Why is this so expensive??
 

Why is performance boating this freaking expensive?
I keep looking for a boat - used to have a Baja 25 Force got it used for $12,000 with a 454 and TRS - Trailer included. Loved that boat.
I know there are some very affluent people on this board, but as I search through the classified's I'm finding boats in the $300-$600 thousand range. In my current career, that is more money than I will make in the next 10 years, not including taxes and living expenses.
And then, props are anywhere from $400 to ??? Yearly expenses of storage, dockage, fuel, and normal use.
I'm trying to find boats in the $50's that I MIGHT be able to afford in 2 years - now I'm getting into spending money on a survey, probably a cross country trip to see it, and every other expense involved in the process.



Sorry All, I'm just getting frustrated. I woke up and it's a beautiful day, and I should be on the water - that has always been my therapy, and I've gone without for 3 years.

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

You can do a lot with $30 - 50K in the used market. You may not end up with the fanciest or the fastest boat on the water, but you will still get equal enjoyment.

So, stop looking at $200K+ boats, it is only going to frustrate you.

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

I just can't figure out how people have that much $$ to spend on a boat.
Maybe I should just buy a $2000 jet-ski and be done with it.

All kidding aside - I just can't imagine $5-600000 on a boat - that will drop 50% value in the next 2 years.

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

I agree with you, it is expensive!!! We went from many small boats, then to a 22 and then a 26 and really took care of them knowing that when we sell them, we would want a good dollar for them and when viewed by the buyer it would be an easy sell due to condition. Finally, you can find good deals out there.... we are in Pennsylvania and first went to Kansas to look at a newer model boat with very little hours, then again to Kentucky and finally we went to Michigan where we finally brought one home. It took some time and we looked at the trips as mini vacations, basically cost us time, fuel for the truck and got cheap hotels on Priceline.com, in the end we really brought home a nice clean boat for little money, basically a 31 on a trailer for less then the price your looking at spending. We could have bought new, but had a loan, however we preferred to go a few years older and pay 1/3 the price and not have a loan. With boats, you just have to be patient, spend a lot of time looking, but there is always someone looking to dump a boat quick or banks pushing repos, there are a lot of repos these days!!!! Ours was a repo. Keep searching the web and save the sites and review them weekly because the good ones will go quick!!!

The price of boating sucks... but then when your out there with the trottles in hand, it's worth every penny!!!!

Good Luck!!! Hope you the best with your venture!!!

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

"Why is performance boating this freaking expensive?"

Addictions are funny that way. Good luck with your search. :drink:

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

YOU CAN BUY ALOT OF NICE BOATS THAT ARE VERY ENJOYABLE IN THE 20-30 THOUSAND RANGE. YOU MAY THINK IM NUTS BUT SOMETIMES I THINK I HAD MORE FUN WITH MY CHEAPER BOAT WITH LESS POWER THAN WITH MY CURRENT BOAT THAT IS NEARLY TWICE AS BIG WITH TRIPLE THE POWER. JUST STRESS QUALITY OVER SIZE AND POWER. GOOD LUCK :drink:

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

i paid 22k for my 1979 35ft cig mistress. the boat lived a good life and was in fantastic shape less power. i bought a used pair of 572 n/a's for 8k carb to pan then rebuilt em. i'll have a little over 40k in the whole shebang. not to shabby, granted i'll have 55k in the blower motors im building but will probably sell the mistress turn key and trade up to something used with #6 drives this winter. get your cash together and be ready when winter comes cuz thats the time to find a deal. i'll have just as much fun at the poker runs as the big guns....so don't gt all bummed out. start saving yer cake,ratman

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Yeah your right, It's an addiction.
My Dad must have been the "pusher", I was running his boat the day he signed it (I was 10). Been hooked ever since.
Now I'm having serious DT's. Been without for too long.
But, I don't want to buy something just to get back on the water, I know what I want, or at least the range of what I want.
It's just that I come on this board, and I love water and performance boats, and watch people move from a $350,000 boat up to a $500,000 boat, (just look through the classifieds), and I'm wishing for something in the $50's.
Good for you, all that can afford it - I'm sure you've worked hard and deserve it.
I work hard too.
This isn't a boo-hoo,pitty party, I just don't understand how a boat can cost half a million to buy, and a few years later it's selling for $125,000. (Although still not in my price range).

I guess we will all pay whatever it costs for our "addiction". I know I will, I'm just holding out until the "pusher" show's me the good stuff, and I have cash in hand.
:D

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...4&page=1&pp=20

good reading , post #40 is a good overall call...

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Open72,
Yeah, I remember reading that thread.
I guess my thread is just a xerox of that one, and it has all good points.
I'm just frustrated this morning. It's a beautiful Sat. morning, and I'm still boatless.
Just venting, and trying to figure out how these guys out at LOTO can afford the boats that are running 140+mph, blow up a drive, and be back on the water next weekend with a new package.
Are these guys for real??
I'll get something I can afford, and enjoy it, and have the money to be able to USE it. But I got a two year plan...

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Well boo- f*cking hoo....

Step 1) MOVE! You live in the armpit of America... Northern Kentucky...nothing good ever came out of there, Cincy for that matter either.
Step 2) Stop crying like the whimpy-assed Southerner you are and stop acting more like a Yankee.
Step 3) Quit your job picking turnips and go get a real job.
Step 4) I know how Kentuckians are so.... take a shower daily, brush your teeth twice a day and stop at Rite Aid and buy some deoderant. Employers kinda like that.

This should start you on your way. You can thank me later.

Your Buddy,

Masher :D :evilb:

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Sometimes be happy with what you have. I have made the same mistake. Bigger and faster isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Just be thankful you wake up every morning and have an opportunity to be on the water and enjoy friends and family in keeping good memories. Don't get frustrated and let anyone get you down, just keep plugin along and strive for your goals. Good Luck.

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

bouyhunter,
I have a friend 91' Cigarette Bullet here for $35K on a trailer. 502's and Brakos' ooops I mean Bravos'. Not the fastest but she's in nice shape. It lives on the Delta and only sees fresh water.

Let me know, I'll pass his number along. He hasn't advertised it. He's in no hurry to sell.

Fionn
925.952.4240
510.541.8124
[email protected]

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Masher, - Thanks buddy, I needed that. Really, I did.
1- I'm not from Kentucky, nor did I ever plan to live here, but, in all honesty, it's a not a bad place. At least we live on the ""good side".
2-I'm not a Yankee or a southerner, I'm a pollock.
3-I'm allergic to turnups. Well, not really, but those are just nasty.
4- I do take a shower daily, but they pull the water out of the Ohio River - don't need deodorant, the water will kill all the scrungies...

Now get the motors in your freakin boat and invite me for a ride you #rick

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

That's about exactly what I'm looking for. But again, I'm getting into the survey, and cross country trip. This may be worth it though.
I need to go count some pennies...
Let me do some checking on the finances this week and see just what I can swing - I might be giving you a call.
Thanks!

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

I gotta get a boat first... getting closer on one as we speak. I lived in East TN for 5 years... LOVED IT... spend alot of time on Cumberland and bought my first beak boat in Louisville.

I would search on boattraderonline.com and type in your search numbers... I have been on there daily and see a bunch of really great deals on some nice rides... If you wait until after Labor Day, you might be able to grab a really nice ride for cheap... alot of guys dont want to carry a boat thru the winter if they can bail it then.

What brands are you looking at? Where will you run it? and How will you use it? overnights?

I am hoping to get situated in a new boat in a couple weeks, In a perfect world I will make the Cumberland run in Sept, the LOTO SHootout and Key West.

Dont feel bad, I am 100% Italian, a true Yankee and living in Texas... :rolleyes:

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

I'm dreaming of a Cig mistress.
But, that would also mean an upgrade in a tow vehicle to haul the heavy pig around, and everything else that goes with that.
The Bullet that Lofty is talking about might be right up my alley.

I'd love to get my hands on Craig's Bullet - it's gotta be one of the nicest out there, but it's too much $$ for me - not that it isn't worth it, I just don't have that kind of scratch. Not to mention, I'd have to paint it - his paint job is too much for me- I can appreciate that many like that, but I'm more "simple" than that (go ahead masher, have fun with that line).

I figure I'll be trailering to Erie and Cumberland.
I'm not looking for a speed monster, just fast enough 65-70 range, handle the rough stuff (Erie) and be able to weekend.

I'm still working on my Key West trip for this year - We'll meet up for a few beer's

You Wopp :D :drink: :drink:

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Sweet.... Erie can be rough. I spent alot of time on Ontario and that can make the ocean seem flat. I think you should look for a Bullet...maybe one that needs some TLC... cosmetics. Craigs is perfect but there are a bunch out there that would fit you. Craigs is mint because he drove it like a wuss.
I like my paint simple too... I can design you a paint job like I did for Sean if you want :D
I hope to do KW with a boat.. if not I can mooch a ride. I am not huge into the actual Poker Run but would love just to cruise around.
Good Luck :drink:

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Fred, I saw that one - just can't do it yet. My anxiety is getting the best of me.
Great looking boat.

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Yeah, I' grew up there.
That's an understatement...

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

your my hero masher...tell it like it is dude. Respekt

Re: Why is this so expensive??
 

Correct Fred...your buddies 33' Poweplay last year comes to mind. I'm still botherd by that one. It was just a matter of timing.