New Blood

[kenn]

Our total first-year cost of boating involved the following:
- cash purchase of used boat with motor, trailer... including tax + trailer licence
- initial equipping and fixes
- boat insurance
- "drysail" membership at a yacht club, including deposit, initiation, 1 year storage
- trailer hitch for SUV
- gas for a couple of trailering trips
- food, gas and incidental costs for short cruises

The cost for all the above? Under CDN$ 5,000. We paid cash for everything; if we'd financed the boat the initial costs would have been less. Likewise we could have saved alot by storing the boat at home and launching at one of the many free or inexpensive launch ramps.

So, it really doesn't have to be an expensive sport. It costs more to buy and run a jetski, yet many young guys still buy those things (... and they're wrecked, or up for sale about 2 years later. Approximately around the time they get engaged) .

Benny, the real used market is in boats that are 10 or more years old, and there are unfortunately alot of captains retiring from the sport due to age or health, so I don't see any looming shortage of used boats. Likewise, I don't see a shortage of slips (in Canada, anyways).

The way I see it for the sailboat industry to recover we need less unnecessary intervention by government agencies, incentives for marinas and related industries,...

Well... make up your mind. More government intervention, or less? I don't yet think that sailing is over-regulated (again, I only know Canada, though I have sailed to US ports twice, did the whole customs thing etc)

Now that I sail frequently, I actually curse less (new sense of peace) but I curse more eloquently and with deeper feeling, only at appropriate moments (being buzzed by a big stinkpot, accidental jibe, or misplacing the opener)

 

[Bad Obsession]

Since I have been a kid I have enjoyed sailing. Some people get bitten with the bug and others don't. I guess that my priorities are a bit different than other peoples' but that is okay. I have seen things that they may never ever see since I have been out there at sunset and sunrise. I have enjoyed the journey just as much as the destination.

In modern society the destination is the important thing and a lot of people want to for go the journey. They want the quick and easy way. Seldom do they take time to enjoy the little things. Their eyes are shut to nature since they are in such a hurry to get past it.

I hope that my peers will learn simplicity, beauty, and learn how to enjoy the water. If not, the used boat market will be a good market for me because supply will be up and demand will be down!

If gas goes back up...sailing may get popular again!

 

[sailingdog]

I think part of the problem is the need for instant gratification that many youth and young adult seem to have. A sailboat and sailing is not about getting from point a to point b as much as it is about being on the boat. If it were so important to get from point a to point b.... a power boat would make far more sense...and that shows...

 

[RECESS]

Everyone I know that started on a Hobie or Sunfish has been bitten. The sailing industry should just give them to 15 year olds.

 

[Shooter II]

Recess,
you must not make or sell Hobies or Sunfish.
Actually, my first time sailing was with a date on Sunfish in OC.
Told I knew what I was doing. We did alright and laughed and griinned a whole lot.
I was bit.

Actually, there are an unexpected high number of under 35 yo in my marina. There are a good number of smaller, older boats there and we definitely have reasonable slip fees. No amenities but good slip fees.

And one of the great gunkholing spots on the bay.

 

[TimCup]

It's all about the time-

I think part of the problem is the need for instant gratification that many youth and young adult seem to have. A sailboat and sailing is not about getting from point a to point b as much as it is about being on the boat. If it were so important to get from point a to point b.... a power boat would make far more sense...and that shows...

We've evolved to an instant society- digital cameras, because who could wait for pictures? Every restaurant has a drive thru, we TIVO TV shows to fast-forward through commercials 10TIMES faster than our old VCR!!

Golf is suffering similarly- rounds played have been declining for 20 years, and after extensive research, they've concluded people aren't willing to set aside 6 hours for fun. 2Parents working 10 hours a day to live like 1 parent working 8 hours a day 40 years ago. We used to admire the work ethic of post war Japan.... little did we realize the best parts of life were being ignored...

IMHO, slower is better. Sailors get it. Never seen a headstone that said "wish I'd worked more" right?

cup

 

[BobM]

My Father

IMHO, slower is better. Sailors get it. Never seen a headstone that said "wish I'd worked more" right?

cup

My Father recalls wishing he had gotten a little more 'action' when he was younger after he had his first heart attack and was recovering in intensive care LOL. No mention about work though!

 

[BobM]

Re: My Father

I think there are a few factors that explain things.

A significant increase in sailboat production inthe 70's and 80's has indeed supplied the market with inexpensive boats.

However, from 18-25 most people are looking for a beer and a mate. From 25-35 most found one (that probably doesn't like sailing!), but bought a house, have kids and can't afford a boat.

Therefore it is only after 35-45 that most have the disposable income and time again (as the kids grow older) to pursue sailing again.

That's my theory for what it's worth.

 

[hawk232]

I think there are a few factors that explain things.

A significant increase in sailboat production inthe 70's and 80's has indeed supplied the market with inexpensive boats.

However, from 18-25 most people are looking for a beer and a mate. From 25-35 most found one (that probably doesn't like sailing!), but bought a house, have kids and can't afford a boat.

Therefore it is only after 35-45 that most have the disposable income and time again (as the kids grow older) to pursue sailing again.

That's my theory for what it's worth.

As my opening introduction post (this post inspired me to finally sign up, as a 25 year old who was concerned about being the only person under 45 in the area interested in cruising) let me say that I think you hit the nail on the head!!!

I just bought a house a year ago, have a g/f and trying to save up $ for the next step, and want to get a boat before any kids might come into the picture!

I first became interested in sailing once boarding my uncles morgan 38. I loved the idea and everything about it. I have still never sailed to date, but I want to!

I think my time to buy a boat is drawing near, I have been drag racing cars and boats and I am finally tired of the "fast" life and want to slow it down a bit. I just hope that I will actually enjoy sailing as much as I enjoy the idea....


My 2 cents, as a 25 year old (and main topic of the post lol)