Thinking of Selling, But Enjoy It

[Bruce Butler]

Here is where the wife and I are. We can only use the boat on sundays. We have a 2000 210 Sundeck. Trailer it and store it in our driveway during the summer. I keep it at work in the lot during the winter. My wife's schedule only allows the sunday useage. That is hit and miss with the weather and with family obligations during the summer like birthdays and various gatherings. So, we might use it a handfull of times during the year at his point in life. Still a few years away from being retired. The boat is paid for and is in great shape, new trailer. I keep insurance on it. That and having it sealed up for winter are the only real expenses other than if something is broken. Do we keep it? Sell it because we barely use it? I'd put the money into another classic car. We like the boat but it sits more than being used. Hard to make a decision. Any thoughts?

 

[Ididntdoit]

Love the '55 - had a 2dr hdtp for 20 years or so - keep the boat, you know what it is and it owes you nothing. you may get to the point where you use it more.

 

[WinkBuilt]

My folks have had their boat since new in ‘79.

Some years is was used constantly.
Some years only time was on our annual summer vacation.

Unless there was a physical limitation that would prohibit the ownership of a boat, even if I only got to go out a couple times per season, I’d keep her.

 

[Golfman25]

Actually sounds like your using a couple times a month in a short northern season. Is your wife’s schedule always going to mandate Sundays only? If you enjoy your time on it, I’d keep it.

 

[Little Ducky]

You really have to do some thinking about this one.

Right now it's a sellers market. If you can sell high and when life gets freed up purchase again.

How's the rental market in your area?
For your occasional boating needs until retirement boat rental might be the way to go.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

I would probably sell it. We had a 185BR for a while and got to where it was just more hassle than it was worth getting it in the water for how we used it. We sold it and I figure if I really miss it and want another then I'll go find one. Unless the boat has really family attachment it's just one more thing to have to manage. As I get older I am looking for less to manage.
Good luck making the decision.
Carpe Diem

 

[tdschafer]

It's a tough call. We've had a couple of seasons with minimal use. We even had one where we skipped unwrapping the boat due to kids sports & schedule conflicts. I attempted selling the boat once due to this but, I couldn't pull the trigger when it was my turn to sign the contracts. I do have some sentimental attachment as I raised 3 kids on this boat & have some fantastic memories. On the other hand, like Carpdiem says, its another thing to manage. This year has been one of those years as many professional & personal schedule conflicts have limited me to one ride thus far this year. But, I believe next year will be different (although one kid graduating HS & heading off to college may prove me wrong, lol) so I think I'm gonna just chalk this one up. I share this with you more as a "You're not alone" message rather than a suggestion as to what you should do. Only you really know what is best for your situation. Good luck!

 

[bobeast]

Just be aware that if you keep it, you will be forever restricted by life. However, 5 minutes after selling it, your wife's schedule will open up, and you will wish you hadn't.

Aren't I helpful?

 

[Sea-Ya]

I also have been thinking of selling mine this season. Its a tough decision. Mine is paid for and as far as expenses I have the marina and winterizing and spring start up. Most of the work I do myself. I was going to put mine up in the spring but wanted to see how much I used it this season. Being the slip was paid for for the season and it was already in the water I figured to keep it and see how it goes. So far I havent used it as much as I wanted to. Each season I have been using it less. I have had mine for six years and like you said the way the market is now it will sell quick and I can probably get close to what I paid for it. It is also becoming sort of a hassle to me. I kinda lost that itch and excitement to go out on it. I wish I felt differently. I plan on retiring in three years so maybe things will change. I have a feeling after a couple of seasons from now after covid a lot of boats will be going up for sale due to so many people buying them now and in a couple years will be selling them once they realize the cost to maintain and they may also lose the itch to. Its a tough decision, I am right with you on this one.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Had boats 1986- 2012. Got out for about 8 years. Bought again last year. Biggest regret, going those 8 years without one. Wont make that mistake again.
Keep the boat. So it sits. It ain’t costing you squat and its there when you want to go out.
Old saying in business, its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[Golfman25]

Had boats 1986- 2012. Got out for about 8 years. Bought again last year. Biggest regret, going those 8 years without one. Wont make that mistake again.
Keep the boat. So it sits. It ain’t costing you squat and its there when you want to go out.
Old saying in business, its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

This is why I don't buy over prices, expensive boats. I got mine probably 18 years ago. It's been paid for. Never felt pressure to "go use it." Some years got more use than other -- kids, weather, schedules, etc. This year was going to use it "a lot" but I have been stuck at work with an office manager out as a covid long termer. I am going to sell it, but only after I find my new one which is a unicorn.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Golf you are so right. If i use it, great, if I’d rather sit at the local bar and swap lies with the old guys cause its 95 out, hell yes i i dont feel the need, but when i want, its there.

 

[Daniel1980]

As long as I can keep a boat in my life, I will.

 

[Pirate Lady]

And best part is the wife has same mindset. She be like, boat ready, no, ok, lets go corner bar, ready tomorrow?, don’t know, ok, cost much to fix?, $$$, that all!and my friends THAT is how you celebrate 41 years together! Last week!

 

[bobeast]

My wife be like "what are you getting you for your birthday from me?" I be like "A new Dinghy, thank you!"

 

[Skybolt]

Every time I think of getting rid of my boat, I end up with a bigger one a few weeks down the road. One boat a many years back, I got convinced to sell and take up golf. That lasted for exactly two months and I got a new wife and a new boat ... Could not imagine not having a boat any more then I could not having a dog. Simply not going to happen, even if it sits in the yard.