As I've stated in a few other posts I've been browsing the forums for quite some time now and feel as though I've generated a large amount of boating knowledge. I have my certification to operate a marine vessel, (being as I'm 24 I had to obtain this to be legal). My question to all of you is what you do for a living. I myself just graduated with an B.S. in Finance in December and am currently employed at Fifth Third Bank as a Securities Settlement Specialist. I'll be sitting for my CFA level 1 in December in hopes to obtain an entry level portfolio management position within the bank. I feel as though the type of income needed to purchase and sustain the type of boat I'm looking to get into (an Active Thunder 25 or 28), is unreal. Which leads me to wonder what everyone on board the cult does for a living. I know this may seem like a personal question which I entirely understand if noone wants to answer, but maybe I'll be able to further understand how some afford this fantastic hobby. I also wouldn't mind making professional business contacts to add to my ever growing network a long the way. Thanks' guys.

I am in sales. I sell online market research surveys and have been at the same company since 2004(I was 25 when I got hired). I started as sales support(not a lot of money) and in 2005 at age 27 I was promoted to outside sales where I was responsible for gorwing and maintaning a geographical territory. I had some success and in 2007 was then given some "Key Accounts" aka, the biggest, most important clients for our company. I am still in that role. I bought my 05 28' Savage in late 2007 at age 29. I am getting tired of this type of sales so looking to move on to a fifferent type of sales shortly.

A lot of the AT guys own/run their own business. That's the way to go IMO. More risk, but the rewards can be huge....

I work for the Department of Defense. I work in Project Management.. Pays decent, benefits are better..

I would think most guy's would have saved some money over a few years just to afford the down payment and then they finance the rest
let's sat you pick up a used boat for around $50 k and put down $10k . to finance $40 k your payment won't be that much maybe $400 a month ++++++

i forgot ,I own a lawn service landscape co
mike

I sit on my butt and push buttons in the front of a pressurized gas can. It still requires sacrifices to have this expensive hobby/lifestyle!

i work as a commercial leasing agent it means i have to have a used boat and do all my own work but no matter what gets you out on the water thats the most important thing

I don't do a damn thing! But I used to be a GM technician/Auto mechanic. I did very well for many years working my azz off til all hours getting it done! 30 years later I am unemployed and looking for a new path. Any ideas?

I'd rather not be one of those button pushing pressurized tube jockeys but hey if I could get paid that kind of money for pushing a few buttons I might reconsider!

Drew - I thought for a minute that you made the nightly news tonight... Apparently that button pushing is pretty stressful and occasionally the passengers need to put you guys back in your place!

Im an elevator mechanic, pays well. But Im not loaded so I have to plan accordingly. Dont go house broke, and try to do as much work as you can on the boat, yourself.
I have heard that you should plan on spending %10 yearly, of what the boat cost you, on maintenance. I have never been that close unless you count gas.

Just boat and live within your means. There is always a way, if you want it bad enough.

R... You are off the deep end again!! Everyone wants your job... Go boating all the time!!