Sell the boat...or new carpet/batteries/electronics?

[mvoellinger]

So I took a new job in October that has me traveling EVERY week Mon-Fri. I frequently find myself waking up at 2pm Saturday from exhaustion, so the boating day is shot. Add in my girlfriend lives in another state, and Ill regularly go two weeks without coming home. So heres my dilema: I love my boat, but Im not using it as much anymore (maybe 4 hours a month) and dont have the drive to spend a full day cleaning it on my two days home every week. BUT, at the same time I cant resist the urge to replace my failed inverter with a new model (and properly install it in the cabin instead of the bilge where the current non-ignition protected version that died is installed...), buy a new fixed mount radio to replace the raymarine 215 with the dead mic cable (or maybe a new mic? anyone have one for sale?), a new stereo, and replace the batteries - I bought it with one AGM and one standard wet cell, and the wet cell is dead, and also upgrade the battery charger from the stock guest one to one that can handle agm properly.

I dont NEED to sell it as its my only real cost every month and I do still enjoy it. So heres your task: remind me why I SHOULDNT sell it and convince me to spend a paycheck with Jim@BOE!

 

[Two Screwed]

Quit the girl. Keep the boat. Problem solved. Brad Paisley has a song to address such issues called "I'm Gonna Miss Her".

 

[Kreole Kid]

For what it's worth, I just got my microphone cable repaired / replaced thru Ray Marine for $75.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

You're probably gonna have to fix those items if you want to sell it anyway.

Tell your girl to move closer to the boat.

Enjoy your days off with a fixed boat and the open water.

 

[tdschafer]

I went through a similar dilemma this past fall. The kids are now in multiple sports that kinda squeeze my boating season into about 7 weeks in the summer. Add to that the fact that I just had bought another business and I was spread thin time wise as well as finacially. I decided to sell and priced the boat accordingly. I got 2 soild offers in about a weeks time. The problem was, as I prepared her to sell I remembered why I loved the boat so much! Even my wife was impressed with how well the boat looked, and she's not really a fan.
Well, I couldn't sleep for the week I debated accepting the offers. Once I did accept one I was miserable for the weekend. I was pouring over the contracts and ultimately realized that although I didn't get as much use as I wanted from the boat, I would be miserable without it! I e-mailed the broker early that Monday morning to inform him that I had taken the boat off of the market. I couldn't be happier!!!

Good luck with your choice as everyones circumstances are different.

 

[itsabowtime2]

I don't know about you but my boat is therapy/strees relief for me. Just driving onto the marina property my wife can see the stress just leave me. Even cleaning it puts a smile on my face. I second the motion, have the g-friend move closer to the boat!

 

[Pyrojodge]

I have thought about selling mine at times. The reality is always the same. I boat because I LOVE it. No other reason. If you only get to spend a few days on her do you enjoy it? If you do then no amount of money in the world will bring you the joy,the dedication,and the occasional mishap... do what is best in your situation. No one knows it as well as you do. I'm sure others will pipe in that have sold their pride and joy only to down the road long for another one...

Todd... glad you enjoy boating as much as I do....

 

[Pachanga Boy]

ya I have to agree only you know what you really want and what is best. All I can say is to look at the situation as it pertains to your long term goals. you may not use it much now but will you in a year or two? It's all about how you want to spend what little free time we get in this crazy life. Only you know how to best use that. Personally the handful of summers I didn't have a boat wheather it be as a kid or an adult sucked. For me I can't think of a better way to waste my time and money. but hey there are worst vices in life. I'm sure all my non-boating friends think I've got a screw loose....sadly they might be right.:smt101

 

[Lucky's]

I pondered selling mine this past winter. We are preparing to purchase the funeral home I'm employed with and were going over finances, deciding what was important and what wasn't. It was also winter time, and it is admittedly much easier to think about selling when you can't use it. However, regardless of the expense incurred or the lack of time to use it (which in my line of work can be very slim), when I got "serious" about putting it up for sale, I almost had a panic attack. The joy and pleasure I get out of the time I am able to go makes it all worth while. As stated by itsabowtime, when we get in the car to head to the marina, I'm a different person. The stress and worry all wash away. I would be crazy to give that up. Life is too short. If you have something that you love, are able to do, and is legal....keep doing it!!! You'll regret it if you don't!

 

[300SR]

Never gave it a thought. Sell the girl keep the boat!!!!!!

 

[kevin27]

Keep the boat! I thought about getting out a few years back when my old boat blew both engines within 60 hours of each other. Then the a/c went out. That year I didn't get to take it to St Pete for the Grand Prix and all I could think about was the other boats around the waterfront. Spent the whole weekend trying to think of another hobby I would enjoy as much and be able to afford. Did not come up anything that wasn't extreeme or just plain crazy. After a lot of work I fixed and sold the 270 da and bought the 300 da. Couldn't be more happy.

 

[dicor]

I too had a job that kept me at airports and hotels Monday thru Friday. I took a pay cut and found another job after a couple years and couldnt be happier. I know the economy is bad and good jobs are not easy to find but if you're unhappy with the travel getting a different job should be on the top of your list. Remember nobody has ever said on their death bed "gee I wish I spent more time at work and less time with my loved ones doing the things I like".

 

[IanBat]

A job is NEVER guaranteed.

Over the last 35 years of boats, I have had periods where I couldn't get out for various reasons. But there was always a boat there waiting for when I could. With the trailer boat, sitting in the drive, expense was never a question, and neither trailer boat devalued. With the marina, I guess the monthly cost is incentive enough that I need to go out, but I wouldn't sell.

 

[Captain Kirk]

The time spent with family and friends on the boat, PRICELESS!

 

[Pack66Dad]

Start going directly to the boat from the airport. I have done that several times..... waking up at 2:00pm Saturday on the boat is a whole lot funner that waking up at home :grin:. Stop on the way and pick up some steaks, chips, a case of beer and party on for the weekend! :thumbsup:

I agree with so many of the previous posts, just driving through the gate of the marina lifts my spirits.

 

[OldSkool]

The difference between a GF and a boat is that you can leave the boat outside on the trailer after you stick the nozzle into it. It just sits there waiting for you to play with it again.:grin:

 

[NorCal Boater]

Why would you even ask this question on a boating forum? If you're looking for a different answer you may want to try Dear Abby or something. Just sayin....

 

[mvoellinger]

Sorry it took so long to reply, I was out all weekend boating, and loved it. I think its safe to say Im convinced Im not selling it (oh, and the gf decided to rent a condo on the beach for a couple months over the winter, win win!)

So now Ive started the list of things I NEED to purchase before memorial day when I am going to one of the springs to raft up all weekend:

1. New carpet - looks like snap-in carpet or whatever they are called is going to be the choice here. They sent me some samples and I really liked the "pebble" (I think that was it) with the "upgraded" backing on it that is ribbed that wont break down like the OEM crap.
2. New stereo
3. New batteries - do you guys with smaller boats like mine buy one smaller battery to just be cranking, and then buy the biggest you can fit/afford for house? What would you recommend for me? Im going to go with AGM as Im not a huge fan of checking/filling electrolyte.

Heres my current BOE shopping cart.

	FUSION MS-CD600G Marine SIRIUS? Ready Stereo		286.90	286.90
	FUSION iPod/iPhone Marine External Dock f/CD500, CD600 & AV600 - Grey		50.60	50.60
	FUSION MS-WR600C FULL FUNCTION WIRED REMOTE F/ 600 SERIES		112.64	112.64
	Standard Horizon GX1150W Eclipse DSC+ Ultra Compact Class D VHF - White		122.95	122.95
	Polyform HTM-2 8 x 20 - Black w/ Air Adaptor		44.93	179.72

Heres some pictures from this weekend. Note: these were taken from my friends 310 Sundancer. I love driving that boat, twin 350s with Axius.

 

[CV-23]

Good Choice! Trailer boats do offer some flexibility if you have to take a break from boating. Good storage is the key though! You can save on slip fees but keep up the maintainence, Mike.

 

[mvoellinger]

Good Choice! Trailer boats do offer some flexibility if you have to take a break from boating. Good storage is the key though! You can save on slip fees but keep up the maintainence, Mike.

My dry storage is probably a LOT cheaper than most people think it is, so its a LOT cheaper than buying a trailer and a truck to tow it with. Id have to trailer for at least 3 years to make it up, and the dry storage means I use it more.

In the end, it was just the fact when I drop the throttle and the wind is in my face, what else matters? PLUS, the marina is in my favorite bars parking lot so during the weekend I drop her in and Im allowed to use any of the open slips so I have a drunk condo to sleep it off at. Run the heat/ac and stereo and we will usually sit in the cockpit drinking until 4.