Posted on 04/09/2006 5:58:02 PM PDT by Capt. Tom
Of course, catching the big one is priceless.
Sounds like a good time to buy. I'd love to have a motor launch.
dammit. And most of them seem to hate it. There is the problem in a nutshell.
I've always wanted a boat. I wonder if I ever will.
Boat owners still manage to pursue their hobby, no matter how bad the economic outlook.
I've got a 26' Searay sport-fisher with twin 150 Optimax Mercs. Very good gas mileage. For sixty bucks in gas I can cover a respectable amount of Puget Sound for a day of fishing.
Private marina slips are pricey, but nicer than municipal. I need a 30' slip because the boat takes up a bit more space with the motors up out of the water. Was paying 250.00 a month at the private marina, then I got a spot in the city marina for 100.00. Was on the waiting list for two years, and like the article says, I was told I would never get one by the harbor master.
Last summer when gas prices were at their highest, about $3.75, there was still a long lines at the fuel docks.
Remember I am refering to a segment of boaters with larger boats in marinas,and not all boaters.
In my first post I said: Owners of small boats with low horsepower and those who can trailer their boats are in better shape than the bigger boats in marina slips, that are at the mercy of the climbing marina slip fees, and the higher marina gas pump prices.
The immediate effect didn't take place last season I figure it will take place this season.
That is why I said in the original article: Last season was the economic handwriting on the wall, but most boaters toughed it out. The reality of economics will take its toll this season.
That's a very eloquent article. I've got sympathy for it, I grew up in a rural area myself. During my life, I've seen some lovely seaside and rural areas "developed," much of their timeless beauty is gone forever.
I confess nevertheless to having mixed feelings on the subject. I don't think the fisherman themselves are necessarily getting the short end of the stick, at least financially. Their home places have become worth millions in many cases. I don't know about Hatteras, but in Key West, many of the old "conch" families are finally cashing in, the money is just too irresistible. IMO, it's not up to the limousine liberals or other wealthy or more educated types drawn to Key West's character to tell 'em they can't sell out, because those fancy folk want a certain "atmosphere" for their vacation homes. Cashing in their property is these families' only shot at that kind of money.
My only suggestion is that the town fathers of places like Hatteras, Ocrakoke, the Keys, the Chesapeake, wherever, take matters into their own hands, try to look ahead, try to do what's right. Preserve the unique character of those places if they can, but try not to screw the current property owners, many of whom have been there many years, out of the small fortunes that are falling in their laps either.
What do you think?
It's a yacht.
You have a good eye for boats if you appreciate that one.
Those curves in her hull serve a functional purpose.
But those curved lines and surfaces are expensive to build,
That's why most mass produced boats have razor straight lines--cheaper to make, but they pass them off on the unwary as done because it's progress.
(Granted, flat surfaces make a boat easier to get on plane, but unless the water's always calm and your always in a hurry, planing is not so great).
A little history of the type: http://www.atlanticboat.com/history.php
Gotcha, more of a delayed reaction than an immediate effect. Then again, that 30' muni slip that was never supposed to open up, DID last year.
I have talked to several guys that are looking to down-grade to boats my size that are a little more trailer friendly. This would support your theory.
All I can say is, I'm very happy I did not go for the 40' Searay.
Your 26 footer is about the maximum size for trailering on a regular basis for pleasure boating. Bigger than that it gets to be to much of a hassle. - tom
A modern planing hull built in North Carolina, of cold molded plywood. I shudder at what it probably costs, though. But it's definitely cool.
I'm still waiting for them to come out with an affordable nuclear-powered boat.
Not to mention the size rig you need to haul it any distance. I bought an old full size Blazer just to haul it out a few times a year for maintenance, and it's only a few blocks on surface streets. I would not consider towing it any further without something much more substantial.
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