I've always felt there were 2 kinds of boat owners. First, there are people that, well....own boats. Next, there are Boaters. I'm a Boater. I don't need to be going anyplace, I just enjoy being on the boat....most any boat. I like working on it, making it better, cruising, anything actually as long as it involves boats. I look at Yachtworld and Boat Trader (I've heard it called Boat Porn) when I'm eating a sandwich, I look at Boat Parts on eBay in case I see something I don't already have. Everything is better on a boat. I've cried like a little girl every time I've sold a boat. I got my first boat at 15 and I'm now 67. I've owned a 10', 12', 17', 22', 23', 24', 26', 36' and a 52'. I now know that I will own a boat as long as I can safely handle it. Now the flip side is people that, own a boat. For most of them they use it Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. They're the ones that exclaim on Memorial Day to the crowd waiting to go for a ride. "....Damn boat, it ran perfectly last September." We all have "their boats" in our marinas and storage lots. "What a waste" we often say. I'm not knocking the Boat Owner....what he does with his boat is his business and money. What a shame, though.... My name is Shawn and I am a BOATER!
My weekends finally have purpose now that we have a boat again We've been out 4 times in 3 weekends. Went out yesterday, and I'm longing to go out again today, but it's not in the cards. Did the next best thing and brought the boat to the house for a cleaning this morning. I'd rather sit in it on the street in front of my house than be inside where it's cool. Always happy when I pick it up from storage and sad when I drop it off. Retirement goal is to own and live on a boat somewhere nice and warm.
I believe you’re referring to amateur hour.... the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day... I’ve yet to winterize, but unfortunately our calendar filled up out of nowhere in September and October. My fiancé gets upset with me because “all I do” is look at boats and boat parts... it’s been in my blood all my life. Until last year I had only been aboard Cobalts. It was last year in Chicago I got a 90 MPH ride in a 38 Top Gun. I love my ‘79 Cobalt and plan to buy a bigger newer Cobalt. In the short term I’d like to buy/build a poker run boat. A Cigarette is on the short list, possibly a Scarab. Hoping to be on the water soon! I am definitely a Boater!
Well, I am definitely a boater. When I'm not working I'm looking at boats, thinking about boats, thinking about upgrades I want to do to my boat, I look at boat parts, I bookmark things I want to buy, etc, etc, etc. It's an addiction really. I get what you're saying, Shawn. Being a boater is in your blood or your DNA. It's a lifestyle... but it more than that -- it's who you are. I don't knock anyone who owns a boat if they're not a boater. A lot of people like to be on a boat and be on the water...that's great but most people who simply own boats don't understand the passion of a true boater. In addition to being in my blood, boats are therapeutic for me. I wash my boat before I take it out and I wash it again when I get back. I love it. It's relaxing and when I'm doing these things its "my time". In fact, I voluntarily help my friend clean and wax their boats. One last thought... Have you guys watched the show Bitchin' Rides on Velocity? I love that show and if I had time to take on another venture I would start a business called Bitchin' Boats where I would not only restore boats of all ages and models, I would make them bitchin'. Sadly, I don't think it would be a profitable business.
Unfortunately when you build a “bitchin’ Boat” the return on investment and ability to resell hits the dump!
Interesting.... I've often wondered what Chip Foose could do to a boat....like maybe my CS23. Maybe we need "On the Water Overhaulin'" or Overhaulin' Wet Edition
I am definitely a boater. We have 2 boats (Cobalt 262 and a Carver 3307). We spend as much time on the lake as possible. The best time of year for us to boat is April to the week before Memorial Day, and the week after Labor day until November 1 for the Cobalt. We use the Carver all year round. My wife hates it when I cant get to the lake. She says I get grumpy. I do get the shakes though....
