I put this in here because the Potomac and Bay would be my playground if we move forward...here is the story...
My wife (39yo police officer) and myself (40 yo teacher) live in the DC area and have been avid LAKE (Lake Anna) boaters for years. I have 2 children (14yoG and 10yoB) who live with their mom very close and we see them quite often. We have a very nice 22' trailered bowrider but have gotten bored with the trip to the lake and having to come home each day. We really noticed a dropoff in the amount we went to the lake this year. We keep the boat at the lake because we live in a condo and have no storage.
So...to make a long story short, we have been looking at express cruisers (28-30ft) and keeping the boat slipped off of the Potomac but we have been reluctant to make the move.
With slip fees, increased gas usage and increased maintainence of a wet-slipped boat, we figure we will spend between 5K-7K more each year after the cost of the boat.
So...is it worth it?? Has anyone made this switch??
We are concerned about the money but also recognize the value should we use and enjoy the boat more. We are VERY busy people and sometimes forget to relax, but when we do, boating seems to be it. The play aspect of the bowrider is no longer needed as we always just anchor on the lake, drink some beers, cook some food and hang out with friends.
I know you all love boating or wouldn't be here but we do need realistic and objective opinions.
Thanks for being our conscience...
My wife (39yo police officer) and myself (40 yo teacher) live in the DC area and have been avid LAKE (Lake Anna) boaters for years. I have 2 children (14yoG and 10yoB) who live with their mom very close and we see them quite often. We have a very nice 22' trailered bowrider but have gotten bored with the trip to the lake and having to come home each day. We really noticed a dropoff in the amount we went to the lake this year. We keep the boat at the lake because we live in a condo and have no storage.
So...to make a long story short, we have been looking at express cruisers (28-30ft) and keeping the boat slipped off of the Potomac but we have been reluctant to make the move.
With slip fees, increased gas usage and increased maintainence of a wet-slipped boat, we figure we will spend between 5K-7K more each year after the cost of the boat.
So...is it worth it?? Has anyone made this switch??
We are concerned about the money but also recognize the value should we use and enjoy the boat more. We are VERY busy people and sometimes forget to relax, but when we do, boating seems to be it. The play aspect of the bowrider is no longer needed as we always just anchor on the lake, drink some beers, cook some food and hang out with friends.
I know you all love boating or wouldn't be here but we do need realistic and objective opinions.
Thanks for being our conscience...