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Wayne.B

On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:10:08 -0500, wrote:

Everyone should really be sure they are going to use a boat before
they buy one. Renting gives you the option of seeing how you like the
boating experience and also getting to try different kinds of boats
for basically what an occasional boat user has to pay to own one.

You will figure out pretty quickly if you are really a boater. Even
then, you are not launching and recovering or having to tow. How much
is that worth?

Pretty good advice in my opinion. At the very least try to hitch a
ride or two on the kind of boats you are interested in. It is amazing
how small a 17 or 18 ft boat gets when it is actually on the water.

Another strategy is to buy an old beat up boat for a few thousand
bucks, run it for a little while and then give it away for next to
nothing. You'll have some fun and also get an education at a
reasonable price. Buy a SeaTow membership and carry a VHF radio.