Tough Decision

[snyderaaron]

Been recently thinking about selling my LSV. I love my boat and boating, but this is the first year I've had it out less than 10 times and know next year will be about the same. Any pros and cons for those of you who sold their boats?

[zabooda]

I have yet to get out with my boat and I won't part with it. The decision to hang in there is I had orthoscopic surgery on my knee that isn't healing as fast as I thought so probably no water skiing this year. I'm single and who knows as I may find someone who enjoys boating and rejuvinate myself. The boat is into its 16th season and it doesn't depreciate much. I still do a week and a half boating vacation each year and I would miss that even without the skiing. I may be lucky to get 15 hours on it this year.

I would think you would really miss the times you go out unless you have others to ride with or another activity to get you through the summer.

[sandm]

I have thought a few times this year about selling it as I'm not sure how much I'll actually use it in the new home state, but haven't yet. it's a very long and tough decision. I have only put 3hrs on it this year and none skiing.
in zabooda's case(making an assumption here) if it was paid for, selling would be an non issue and would not even think about it, but when there's payments involved, it factors more into the decision.

[snyderaaron]

I have thought a few times this year about selling it as I'm not sure how much I'll actually use it in the new home state, but haven't yet. it's a very long and tough decision. I have only put 3hrs on it this year and none skiing.
in zabooda's case(making an assumption here) if it was paid for, selling would be an non issue and would not even think about it, but when there's payments involved, it factors more into the decision.

I got about two more years left and if I kept it I would probably pay it off next may

[BWeber]

I grew up with a river in my back yard. Having a boat is part of my life and I am very passionate about it. I make a point of using my boat as much as possible each summer. I still dont get out as much as I like and even if I was only have to use the boat 1 time each year, that would be enough for me to justify keeping it. I dont want to miss on that one experience. The only time I think about selling my boat is if another one catches my eye that I would buy (hasnt happend since I got the Mojo). There are several events and opportunities that I pass up because I would rather spend time on the boat. I think the question is clear, if you are not passionate about it then sell it. You can buy another boat anytime. For me, I want my kids to grow up with the same memories and experiences that I had with a boat. I never plan to be without a boat, unless it becomes a financial burden.

[tgoody14]

I grew up with a river in my back yard. Having a boat is part of my life and I am very passionate about it. I make a point of using my boat as much as possible each summer. I still dont get out as much as I like and even if I was only have to use the boat 1 time each year, that would be enough for me to justify keeping it. I dont want to miss on that one experience. The only time I think about selling my boat is if another one catches my eye that I would buy (hasnt happend since I got the Mojo). There are several events and opportunities that I pass up because I would rather spend time on the boat. I think the question is clear, if you are not passionate about it then sell it. You can buy another boat anytime. For me, I want my kids to grow up with the same memories and experiences that I had with a boat. I never plan to be without a boat, unless it becomes a financial burden.

👆x2... My childhood/thoughts exactly

[snyderaaron]

I grew up with a river in my back yard. Having a boat is part of my life and I am very passionate about it. I make a point of using my boat as much as possible each summer. I still dont get out as much as I like and even if I was only have to use the boat 1 time each year, that would be enough for me to justify keeping it. I dont want to miss on that one experience. The only time I think about selling my boat is if another one catches my eye that I would buy (hasnt happend since I got the Mojo). There are several events and opportunities that I pass up because I would rather spend time on the boat. I think the question is clear, if you are not passionate about it then sell it. You can buy another boat anytime. For me, I want my kids to grow up with the same memories and experiences that I had with a boat. I never plan to be without a boat, unless it becomes a financial burden.

How old are your kids, I have a 20 month old and one on the way. Seems harder to go out the younger they are.

[bergermaister]

For me, I want my kids to grow up with the same memories and experiences that I had with a boat. I never plan to be without a boat, unless it becomes a financial burden.

This, definitely this.


My youngest were 3 and 4.5 when we got the boat. It's tougher to some degree when they are young, but it just keeps getting better the older they get.

This is the first year since owning the boat that I've only been out twice and it's mid July. Yes it's killing me. Last summer I had probably been out a dozen times by now. Next summer it may be 2 dozen by this time - HOPEFULLY!

For me personally, the boat is really my one and only big toy, happy place, oasis, etc. So any time is good time.

[saskyrider]

I have entertained these thoughts as well.... my wife is not a water person and my step son that just graduated high school isn't either... the only thing is my 9 year old daughter loves the water. I always loved boating and remember being young at the lake (10-15 years old) and watching other people having fun on their boats and saying that i would have one someday! Now i've got one and its paid for to.... but I'm lucky to get 50 hours on it a year... and with my new job i won't get to 50 this year for sure. I have one other option to explore though... my wife's cousin loves being on the boat with me and he treats it like i treat it... i may offer him a half share so that i get some of the cost back but still have the option to go when i want to.....

Its a very tough call...

[mmandley]

I never actually think about selling mine,

Wait who am i kidding, i buy each boat with Selling it in mind all the time.

I more relate to your situation with my Motorcycle.

Honestly if its that close to being paid off, i would keep it and pay it off next May like your thinking. Dont let this summer of being too busy cause you to sell it right now. Pay it off and see how next summer goes.

Besides if your going to sell the Optimum time to sell is June, right before 4th of July catches the biggest dollars for used boats.

In America more people associate the 4th of July to boating then any other time of year.

[drifter]

How old are your kids, I have a 20 month old and one on the way. Seems harder to go out the younger they are.

My first boat was a 2001 champion fish/ski that I bought in March of 2006. At the time, my daughter was 4 months old. She grew up on that thing, and has loved boats ever since. We had twin girls in 2010, and with that many people it was hard to fit everybody on an 18' boat. The solution for us was easy - get a bigger boat. They were 21 months old when we bought the LSV last year, and they love it. All 3 of them can't wait anytime we are able to get out.

[kaneboats]

Kids get bigger fast and will grow up loving the boat. Would have been awesome to have a paid for Moomba about the time the kid expenses started piling up. If you look at the cost of taking a few kids to the movies or a waterpark or amusement park or anywhere the boat is not that expensive. There is just nothing like it.

[brad460]

We have a garage full of stuff we don't use enough! Don't worry!

Every year we put about 20 hour maximum on our boat, but even one day on the boat with the whole family makes it worth the cost.

I have a snowmobile I have only used one trip a year for the past 4 years, but that one trip is a blast...

I have a motox bike I plan on racing all summer, but only end up racing a couple times..

I have a new Tundra we only use to pull the boat, snowmobile, and motox bike...lol

At the end of the day we are happy and always have something exciting to do. What else is there to do with money?!

[Ian Brantford]

What else is there to do with money?!

Rent the things that are rentable and that you only need occasionally.

Save up.

Retire early, or take generous time off to be with family while they are still young, together and able to enjoy an active lifestyle together.

You're welcome. :-)

[skiyaker]

It depends on what you think will happen in a few years when the kids are old enough to ask to go out on the boat. If there's a good chance you will sell the boat just to rebuy in a few years it might be better keeping what you have. The more kids grow up on the boat the easier it is. I have a 7,6,and 1 year olds- all boys. We don't think twice about including our youngest on an all day boating adventure but we may not have been that way when we were first time parents. We just toss up the Bimini top and if it's really hot I have a fan that plugs into the 12 volt receptacle, he takes his nap in his momma's arms while I ski and we're good to go.

[wolfeman131]

My son is 5, his sisters are 11 & 13. He grew up on our OBV. We bought it for him b/c it had a bimini top. Today he surfed tandem with his sisters and then asked if we would teach him to waterski. He was up & going on his first try. He wants to try the kneeboard tomorrow. Hard to imagine life without the boat.