If i go down!!! Im going down in Flames!!! Nuff said!

Free & clear is what I'd do:drink:they cost too much to have a loan on top of docking & winter storage my 02:ernaehrung004:

Pay cash if you can and it is paid for.You will enjoy it that much more, not worrying about next payment.

X2!!!!

That's a reasonable strategy in a decent market...but saving 6% is like a guaranteed, tax free return. The S&P was down 38% last year. Right now I'm glad I paid cash for mine; if not I would have lost 38% in the market and the depreciation on top of it. The way I look at it I'm now 44% ahead by paying cash.

Paying cash also keeps you from living beyond your means. Like the good old days...save up then buy it.

Agree 100 %. Pay cash for toys.
Bob

In fact, we're seeing the ressurgenc of "lay away." peopl eused to use that before credit cards became the mainstream rage. Now that credit dried up, people have to wait for the impulse item.

In 2009, we will hear about teh plight of credit card companies (read: banks again). This time, no one will feel sympathetic about giving tax dollars to the bozo's that have been raping consumers with 20%+ rates.

My philosophy is to buy used, big hit on cost is already taken.
Never finance more than you can afford, not just monthly payments but also if you ever need to unload the boat in a fire sale. Don't get upside down in the financing. Even in this market, I could unload my boat and cover the loan and put money in my pocket.

I would guess that 90% of boats are financed. I have financed every boat I have ever owned. I, like most people, don't have the cash to pay.

Finance smart, use a decent down payment, and never get upside down.

I don’t buy anything unless I can pay cash for it. With that said, that doesn’t mean I pay cash for it. I believe in keeping strong cash position in my businesses and personal life. For example, there is NO resale market for boats right now. The ~300K looks a lot better in my bank right now then in my boat. If it was in the boat and I need access to the cash right away for an investment opportunity or an emergency how could I get it out of the boat today? Go ask Lehman of Bear….

This philosophy goes for my house too. It allows you to stay within your means and also use the system for it true use.