Are boaters sane? A rant
 

I have owned boats and lived near water most of my life - sailboats, outboard ski boat, deck boat, twin outboard fishing boats and now own a 42 foot arneson drive twin inboard beast. Working slob so never could swing buying new and always inherited others peoples sh!tshows and tried my best to get em reliable. Now in my late 50's the mind is willing to keep up with bad water pumps, fuel pumps, clogged carbs, and nearly impossible to reach spark plugs but the body cant keep up ... bad knees, foot issue, both shoulders .... had I known I'd live this long I would have been a bit more careful.

With tune ups at the dock costing $1,200 around here and the annual bottom jobs costing $3,000 - might be time to sell her and rent boats as needed. Getting older sucks!

First--------------------no NOT SANE!

Sort of same here, just got a new hip but keep my boat on the lift. Rather then rent, smaller boats are one way. I know everyone says OB but I have no idea how to work on them so would have to pay the $100 per hour, and like you can't afford the new OB cats or bling bling CC's with warranties.

Two years ago while laying in a hospital bed at age 72 I did some serious thinking and decided to get out of boating. Luckily sold every piece of everything to do with the activity in two weeks. Two months later bought a used 17' Mako per my wife's request and we're happy with that decision along with extremely low cost ownership & simple maintenance. Ed

Marsha, what address can I send you a case of snickers bars too ? I want the old Swampy back. Thanks. :)

doing it for a living and I am in my upper 50 s getting closer and closer to 60 -- hate how that even sounds -- 31 years now doing this - close to 260 -- 300 boats per year by myself but if your use to it day in and day out -- it kind of keeps u limber sorta speak.. Alot of times I like the challenge and then their is days like, I do not want to work on boats for the day but do..

That's my late-retirement plan too! (maybe a 20 footer...)

I am 70, thankfully in fairly good health and work hard to stay in shape, running and strength training. I am not as flexible as I used to be and I am reminded of that Every time I climb in the engine compartment. The 29 foot single engine VR 1 is just about perfect. I do the routine maintenance, plugs, oil fuel filter etc. Twins would be a pia for me. I do sometimes dream about a Velocity 390 but in reality the VR 1 is perfect for me. However if i win the Mega Million.........

Padraig

Yup, I'm in the same boat. Pun intended. I'm 62 keep myself in shape, but do feel the pains. I bought a new 18 foot boat with outboard, that fits in the garage. So it doesnt have to be waxed as often. Changing oil and plugs and filters is simple.

65 here and in the same "boat!" It seems we are all getting old!