Benchrest vs boat.

[divingin]

Sort of off-topic: I have an 18' aluminum-hulled RIB that I used for diving off the west (Calif) coast. As such, I joined a UK-based RIB forum, as RIB's are much more popular in Europe compared to here. I remember this happening a *lot*: A guy shells out for a 7, 8, 9 meter RIB, that costs about as much as a house (often over $200K.) Then come the complaints that lifejackets shouldn't cost $80, and the whole industry is a ripoff. Pretty amusing.

But yeah, boats are expensive. Always something to fix (more so when you add in rigging and tools and crap - tools don't last long on seagoing boats. At least mine never did.)

 

[jackieschmidt]

Boating can be enjoyable…

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Well, if it springs a leak, there is plenty of Silicone on board

 

[Bc'z]

Boating can be enjoyable…

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Motor boatin !!

 

[jackieschmidt]

I climb around boats just about every day. I love ‘em because a lot of that money my customers spend on them comes to me.

This one came up on drydock last night. Time to get to work

 

[Steve Donlon]

I think if you buy a boat you should know why you want it. Otherwise you could get a boat that will not work for you in the long run. I've seen plenty of boats at Lake Powell that were a disaster. No freeboard, to much V to land on the beach not ready for open water. Bass boats and ski boats are the worst in open water when the wind come up and you are 20 miles from a ramp. Better to know exactly what the boat will be used for IMO.

 

[jpx2rk]

I have a 2014 Alumacraft Classic SC, 16.5' long with a 60hp 4S on it, and I use it for chasing crappie around here in E TN on the TVA lakes. I decked it all out like I wanted when I bought it new, but did transfer the almost new/good working troller motor and electronics over from the prior boat. I didn't do anything to it until this past April/May when I upgraded the electronics. That alone cost me the same as a new 2500x RFBR set up, but I'm fortunate that I could pay the CC off when the bill came in. I still have the same trolling motor on the boat and it was purchased in 2011 IIRC. I dread the day the TM dies as the new ones are totally outrageous in prices, and apparently not all that dependable based on some forums I visit.

I also have 2 RFBR setups, one I bought, another that I won via a raffle, so I'm fortunate there as well. All the related "necessities" for the RFBR games can get expensive just like it does for the CF games, but both of these "interests" get me out of the house, keep me somewhat active, interacting with the public (both good and bad there) and I have made friends and had lots of experiences that I otherwise would not have had. Every hobby has an entry fee of some type, some just have ongoing entry/maintenance fees, it all depends on what you want to do, and can you enjoy it enough to not mind spending the monies on these interests.

 

[NorCalMikie]

My dad had a saying regarding money, "it's only green paper" but if you don't have it, life can get pretty challenging. So, living within your means creates a more harmonious life. But it's more than that.

What I learned in close to 8 decades on this planet is that material possessions such as firearms, boats, cars, and beach houses, etc. are not the true secret to happiness in life, it's the people you love and the rewarding experiences (events) that fulfill one's life.

If the purchase of a material item can contribute to that, then this it is money well spent. What I remember the most about competitive shooting and hunting was not the firearms I used, but the relationships I formed and the experiences surrounding those matches and hunts.

While I never owned a boat or beach house, I spent many summers at the Jersey shore with my beloved wife and those were great times because I was with her. In my youth, my dad would rent a boat, and we would fish various lakes in Ohio and PA. Those were some of the best experiences of my life. The boat was only a means to an end.

I guess what I am trying to say is I've known a few wealthy people in my time who had all the "toys" money could buy however they seemed to be the most unhappy people I ever met because their entire focus was on materialism.

And it's only $$$$. Can't take it with you unless you change it into Travelers Checks. Only going around one time (unless you're Shirley MacLane) so, you better enjoy it.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Boating can be enjoyable…

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Short arm inspection to be sure they're girls.

 

[Ccrider]

Benchrest is more costly to maintain than my boats. The cost of admission is higher with any nice boat. And, some of the nicer rod and reel setups are 1500+. Shimano Stella 1000s are 800 bucks now. Add a high quality Loomis rod amd that’s another 700 bucks.

Hope to never have to sacrifice either. Hard to say which I would choose! They both bring me plenty of satisfaction at times:

 

[gmr4]

Sold my boat last year, I now shoot F Class open… I had to rifles built, earned the High master, and just spend 6 days loading ammo for nationals in Lodi.. probably wont score well but it beats the heck outta the boat so far. Boating is an event, so is fishing…. Shooting F Class is an almost daily set of tasks preparing….. no down time .. it is awesome.

 

[pikespeakgoat]

The best thing when it comes to boats...is having a buddy that owns one.