Pure Energy

I have a house by Orient Pt. I used to watch/hear boats coming from Connecticut to Claudio's from 11:00 to 3:00, and then watch them go back from 4:00-8:00. A constant stream of boats. This whole weekend I saw a total of 5! Not only that but boat traffic in general is waaaaayyyyy down. I can't even complain about fishing boats clogging up the channels.

Keith Atlanta

Is it the economy or do you think the cool factor is just gone? I know a lot of people in their 30's could care less about boats. People in their 20's, yeah right.

hustlerguy

A couple things, It seems to be by regions... Midwest powerboat interest and the amounts out there is as strong or stronger than it has ever been.
I agree that the intrerest is not there from the younger than 30 crowd like it was when I was that age, they seem to rather walk around in the city drinking coffee vs turn a wrench and have a B/A toy, that hurts the resale market for the rest of us in the market.
Also agree alot of the boats our there are in need of maintenance, and most people dont realize what kind of maintenance a nice boat needs so when there ready to sell it there is all kinds of underlying issues.

I can tell you in MN, WI, every lake and river was jammed today with all types of boats, this is like a tradition in this area on the 4th of July. It is a day usually skip because every person with something floating is hitting the water.

rak rua

Well done on the sale, I am a little envious! I've tried everything here just to get some interest on mine, it just isn't out there.

Big question, how long will you remain happy and boatless? The longest I've ever gone without a boat is about 3 months. Think you can beat that?

RR

Indy

I don't think they give a hoot, technology dominates their lives. My nephew's (19 years old) friend has a Tiara they have full access to, their posse has been out on it once in two years. None of them thought it was a big deal when they spent the day on the water last year. Probably went out and stared at their iPhones the whole time.

Indy

Same down the coast 40 miles at Pt. Jefferson. I did see some good activity this past holiday weekend in the harbor itself but that was it, the Sound was empty...you could have had the whole body of water to yourself this past weekend, seemed like some decent chop too that could have provided some fun.

I think there's three main factors:
- Our gov't and the greed on Wall Street saw to the biggest collapse in practically a century. Many haven't recovered...I'm one of them.
- Globalization has changed the face of this country forever, the middle class will not recover in my lifetime.
- Student debt, health care costs, and taxes reduce discretionary income. Debt for a boat is impossible.
- Younger generation isn't as active as they used to be, technology, social media, and poor job market contribute. I don't see as many interested in sports either from a spectator standpoint. You talk to some younger folks about football or baseball and they just stare at you but they'd sure chat your head off about Facebook, IG, or any of that other stuff. One thing that baffles me is selfies.

hogie roll

Any pics? My parents neighbors in st pete just got one to replace a contender 35 side console.

Indy

I'm going to add one more thing...new boat prices.

I get Boating Magazine (probably have for 30 years) and just looking at "regular peoples boats" or what should be anyway, these prices are absurd. A 25' Cobalt @ $132,000, a 31' Sea Ray @ $215,000.

Now who the fuk can afford that stuff? Seriously, working class people can't afford that stuff...I know I can't nor would I part with $130+ for a stupid 25' boat. You can get a house in some parts for $200 but not a dopey boat that's nothing great? All those wakeboard boats...can't wait to see the flood of used boats when that dynamic hits, then their big monthly payments become a crutch they can't get out of because their boat just sits because there's too much competition. Better hope there's no down turn or it'll become another byproduct like our go-fasts have become.

I run a business, I get how much it costs to do business but the industry is just killing itself. There's no question to me why this hobby is going to the toilet...it's pretty much little dorky boats or monster sized boats for the rich.

Keith Atlanta

Betyween the cost of ownership and the economy is where I was going. My insurance is pretty close to $6000 a year now. Combine that with the marina and ts $10,000 per year before the boat even starts. When i lived in Georgia or even 7 years ago in Florida it was it was more like $4000 year for dock and insurance. Combine that with the go-fast cost of ownership and its out of control and unobtainable for a lot more than it used to be.

dykstra

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to contribute to the derailing of this thread, but is your a 342 Baja really that much to insure a year? Even with 600"s, that seems very high?