HACKER Q&A
📣 dusted

Have you bought a boat?


Various advertisement engines have determined that I'm in the market for a used boat, and I guess they may be kind of right..

Like, a small, used one, preferrably no sail, but with gasoline or diesel engine, with enough shelter that I can sit with a computer if it starts raining..

Did you buy a boat? Why? How do you like having one ?


  👤 gvb Accepted Answer ✓
The boat is only the surface of the money pit. You will be astounded at the depth of the pit.

* If the boat is on a trailer, you need a vehicle big enough to pull it - pickup or larger SUV. You also need a place to park the trailer.

* If the boat is not on a trailer, you need a slip or mooring. Depending where you are, this likely is expensive and often is unobtainium (multiple year waiting lists).

* "enough shelter that I can sit with a computer if it starts raining" is incompatible with "small boat". You are talking mid to high 20' range.

* "sit with a computer" implies internet access. Many marinas have wireless but the wireless often is not usable. Using your phone for a hotspot is your best bet so check that where you are has decent wireless access.

* Computers are difficult and sometimes impossible to use in direct sunlight. Even in a cabin they are not great to use due to lighting and poor ergonomics.

I've owned sailboats for 30-odd years (19' trailerable, 27', currently 32'). I love sailing and being on the water. I gladly spend the money for the experience, but it is an expensive hobby; it is not in any way practical. I can work on our boat, but it is uncomfortable and difficult and I only do it in the case of a work emergency.


👤 jollyllama
Do you need one? Do you really want one that badly? Boats are a money pit. Worse than cars.