Minimum usage to keep a bassboat?

[bnt55]

Just wondering what you guys think...How many outings are necessary in order to justify keeping a bassboat in the garage? Due to work and family obligations my number of fishing trips last year dwindled to a record low of 3 to 4 times. I find myself wondering if selling the boat might be a better option than letting her sit in the garage essentially becoming an expensive junk drawer. This boat isn't costing me anything other than precious garage floor space.

[stepup]

If I only went 3 or 4 times in a year it would be a sold ass. If I don't go 2 day a week I feel like I am wasting money and all it is costing me is the gas and oil to go.

[NoZero]

Ha! It depends on how much you enjoyed those 3 or 4 times. - Especially given that it is a use-based expense.

I can't imagine not having one, but then again... life comes and goes, and that day will come for me as well.

[hulapopr]

Just wondering what you guys think...How many outings are necessary in order to justify keeping a bassboat in the garage? Due to work and family obligations my number of fishing trips last year dwindled to a record low of 3 to 4 times. I find myself wondering if selling the boat might be a better option than letting her sit in the garage essentially becoming an expensive junk drawer. This boat isn't costing me anything other than precious garage floor space.

same as me but i'm not selling,I just use my old stuff and don't worry
about upgrading and go when i can.I mostly night fish so i can make
it out maybe 10 times.I would rather be able to hook up and go when
i can then depend on hitching a ride with a buddy.

[madmurph]

It's paid for so keep it if you still enjoy going out when you can. Insurance cost is minimal. You will regret it if you sell it and end up looking for a new one.

[ratchet1300]

Last time I thought that way and sold my boat I regretted it almost immediately and started looking for another boat. I have found that those 3-4 trips when you have a busy summer are worth keeping the boat around.

[mxmike]

How much you want for your boat?

[WVBullet]

No such thing as minimal usage. It is better to run the motor regularly, but it wouldn’t be an excuse to get rid of it. I’ll keep mine in the garage and take it out when I can until Hades freezes over.

[av]

Last boat I averaged 3 weekend trips a year that's it , one year I didn't use it at all ... I still can justify having one . It's there when I want to use it ... I do keep on top off the maintenance while it sits.

[larryhyco]

I live on a lake and I bet I put my boat in the water maybe 8 times this year. It’s like all my stuff I got it if me or one of my neighbors wants to go catch a few. I do fish a lot but it’s off my dock or others

[FTC]

Only you can justify having a boat. I do know a couple people that regretted selling boats because they didn't have the time to use them because a few years down the road they had the time. Good luck.

[Hickory Legend]

Its costing you, every year the depreciation is what its costing you. Sell now and start with that as a down payment into a boat saving account. After paying your bills and funding your retirement, stick a a little into the account. When you have time to want to have a boat, take what you have and pay cash!!

[like2fish2]

I don't use my boat as much as I once did and have gone through the same though process as the OP.

Decided since my boat is paid for, and set up just the way I want it that I like having it readily available in my garage.

It's a personal decision but for me as long as I'm physically able to go I intend to have my boat available and the batteries charged.

[Hollada]

What’s a guide cost on your lake or nearby?

[Ranger354]

I don't use my boat as much as I once did and have gone through the same though process as the OP.

Decided since my boat is paid for, and set up just the way I want it that I like having it readily available in my garage.

It's a personal decision but for me as long as I'm physically able to go I intend to have my boat available and the batteries charged.

This is where i am also. I also have a place on the lake and both a Bass and a Pontoon. Both got used a total of 4 times in 2019, 3 in bass boat one in Pontoon but...neither are for sale. They eat a little insurance, and both are 90's models so they aren't going to lose much more than they have. If i want to go i want to be able to go. Not have to ask or wait on someone to ask me.

[itsahog]

Most people could never justify a boat, to me it never needs to be justified, I like having a Boat to go when I can use it ....even it’s not as often as I want to. In the whole picture life is short, if you like that boat, keep it.

[itsahog]

Double post.....

[D.O.C. 989]

Its costing you, every year the depreciation is what its costing you. Sell now and start with that as a down payment into a boat saving account. After paying your bills and funding your retirement, stick a a little into the account. When you have time to want to have a boat, take what you have and pay cash!!

This makes the most sense to me.

[ECobb91]

No such thing as minimum usage. It’s yours, use it as much as you can and don’t worry about how often others go out. There’s some people who go out 2-5 times a week and more often times than not they are either single or could care less about their family and significant other. Focus on your family first, if that means only fishing 3-4 times a year so be it. Make the most out of the trips you do go out and it’ll be worth while. I only get my boat out about 12-15 times a year. Usually every other weekend from April until October because the non weekends I spend with my wife. Find the balance that works for you. You sound like you have your priorities right, don’t be the douche bag who goes out 3-4 times a week at the cost of making his family miserable because you feel entitled to.

[basscat tyler]

If it’s paid for I’d keep it.