"BornAgain" wrote in message
oups.com...
Happy New Year, all! I'm seeing a change in my boating habits, and I'm
wondering if anyone has ever felt the same. We have a small Carver f/b
that we enjoy. It's in the best marina around w/ a covered slip and
great staff, but I feel like the bigger the boat I get, the less I feel
connected to the water (I understand to many of you I haven't owned a
large boat yet...). We have owned three, a 17', 24.5', & a 26' (29'
LOA). Last month I bought a 14.5' SeaDoo jet boat to go along with the
Carver. Frankly, I felt disconnected from boating and the smaller jet
has struck a chord in me that makes me truly excited about boating this
spring.

Interestingly, many of the long-time boaters at our marina (mostly
30-45 footers) have bought Whalers, inflatables, or similar boats and
seem to use them as much or more than their cocktail cruisers.

I know most everyone loves a bigger boat. Anyone ever downsize or feel
the same way?

Absolutly!

Being able to buzz down small tributaries and canals...beaching the boat to
get some grub...crusing just a few feet from a shore line..."feeling" the
water underneth you...blasting thru the wind on an WFO pass, while bugs are
hitting your fore-head...the spray coming over the bow while at speed...yes,
there is sometimes a magic in small jet boats, that still brings a "kid
grin" to my face.