[Calabego]

Excellent thread. What started out to be a an infomercial-blog lure turned out to be some very heartfelt comments about the benefits of boat ownership that we well...don't really take for granted, IF we consider the costs, but sure do enjoy over fighting for the charter table scraps during peak vacation times. I'm afraid I have to agree with everyone who shared the justifications for the why's of their dream.

Do I own ? Yes. Paid cash, VERY affordable slippage, and maintenance.
She's a small boat, won't be making any transpacs, and IS available everyday, rain or shine, planned, or on short notice and can and does serve as a comfortable weekender. She's one year younger than I am, but she's in better shape.
Will I charter? Yes, once a year in the US/BVI's and at least once a year in the San Juans (although trailering my baby up there hasn't been ruled out) until I pull the trigger on my 10 year plan and acquire my own 36'-46' cruiser and pay transient fees and the occasional passage fees to move her through the canal while I cruise until she won't float anymore.