[CalebD]

Not that Capt. Fred needs an advocate here I think some of the posts here were a little premature and testy. Fred is selling free advice - I checked his website and he does not seem to be in the chartering business so he is not selling charters on his or anyone else's boats. His advice is directed towards people who do not already own boats and most of you have already figured out the finances of owning your own boats by now and are happy with the trade-offs you have made for the joys of owning your own boats.
He posted his piece in the boat buying forum which is the right spot for this kind of advice (even if you do not entirely agree with his points) for prospective boat owners. I say he is only guilty of linking his web page (which most of you do as well) and of complaining about the neglect and misuse of boats. As someone already pointed out those neglected boats can become another man's bargain.
I say cut old Capt. Fred some slack. His basic premise is true: boats are expensive. This is not news to most everyone here though.
Happy New Year.