Everyone who said $$$ is correct. I was 24 when I bought my first boat, a 1997 29' scarab and it pretty much set me back several years in life at the time. I had friends buying houses, getting married etc and I had 0 savings, an apartment and a bad ass boat at the time. Fast forward 10 years, I have a mortgage, a wife, and what I consider a bad ass boat for my needs. Man what I would give to rewind life and move back into that apartment.....

I fully expected everyone to mention the cash. I jumped from a started with a SeaDoo and went right to a 33 Scarab with 500s, so don't really know the operating costs of a small block 20 to 25 footer. Seems like that would be the usual first step, but there doesn't seem to be many of those on the market anymore...

Jet boats are still a deal, there are plenty out there

Wait until it breaks and you will answer your own question.

I would agree with the younger crowd just isn't into the fast boats, cars, bikes, etc. They have no passion for speed/power like I did as a kid. I see it everyday in the auto industry. Can you remember ever talking with a group of your friends in you 20's about how cool a SE mini van looks. I heard that discussion with a group of my service porters last week. None of them have kids!

Its sad and as corny as it may sound I encourage everyone that does work on there own things to get your kids, nephews, nieces, neighbor hood kids...involved in it.

I officially sound like an old man!

I've already blown a motor and am rebuilding right now.......I'm fully aware of the expense!

That may be a little too personal to share.
I hope that doesn't make someone close jealous.

LOL.

Many people in the younger generations grew up with ps2, 3, and now 4's with graphics getting better every day. Add up the time many of them spend working on their fantasy characters and it just doesn't leave time for much else.

It isn't just money- although thats a big part of it.

- lots of millennials make money- they simply make different choices.

Many don't even leave the nest preferring to stay at home on the computer, games and social networking sites vs going out and doing things.

Kids today aren't even buying cars, much less hot rods, boats and houses.

To effectively own and use a boat you also have to have a tow vehicle and place to store both vehicles - all three items are items shunned by the typical millennial purchaser.

How to change it-? not sure that can be done.

UD

SB I can tell you would be fun to have a beer with . Humor is good !