a boat with kids, make sure that you can 1. Use it when you want to. Unless you have a kid interested in engine repair, you do not want to waste time repairing you boat that you could spend doing something else. Your time is valuable. And 2. If your kids want to spend time with their friend, don't get a boat that won't fit them and their friends. I know many a time I picked my friends over my family if I had to choose between the two. I'd either have a big enough boat to allow my kids to choose both(when they're older) or pick a different pastime like camping where they could bring their friends. Sorry if I didn't get my point across before.

DJ · Apr 1, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

Good point made by Idahokid. Don't let it be your focal point. Guilty, at one time, of it being so. Reformed.

phatmanmike · Apr 2, 2005

Re: What do you give up to own a boat?

what do i give up to own a boat? well first of all, i have 5 boats, not just one, and im about to buy a 6th next week if the engine check goes ok. what do i give up? ill tell ya... i give up being bored. i give up being stuck at the house and doing nothing. i give up eating dinner at home so i can have lunch on an island with my family. i give up needing to own a pool, cause i do all my swiming in th egulf of mexico, thanks to my boat. i give up no having anything to look forward to, cause now i look forward to my boat. i spend a lot of time with my family on our boat. we do lots of camping on the small spoil islands around our home here near the gulf of mexico. we use it mostly for swimming, camping, exploring, cruising, and just plain having fun. i give up nothing to own a boat, as the grand total for all 5 of our boats, including spare outboards( i have 9) is less than 5 thousand dollars TOTAL, and thats spread out over 3 years. heck, 3 of my boats were free, and 1 was $50.00. my wife and i were just talking about this recently, and we dont know what the heck we would do in our free time without boating. if you have to give something up, its just not right time yet to own a boat. a bot is a luxury, not a necsesity.....well to most.

What do you give up to own a boat?

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