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!

LOTO shop rates $120/hr. You $100/hr guys getting off cheap! :lolhit:

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No, but we're not breaking laws and we're not hurting anybody. :)

17 Mako...classic!

Major boating areas are 125 to 175 labor rates is not uncommon. Many who are wake boat dealers are min 125 per hour. I m a steal at 100 per hour. Comment about dealers / marine service shops are not competent that is not happening on my end and others as well, but of course not all shops / dealers.. There is still good shops and or techs around working in the industry.. I see that posted a lot. but have to defend the ones that make a difference in the marine industry. Just saying.

I had no idea your 70 YOU do not look 70 at all -

We're all nucking futs...twist up like a pretzel and spend hundreds of dollars on plugs and oil plus a few hundred more on gas to enjoy it for a day hahaha we're crazy but damn its fun!!

Don't get into circle track racing or etc......:)

1988 171, was a launch on a yacht. Those are the original cushions.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b1aca74ad5.jpg

Only in Michigan will you find something that nice that's 30 years old.

It's still cheaper than a psychologist and quicker results... the boaters that are nuts are the ones that figure boating should be free, engines don't need service because it ran fine for the last 5 years and when it does crap out when they have a group of people showing up - the service center's are a bunch of crooks because the boat needs a few $K in loving.

think it was Roger Penske that said "I know there's millions in racing, I put it there" about the same with boats

Always liked Mako....They were good riding and good boats for divers.

Padraig

Beautiful, you got me thinking...

...and the older Makos are solid in construction/ride a with a bit of care and they come up like new and hold the polish.... kinda' surprised they never impacted Whaler's market more with the 17

17 is a Great boat - 23 is awesome

Glad to see I am not alone

Hell, you all are youngsters! I am 74 and still working on my boat. Helps keep me sane when women drive me nuts. Lol.

Dam! I would be doing nothing but working on the boat. LOL

Padraig