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wrote:

What is the difference, in reality, between a $20,000-odd 20' Bayliner
and a $45,000-odd 20' Cobalt?

$25,000 odd dollars.

Now that the smart ass remark is out of my system, you are unlikely to
actually *need* any of the obviously more refined fit and finish, more
bulletproof layup, or the better systems choices you would gain by
choosing the Cobalt.
Enjoy them? Yes, you would, along with an increased pride of ownership
and better resale value. Based on the usage you describe, the 20-foot
Bayliner will probably prove as safe and capable as the 20-foot Cobalt.
Engine reliability will of course be about the same, assuming identical
power trains.

There is more *value* in the Cobalt. Whether that value is sufficient
to inspire you to reach $25,000 deeper into your pocket is an
individual decision, and there is no universal right or wrong answer. A
gazillion people enjoy boating in a Bayliner, and the company's owner
retention rate at trade-up time is one of the highest in the industry.
(disclosu some wags will dismiss the owner retention rate and claim
that "no competing dealer wants a POS Bayliner on his lot- they have to
trade them in at a Bayliner dealer because nobody else wants one!"
That, is nonsense).

A whole lot of people buy new Mercedes Benz who could very capably sit
in the rush hour traffic during that daily commute to the office in a
Chevrolet. Those folks would get a lot more car with the Benz- but they
probably don't really *need* one- "want" and "afford" become big
factors.