I think one issue is that the dominant image of the hobby is the big, top-end boats and deep pockets needed to run them. We all know performance boating has never been a cheap sport, but when people see these top end machines, I think they get "bitten by the bug" ...until they realize the cost in terms of cash and time commitment.

I do see a need for more interest at the entry level - where people can buy/update/grow with a smaller or older boat until they are ready for something bigger and better. Personally, I love restorations and seeing freshly-updated boats; though they, too, require some technical knowledge (and sweat) to bring together.

I imagine there are lots of people who'd love to have a big, fast boat - but may not know where to start, who to go to for advice, or comprehend what they are even getting into. Anything we can do to make it easier would be helpful.

Good point and I'll expand on it. New boats are TOO expensive. A friggin 30' senator council with decent power is $120k. Preposterous. I've said this before, when I bought my new Nordic 28' in the early 2000's it was $63k with a 496. I figure I'm a "normal" buyer, an idiot with standard debt; mortgage, car, & some credit card. However, the thought of plunking down $20k and financing the rest was within my means and we pulled the trigger. The same boat now is $110-120k. Preposterous. Now tell me what "normal" person can finance that??? Seriously.

Now it's a big buck sport that has cut out the very thing that made it possible, a continuous buyer pool, i.e. young people. Sorry but someone like me with a mortgage, car payments, some credit card is hard pressed to purchase a new one and reluctant to buy an older one because I know what it takes to get 'em running good again and the $$ involved. So...I'm out of the market until I'm finished with the house & car. But it'll have to be the right deal since I (and many of my peers in my age group) really need to start socking away for retirement.

And regarding cars, preposterous. I priced out a new F250 with a mid-range package and it was $55-60k. Absurd. So instead of buying a truck for half that and having some room to take on additional debt for a boat, I'm stuck paying it off before I'm free.

One thing is for sure, my house value didn't double in that time, nor did my salary, but the cost of cars and boats did.

I agree with Indy. But I'm 29 and have slowly worked my way up in boats. I went from an 83 Arabian that I put new stringers, floor, and transom in. I made everything structural strong and then made the drivetrain work. Sold it and bought 2 donzis in a short period. A 66 16 foot that I fixed and gave to my dad and my 22 that I put all new wiring motor dash and now working on the interior in. Then I bought a VIP to keep in the water for a few years. Once I was done with that I got the 242 formula i have wanted since a kid. I'll make that all work properly and stop the leaking of water into the cabin and run it for a while. I keep the donzi on a trailer to bring out for runs and to have fun on. The formula is the everyday boat that me and the fiancee love. The problem is with a wedding and needing a truck due to mine rotting out there is no money for a newer boat. So I take them when they need work, fix them and sell them for a little profit when I'm done with them. But being in the younger generation I do see many people that stuck at work or fixing things. There are some good ones out there, I have a few friends that are like me. If you need a hand they help and getting dirty to fix something is the normal routine. HBlair it's good to see some younger kids being shown how to boat. Not just going and buying one and being an inconsiderate ass on the water. Let them help you work on them and teach them what to do and why you do it that way. It will help them in the long run and will give the boating community more of the good guys that seem to be harder to find anymore.