Sailboat cost vs Powerboats

[sailingdog]

The spars and rigging are a significant fraction of the price of any sailboat. If you don't think so, try getting a quote on replacing the standing and running rigging on your boat sometime.

I think powerboats took a serious hit in popularity last summer...when fuel prices were around the $5/gallon mark.

However, you guys do realize that you've managed to dredge up a thread that had lain dormant for over three years, right???

[Sailormann]

Oh "Always prompt no matter how long it takes .."

[cardiacpaul]

I think the "casual" boater market took quite a hit last year. fuel prices, unsure economy all part of the mix.
However, higher end craft remained steady.. both power and sail.
Proves out "if you have to ask, you can't afford it."

Some powerboaters even looked longingly at our 30.00 fuel bill for the month and were talking amongst themselves about "trying out this sailboat thing".
We've found if its a Cuddy cabin couple, the female of the crew love the sailing features. You know, quiet, stuff like that.

[sailingdog]

Yes, my favorite moment was when I was talking to one of my marina neighbors. He told me it cost him $1500 to fill the tanks on his boat, "Empty Pockets". I told him that it cost me $25 to fill the two tanks on my boat, and that I would probably have most of that at the end of the season, which I did. His fuel bill for the season was over $10,000. Ouch.

[TrueBlue]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Yes, my favorite moment was when I was talking to one of my marina neighbors. He told me it cost him $1500 to fill the tanks on his boat, "Empty Pockets". I told him that it cost me $25 to fill the two tanks on my boat, and that I would probably have most of that at the end of the season, which I did. His fuel bill for the season was over $10,000. Ouch.

$25.00 to fill the TWO tanks on your boat SD? I didn't know Zippo made multi-hulls.

[sailingdog]

TB-

The boat's powered by a 20 HP outboard Honda. Main fuel tank is six gallons, and the aux is three... I'll probably have to get a larger tank for some of my longer cruises, but for daysailing and weekend trips, the two tanks have been all I've ever needed. I don't motor much.

[casioqv]

I think it's supply and demand. Sailboats last a very long time, and aren't as popular as they used to be- there are a lot more sailboats on the market than buyers, and most of the ones that aren't on the market are sitting unused.

I can't figure out why sailing isn't more popular. I have less money in my Catalina 22 than some of my friends have in their laptop computers or video game systems. I can't imagine anyone would prefer a weekend playing video games indoors to a weekend sailing!

[mitiempo]

It's crowded enough out there on weekends and during the summer. Let them play video games.
Brian