Are pleasure boats a pleasure?
Discussion
Playing devils advocate…I am spending a week at a well known and well healed Devon seaside town. Sitting on the beach which you can reach across the estuary via the eye wateringly expensive ferry ride, you can watch people arrive in a variety of RIB/ dory type boats. Bought at great expense, trailered hundreds of miles or moored for thousands of pounds a year, insured, serviced, harboured taxed and fuelled to ferry children to the beach or a quick go on a ringo out to sea. These estuary type boats would be ill equipped to travel more than a few Miles around the coast so in essence you have a hugely expensive, rapidly depreciating asset you can anchor off the beach and admire. Boat owners, please tell me I’m wrong (and I already know there are no pockets in a shroud)
Swift93 said:
If it flies, floats or does something else...rent it.
Just six minutes for that mantra to appear.Yes, they all hate it. That's why they do it. Your mileage may differ of course; if you don't like boats don't buy one
Are they all hugely expensive and rapidly depreciating?
A similar situation observed here on the North Cornwall coast but I have a slightly different question.......
Why are ribs so popular/fashionable?
Why does everyone have a Brig or Ribeye and not a Boston Whaler?
To answer the OP........
chap in the chandlery told me how someone came in for some oil and ended up buying a new boat, same story with all "nice to have" items in the last 18 months. He also said he has a list of boats to build for customers buy can't buy all the parts in.
We are looking for a 40hp outboard and have been told nothing new is available until later in the year.
There is also pleasure to be had in the faff and tinkering that comes with boat ownership, not just being on the water.
Why are ribs so popular/fashionable?
Why does everyone have a Brig or Ribeye and not a Boston Whaler?
To answer the OP........
chap in the chandlery told me how someone came in for some oil and ended up buying a new boat, same story with all "nice to have" items in the last 18 months. He also said he has a list of boats to build for customers buy can't buy all the parts in.
We are looking for a 40hp outboard and have been told nothing new is available until later in the year.
There is also pleasure to be had in the faff and tinkering that comes with boat ownership, not just being on the water.
Edited by astroarcadia on Tuesday 24th August 22:06
Like I say, playing devils advocate…my dad had a dory for about 10 years and as a kid I loved it. Hell, I even used to have one my self, back in the day I used to do a day shift in a pub until 3pm and then ski for the rest of the afternoon in a clapped out old thing with a 50 merc on the back and spend all my wages on fuel…
But, subjectively, I cannot think of a less useful way to spend money apart from maybe a gold plated vuvuzela?
But, subjectively, I cannot think of a less useful way to spend money apart from maybe a gold plated vuvuzela?
Simpo Two said:
Swift93 said:
If it flies, floats or does something else...rent it.
Just six minutes for that mantra to appear.Yes, they all hate it. That's why they do it. Your mileage may differ of course; if you don't like boats don't buy one
Are they all hugely expensive and rapidly depreciating?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEyMR0rIgQY
LimaDelta said:
Apply the same logic to track cars, motorbikes, light aircraft, golf club membership etc. People like things people like. I'm sure most of them are happy justifying the time and expense or they wouldn't do it. There can't be many of us who begrudge spending money on our hobbies.
The depreciation on my various boats lives in the same 'hole' as that on the cars that have been in my ownership - best not thought about for too long or event at all.Itsallicanafford said:
a variety of RIB/ dory type boats. Bought at great expense
Itsallicanafford said:
These estuary type boats would be ill equipped to travel more than a few Miles around the coast
Any "estuary type boat" that would be ill equipped to travel more than a few miles around the coast would not be hugely expensive to buy, would not cost a lot to run, would not be a rapidly depreciating asset and certainly wouldn't be on an expensive mooring. Highly doubtful anyone would trailer one hundreds of miles to use either!Genuinely confused at what sort of boats you're looking at.
I can relate the experience of one of my best friends. After having rented a couple of times, he took the plunge and bought a reasonable-sized power boat. It's large enough to sleep 4 people (cabin in nose plus converting the small living area). It goes fast enough to water-ski behind. He lives about a half-hour from the sea, but it's about an hour and a half until he's in the water. There are also a couple of large rivers about the same distance away.
When his children were young, the boat got quite a lot of use. Once they became teenagers, going boating with the parents was less attractive and the boat hardly got used. He bought it new for €51.000 and the highest offer he got when he wanted to sell it was €17.000, so depreciation is probably comparable with a decent car.
At about the time he bought the boat, his brother spent about the same amount on a swimming pool. They both agree that the swimming pool was the better investment.
When his children were young, the boat got quite a lot of use. Once they became teenagers, going boating with the parents was less attractive and the boat hardly got used. He bought it new for €51.000 and the highest offer he got when he wanted to sell it was €17.000, so depreciation is probably comparable with a decent car.
At about the time he bought the boat, his brother spent about the same amount on a swimming pool. They both agree that the swimming pool was the better investment.
Ben Jk said:
Simpo Two said:
Swift93 said:
If it flies, floats or does something else...rent it.
Just six minutes for that mantra to appear.Yes, they all hate it. That's why they do it. Your mileage may differ of course; if you don't like boats don't buy one
Are they all hugely expensive and rapidly depreciating?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEyMR0rIgQY
Hmmm...RIBs...I quite like RIBs as they are at least a functional hard wearing "tool" rather than some all GRP speedboat thing that just makes you look like a tool. That said, unless you are doing something useful with them...rescue boat, whale watching, photographing sailing events, or perhaps actually using one as a commuting tool between an island and the mainland, they are just a but pointless.
I totally get why people just anchor them off a beach. Let's face it, they are not a particularly pleasant thing to be in. Noisy, wind and spray in your face, the seat smashing you in the arse/nether regions, no shelter from rain, nowhere to make a brew or put a beer down, and after those few beers there's nowhere to have a pee (or worse) apart from over the side, gents and ladies. Add in the fact that they will be drinking petrol at an astonishing rate and suddenly that beach seems like quite a good idea.
But the main thing is there's very little challenge or fun in using one. It's like being given the keys to a 911 turbo and an absolutely enormous 1000 acre car park devoid of any obstacles, markings, hills or corners. Sure, you could amuse yourself for a day or two going round in circles, doing a few doughnuts, seeing how fast it would go, but the fun would soon disappear. Beers and a BBQ and a non-smashed arse suddenly seem very appealing again.
OK, I'll admit I'm a yachtie, but my boat cost much less than many RIBs (both second hand), I can sleep on her, cook on her, use the loo, have a shower, have a cold beer out of the fridge, put the heater on if it's cold, anchor her for lazy days in a bay, or head off and cross the channel or go way way further should I wish. There's a little three cylinder Volvo that sips red diesel and gives hundreds of miles of range and if the sails are up propulsion is free. Speaking to a broker recently the boat is worth significantly more than I paid for her 4 years ago, admittedly partly due to the current Covid bubble, I do all my own maintenance so running costs are extremely low. And before anyone says "ah, but marina fees" she lives on a Solent sailing club mooring which costs me under £400 a year.
So no, I won't be swapping her for a RIB anytime soon.
I totally get why people just anchor them off a beach. Let's face it, they are not a particularly pleasant thing to be in. Noisy, wind and spray in your face, the seat smashing you in the arse/nether regions, no shelter from rain, nowhere to make a brew or put a beer down, and after those few beers there's nowhere to have a pee (or worse) apart from over the side, gents and ladies. Add in the fact that they will be drinking petrol at an astonishing rate and suddenly that beach seems like quite a good idea.
But the main thing is there's very little challenge or fun in using one. It's like being given the keys to a 911 turbo and an absolutely enormous 1000 acre car park devoid of any obstacles, markings, hills or corners. Sure, you could amuse yourself for a day or two going round in circles, doing a few doughnuts, seeing how fast it would go, but the fun would soon disappear. Beers and a BBQ and a non-smashed arse suddenly seem very appealing again.
OK, I'll admit I'm a yachtie, but my boat cost much less than many RIBs (both second hand), I can sleep on her, cook on her, use the loo, have a shower, have a cold beer out of the fridge, put the heater on if it's cold, anchor her for lazy days in a bay, or head off and cross the channel or go way way further should I wish. There's a little three cylinder Volvo that sips red diesel and gives hundreds of miles of range and if the sails are up propulsion is free. Speaking to a broker recently the boat is worth significantly more than I paid for her 4 years ago, admittedly partly due to the current Covid bubble, I do all my own maintenance so running costs are extremely low. And before anyone says "ah, but marina fees" she lives on a Solent sailing club mooring which costs me under £400 a year.
So no, I won't be swapping her for a RIB anytime soon.
Hard-Drive said:
Hmmm...RIBs...I quite like RIBs as they are at least a functional hard wearing "tool" rather than some all GRP speedboat thing that just makes you look like a tool. That said, unless you are doing something useful with them...rescue boat, whale watching, photographing sailing events, or perhaps actually using one as a commuting tool between an island and the mainland, they are just a but pointless.
I totally get why people just anchor them off a beach. Let's face it, they are not a particularly pleasant thing to be in. Noisy, wind and spray in your face, the seat smashing you in the arse/nether regions, no shelter from rain, nowhere to make a brew or put a beer down, and after those few beers there's nowhere to have a pee (or worse) apart from over the side, gents and ladies. Add in the fact that they will be drinking petrol at an astonishing rate and suddenly that beach seems like quite a good idea.
But the main thing is there's very little challenge or fun in using one. It's like being given the keys to a 911 turbo and an absolutely enormous 1000 acre car park devoid of any obstacles, markings, hills or corners. Sure, you could amuse yourself for a day or two going round in circles, doing a few doughnuts, seeing how fast it would go, but the fun would soon disappear. Beers and a BBQ and a non-smashed arse suddenly seem very appealing again.
OK, I'll admit I'm a yachtie, but my boat cost much less than many RIBs (both second hand), I can sleep on her, cook on her, use the loo, have a shower, have a cold beer out of the fridge, put the heater on if it's cold, anchor her for lazy days in a bay, or head off and cross the channel or go way way further should I wish. There's a little three cylinder Volvo that sips red diesel and gives hundreds of miles of range and if the sails are up propulsion is free. Speaking to a broker recently the boat is worth significantly more than I paid for her 4 years ago, admittedly partly due to the current Covid bubble, I do all my own maintenance so running costs are extremely low. And before anyone says "ah, but marina fees" she lives on a Solent sailing club mooring which costs me under £400 a year.
So no, I won't be swapping her for a RIB anytime soon.
Oi you! Don't go converting the uneducated into sailing as that will be yet more programs from the BBC 'Saving lives at sea'!I totally get why people just anchor them off a beach. Let's face it, they are not a particularly pleasant thing to be in. Noisy, wind and spray in your face, the seat smashing you in the arse/nether regions, no shelter from rain, nowhere to make a brew or put a beer down, and after those few beers there's nowhere to have a pee (or worse) apart from over the side, gents and ladies. Add in the fact that they will be drinking petrol at an astonishing rate and suddenly that beach seems like quite a good idea.
But the main thing is there's very little challenge or fun in using one. It's like being given the keys to a 911 turbo and an absolutely enormous 1000 acre car park devoid of any obstacles, markings, hills or corners. Sure, you could amuse yourself for a day or two going round in circles, doing a few doughnuts, seeing how fast it would go, but the fun would soon disappear. Beers and a BBQ and a non-smashed arse suddenly seem very appealing again.
OK, I'll admit I'm a yachtie, but my boat cost much less than many RIBs (both second hand), I can sleep on her, cook on her, use the loo, have a shower, have a cold beer out of the fridge, put the heater on if it's cold, anchor her for lazy days in a bay, or head off and cross the channel or go way way further should I wish. There's a little three cylinder Volvo that sips red diesel and gives hundreds of miles of range and if the sails are up propulsion is free. Speaking to a broker recently the boat is worth significantly more than I paid for her 4 years ago, admittedly partly due to the current Covid bubble, I do all my own maintenance so running costs are extremely low. And before anyone says "ah, but marina fees" she lives on a Solent sailing club mooring which costs me under £400 a year.
So no, I won't be swapping her for a RIB anytime soon.
Best let them have a bit of fun with the RIB/Dory/Inflatable summat, or even an expensive mistake by buying a new motorboat, as next year there will be shedloads on the market and no one wants a second hand chugger, eh?
Am I wrong?
voram said:
IMO with all these things by all means buy one if it's your MAIN hobby. If not - rent.
Exactly this. I have friends who live on the South Coast, a short walk from a lovely marina, and they are out on their boats practically every weekend when the weather is over 15deg and not raining.If you can't really afford to lose the money, and/or use it less than you expected, you're going to have a bad time (and are probably better off renting).
For those who really want to commit to a 'boating' lifestyle, it's bloody great fun (said as a complete freeloader).
dangerousB said:
Itsallicanafford said:
a variety of RIB/ dory type boats. Bought at great expense
Itsallicanafford said:
These estuary type boats would be ill equipped to travel more than a few Miles around the coast
Any "estuary type boat" that would be ill equipped to travel more than a few miles around the coast would not be hugely expensive to buy, would not cost a lot to run, would not be a rapidly depreciating asset and certainly wouldn't be on an expensive mooring. Highly doubtful anyone would trailer one hundreds of miles to use either!Genuinely confused at what sort of boats you're looking at.
My father had a 35ft princess (slept about 6) on the Trent at the Park, Yacht and Country Club. Sounds posh it wasn’t overly. As kids it work for us as a family. We would spend most weekends down there.
It had a nice large field (size of a cricket pitch) where everybody would congregate we would have BBQ, there was about 20 of us kids who would all play together football, cricket, slingshot. Climbing trees you name it.
We would fish all day. Go for Sunday lunch in the bar. We had a little dingy with a segal outboard me and my brother we’re free to take out. So did lots of the other kids. We were taught how to use it and operate it safely.
We would spend large portions of the summer holiday down there (weeks at a time) or at the static caravan on the coast.
To us as kids it wasn’t just the boat it was the social element that came with it. I know talking to my dad it was the same for my parents and grandparents. They all had good friends there and it was a great way to spend time.
It’s not just the boat.
It had a nice large field (size of a cricket pitch) where everybody would congregate we would have BBQ, there was about 20 of us kids who would all play together football, cricket, slingshot. Climbing trees you name it.
We would fish all day. Go for Sunday lunch in the bar. We had a little dingy with a segal outboard me and my brother we’re free to take out. So did lots of the other kids. We were taught how to use it and operate it safely.
We would spend large portions of the summer holiday down there (weeks at a time) or at the static caravan on the coast.
To us as kids it wasn’t just the boat it was the social element that came with it. I know talking to my dad it was the same for my parents and grandparents. They all had good friends there and it was a great way to spend time.
It’s not just the boat.
Edited by MB140 on Wednesday 25th August 19:03
Edited by MB140 on Wednesday 25th August 19:04
A boat which is managable is pleasure , if you need two or three people to help get it on the trailer at the end of a long day then it can be hassel. I have a small 16ft open outboard fishing boat & having just come back from Cornwall for a week it was a pleasusre to get on the boat & get away from the crowds.
I suspect I’m currently holidaying at the same south Devon town and the OP. We have a 4.7m RIB purchased 3yrs ago and haven’t regretted it.
In just the past 5 days it’s been used on average 6hrs/day to; go fishing, visit coves/beaches only accessible by boat, have dinner at waterside pubs/restaurants, evening bbq’s on the beach, waterskiing etc. I’ve probably spent £50 on petrol so far (60hp outboard) + £100 mooring fee for the week. In short, it’s unlocked a beautiful location into being a genuine holiday of a lifetime.
We’ve been flirting with the idea of upgrading to a larger more seaworthy rib that has extra seat capacity as we always seem to have more people than available space. Current (firm) trade in offers mean I’ve experienced 0% depreciation (not sure this will last into 2022?). We’re still undecided about the upgrade as purchase/running costs escalate quickly. Our current rib is also a dream to tow as its the same width as our car.
We use the boat on average 1 day/month when not on holiday (pretty much exclusively for Watersports).
If you can afford it and like holidaying in your current location, I’d say go for it!
In just the past 5 days it’s been used on average 6hrs/day to; go fishing, visit coves/beaches only accessible by boat, have dinner at waterside pubs/restaurants, evening bbq’s on the beach, waterskiing etc. I’ve probably spent £50 on petrol so far (60hp outboard) + £100 mooring fee for the week. In short, it’s unlocked a beautiful location into being a genuine holiday of a lifetime.
We’ve been flirting with the idea of upgrading to a larger more seaworthy rib that has extra seat capacity as we always seem to have more people than available space. Current (firm) trade in offers mean I’ve experienced 0% depreciation (not sure this will last into 2022?). We’re still undecided about the upgrade as purchase/running costs escalate quickly. Our current rib is also a dream to tow as its the same width as our car.
We use the boat on average 1 day/month when not on holiday (pretty much exclusively for Watersports).
If you can afford it and like holidaying in your current location, I’d say go for it!
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