How lond do you keep your boat?

I was wondering how long some of you keep your boat before you decide to get a new one? Also if you decide to get a new boat, what are some your reasons?

Thanks KLH

I keep my boat for about 4 years on average…And the reason for a new boat is to upgrade to the new features and to keep the problems for happening..

The guys who have sponser boats sell theirs and get a new one every year. I personally bought my Lund Mr. Pike 16 on a one time deal from my dealer who I represent. I have chosen to keep this boat, a 2001 model, for a very long time. It is a boat that has everything on it for equipement that I want on a boat. I also bought a new Lowe jon boat at a real good deal from the same dealer, Smittys Marine in Lake City Mn., and also will keep it for a very long time. I figure between the two they should last a long time. The jon boat will be great for backwaters and small lakes where I may not be able to get my bigger boat into. Best of both worlds I figure.
Thanks, Bill

I keep mine till

I keep them until I outgrow them, or until I find a long list of good reasons why I need to upgrade. Mostly, I keep them until the Mrs. says its o.k. to spend a ton “o” money!

Bought this one in 92 bought a 10 ft jon in 63 bought a canoe in 96 sold it in 01. Generally I keep them but generally I am not a boater, bass guy, or such. I tend to think of myself as a fisherman first. I live in central Illinois where there is no real need for a boat. The guys in boats generally park in front of where I fish. An upgrade is coming though as cracks are developing in hull.

My poc (piece o’ crap) boat is a 1983.

Like Bill, I have a Lund Mr Pike 16 fully decked out which I purchased new in 1998. It has been a great boat. I have just started to think about a new boat. This contemplation process will take at least a year, maybe two before coming to fruition if it ever does.
Geronimo

I bought a new one two years ago. The next new one will come after I remodel the wifes kitchen, put a bathroom in the basement, build a new garage, pour a driveway and take care of all the rest of my honey doo list. I figure I’ll have a new one by——-spring

My thought fall more along the line of not replacing the old boat. But buying anouther boat to fit the need of new areas to fish. Sure would not want to part with the small boat just fish buy a bigger one. That would just limit the fishing that could be done on smaller waters.
I am working on my third boat right now but am also thinking about upgrading my smallest boat due to age (hole).

We run a 2002 and have been talking for a year or so about upgrading. I think for the average fisherman it is all about needs. I am happy with my boat but I can see a few things I would like to change as my needs change. We bought a 1675 Explorer with a 90 Merc 2 stroke. It has been a great boat but I can see where a slightly larger boat would be nice and a 4 stroke will hang on the back of my next boat. The motor will be bigger for a better top speed.
I think another factor is how much the boat is used. We spend alot of time in our boat so the flaws seem to get magnified in bad conditions or day after day use.
It’s nice to think about a new boat even if one isn’t in the immediate plans. Half the fun is shopping and looking at options—it seems every year some new feature comes out that make the current boat a little more outdated.

For 26 years, so far. Unless I win something new it’s me and old “aluminumsides” forever.

Rootski

I don’t keep a boat very long, but I also have never owned a brand new boat. In the last 2 years I have had 4 different boats. I have had 1 flat bottom, 1 Skeeter, and 2 Alumacraft V bottoms. I just like to buy boats and then sell them to get a different boat to suit my needs at the time . Someday when I decide what I really like to fish for I might be able to keep a boat for 2 years I will be looking for another boat this summer to use duck hunting plus a Go-Devil motor

Sometimes the registration numbers haven’t even got back

Sounds to me like the best time to buy a new boat is like fishing…when you can!

Financially speaking, it would be when you start putting money into it. I think with boats…there’s not alot of expense…but the motor might be another story.

I’m not figuring in the “I want one” factor…

Definitely when Ma says I can!!! I think 4 – 5 years per boat is pretty safe. I can sell it while it still has decent value and probably hasn’t had any problems to this point. Yet I feel like I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of it.

My 03 hardly got used this summer, so I’ll probably easily get 5 years out this one.(Don’t tell the wife, I’ve been preparing her for the new in two years.)

Kooty, did you get your kicker yet????

Yes, sir I did. I don’t have it in my possession, but I have mailed the down payment to the gentleman. I will get it in March/April. Whenever I get the balance to him. I need to get some more consulting hours now!!

Vikes 31 Packers 17 – January 9th 2005 NFC Wildcard

My first boat was a 14 foot jon boat that I purchased for 50 dollars. It lasted me for 4 years before all those big cats knocked enough rivets loose to make it leak faster than the pumps could pump. Then I sold it for you guessed it fifty bucks. So my take is when your old boat sinks get a different one.

I had my last boat for about 16 years..

Boy did I deserve a new one!!!!

Tucker…All I did is have to constantly cuss at the motor and boat whenever i used it. After a year or so she got sick of hearing about it

I’ll let you know when I sell this one …
Click here to see d-nort’s boat

As for why? I have never owned a brand new boat in my life and have decided now is the time. The boats I have bought have been 2-5 years old. I’ve always wanted to pick out my own hull colors, carpet, electronics, you know, just customize it just for me. So that’s my reasoning for selling this time. In the past, I have increased in boat size just due to me wanting to fish tournaments. And yeah, maybe a little bit of “gotta have the biggest and fastest”.

– d-nort