Reduce yearly boating costs or go smaller

[Seif911]

Good Morning All,

I have a little dilemma on my hands. This was my 1st big boat (33' Mariner) and really my test year. I love the boat but not everybody in my family does. Also it was a little stressful when all 11 of us sleep on it, go figure. So it is not working out as great as I planned. I would keep the boat but at ~$4000 per year, I just can't justify it.

So I am left with a decision to sell it and go back to my 24', sell it and buy a 26' boat with a trailer, trade the boat for a 26' with a trailer or find a way to reduce the costs. I actually like the idea of trading the boat for a 26'.

What do you all think? You know of anybody that has a 26' for trade? Any idea on how to reduce the costs?

My estimated yearly costs:
$2000 for the marina slip
(I can't exactly remember these cost but I know I'm close)
$1000 for the winter storage
$595 for the shrink wrap
$400 for winterizing

If I go with a 26', the costs are:
$1000 for the marina slip (I think for the smaller slip with no cable)
That's it because with a trailer I can set it in my driveway. I can also do the winterizing and cover it wi tarps. This is a great yearly cost.

I love the marina. It has cameras, it has security, and I can leave all of my equipment and electronics on the boat. It is sooo nice to drive down, jump on the boat and go fishing.

Any thoughts? I threw it on Craigslist to probe the market a little. I am not trying too hard to sell it right now, but would live a trade for maybe a Carver Santa Cruz or a Sea Ray Sundancer.

[Seif911]

Oh ya...
So if I get the Carver to my driveway, it will cost me $430 each way. Plus I would need some jacks, maybe another $300. So that will take me down to maybe $3000, but I would also have to take the windshield off and drop the radar tower, definitely not fun.

I would think there are places on the Sheboygan river to have a slip but not so sure I will get the same level of security, but could probably save $1000. Maybe I'll make some calls today.

Storage...it would almost have to be on the river to save me from pulling the windshield and radar off. I will dig around for that too before I sell.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Steve

[Seif911]

Hmmm...I may have answered my own question. So I took Fred's advice and made some phone calls. If I go up river, I can get my slip for $900, winter storage for $300, and the transportation to and from for $500. The total of that is less than just the price of my marina slip at the harbor! Nice! I will have to do my own tarping and winter storage but I can do that. Maybe I'll just keep it now.

[waybomb]

Ah, grasshopper, you are learning.