What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

[Spivy30]

Hello Everyone,

I'm thinking of starting a side business in the boating industry and was looking for some ideas from you guys the boaters on things you would like to see become less expensive.

Things like.

Storage/shrink wrap

Selling your boat

Parts

Upkeep and repairs

Cleaning detailing etc..

I'm a fellow boater and would like to make boating more enjoyable for everyone.

 

[Philster]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Everything.

 

[Spivy30]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Haha we all know that

 

[TJDave]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Fuel

 

[TJDave]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

To add to my above worthless post.....a winterization service that comes to your home. Probably been done, but not where I live.

EDIT: you could even drag an air compressor with you and blow out my sprinklers too!!

 

[cpubud]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

regular maint. parts @ material

 

[Spivy30]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Dave I like your idea. If I was in your area I would help you out.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

+1 on gas

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

+1 more on the gas..

 

[642mx]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

A shop that video tapes all work being done, so the owner can have a copy of the video and be sure that the work got done. (we have a lot of crappy shops around here that very few folks trust).

And cheap gas!

 

[Spivy30]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

I can understand that, ive been there many times specially with the big dealerships

 

[JimS123]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

So far all of the posts don't really apply to boating. I'd like to see cheaper gas in my car...I'd like to see a furnace repairman or plumber or auto mechanic charge lower rates....and then do the job right.

A few years ago, I needed a bungie cord for my boat. I went to the store and headed for Sporting goods. The cord package said Marine and it was $2.99. As I was heading out I went thru automotive and saw the same package for $1.99, but it said auto bungie. I replaced the package and headed out again. In the toy dept. they had bungies in the same package again for 99c, but it now said bicycle bungie.

Go to Fastenall and see what SS bolts cost. Then go to a marina and see what boat bolts cost.

So, my wish is that marine anything would be the same price as the automotive or hardware store alternative.

 

[Vanover]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Maint. cost and general supplies for boating and being in coast guard regulations.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

A shop that video tapes all work being done, so the owner can have a copy of the video and be sure that the work got done. (we have a lot of crappy shops around here that very few folks trust).

And cheap gas!

Good luck with the video.

If they screw up or want to pad the bill, they will just lose the recording.

 

[642mx]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Good luck with the video.

If they screw up or want to pad the bill, they will just lose the recording.

Yeah... I know I'm dreaming. But if a shop did video everything, can you imagine the work they would have? I really don't care what anything costs, as long as its done and done right...

 

[oops!]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

the problem is that unless you are on the ocean in a warmer climate.....most boating is seasonal.
that means the mechs and parts people have a 5 month "go" at it......the prices of everything reflects that.

thats why winterizing and summerizing cost so much.....that is the make or break of the season start...or off season.

here in a four month season....the regular work in the summer is the gravy....if the season is bad....the prices for wint/summerizing go up.....one guy here is charging 500 a pop for wint....but you dont need to summerize....and he is getting it hand over fist.

 

[kellmike626]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Mine is fuel costs and preventative maintenance. But, it's gotta be done.

 

[98Shabah]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

+1000 on the fuel costs.. and not even the fuel for the boat, but for the tow vehicle!

Oh, and I think for a lot of people it might be beneficial to be able to pay a mechanic to show them how to do the routine maintenance so that in the future they may be able to do it themselves.

 

[spudshaft]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

How about outboard motors?

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: What would you like to see become less expensive in boating?

Nothing. I want it expensive.

Just think, if everyone could afford it, there would be more traffic, more rules, more ridiculous laws, more traffic, more accidents, hands free VHF, less space, less fish, less dock space. Before you know it there would be traffic lights and stop signs, speed traps,... I can see it now, "what do you mean no right on red officer?" Oye,.... no smoking, no drinking, no driving without a shirt, no farting at the fuel dock. Did I mention seat belts? Yes some stupid politician would come up with that law. After that we'll be required to have our spotlights on when it's raining, I hate spotlights and the idiots that use them. Mark my words, our waterways will become "the land of no" just like everyplace else.

I like it just the way it is. I want to be out and float around for a few days at a clip without seeing or hearing anything that closely resembles the everyday chaos of the real world. I want to drive my boat while on the cellphone. I want to stop to pee without having to look for a tree. I like enjoying my wife out on the deck in broad daylight.

Bottom line is that if it becomes "cheap" or too affordable, the freedoms of our hobby/sport will become just like everywhere else.