Navigating the Hassles and Benefits of Owning a 6-Person Fishing Boat
Is owning a 6-person fishing boat worth it if you only use it about twice a month? Will there be hassles owning such a boat? These are questions that many potential boat owners ask themselves before making a significant investment. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges and rewards of owning a 6-person fishing boat, helping you make a more informed decision.
The Challenges of Boat Ownership
According to Gary Conovers, owning a boat can be quite a hassle, no matter its size. The decision to purchase a boat should be carefully weighed against the joy and convenience it can provide. The maintenance, from cleaning and washing down sails, to the additional effort required for towing, launching, and recovery, can be considerable.
Maintenance and Upkeep
For a 6-person fishing boat, which typically measures around 6 meters or 20 feet in length, the maintenance can be substantial. You may need to dedicate another half day per week to tasks such as washing down sails, hanging wet suits, and folding sails after they are dry. This can quickly eat up your weekends, as you would need to consider that these tasks will take approximately half a day.
Time and Financial Commitment
Based on Gary’s experience, owning such a boat can be a significant time and financial commitment. While it may be enjoyable, it may not align with your lifestyle or budget. It’s essential to weigh the value you get from the boat against the effort required to maintain it.
Sample Experience with a Larger Boat
Consider the experience Gary mentions with his family’s sailing boats. They raced twice a week in summer, with Wednesday night after-work sessions, and one day in the winter. Despite enjoying the activity, the financial and time investment required meant that they couldn’t allocate resources to other areas of their lives.
Family and Lifestyle Considerations
Family dynamics play a critical role in boat ownership. If the activity conflicts with other family members’ routines or if it requires one spouse to stay behind, it might not be the right choice. For Gary, the decision boiled down to whether the benefits outweighed the hassles. His wife wasn’t interested in spending weekends away from the family, and this was a significant factor in their decision to not pursue boat ownership.
Bringing a Friend Onboard
A practical approach to determine if a boat is right for you is to spend time with someone who already owns one. By tagging along on a few trips, you can get a realistic idea of the challenges and joys of boat ownership. This firsthand experience can help you make a more informed decision.
Getting Involved
Many boat owners welcome the opportunity for others to experience their vessel. Engaging with a friend or family member who owns a boat can give you a sneak peek into the fishing lifestyle. You’ll see the challenges, such as travel, launch, and recovery, and the actual time spent on the water. This can help you decide whether the boat’s allure is strong enough to justify the effort.
Size Matters: Fishing Boat Size and Storage
Taking into consideration the size of the boat is crucial. A 6-person fishing boat can range from about 6 meters to 8 meters in length. This size allows for additional storage and activities, but it also requires a larger space for storage and transportation.
Storing and Transporting
Storage can be a significant issue. You need a garage or shed that can accommodate a boat of this size. Transportation also becomes a concern, as you might need a larger car to tow and launch the boat safely.
Conclusion
Ultimately, owning a 6-person fishing boat comes with its share of hassles, but the rewards can be worth it if you enjoy the activity. However, it is essential to weigh the financial and time commitment against the benefits. If the lifestyle and financial aspects align with your goals, then owning such a boat can be a fulfilling experience. But if you find the effort larger than the enjoyment, it might be a better idea to explore other options or find a balance that works for your lifestyle.