Is sailing becoming extinct?
 

On Mon, 11 Aug 2003 05:24:34 +0000, Backyard Renegade wrote:

"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message ...
On Sun, 10 Aug 2003 18:50:11 +0000, Gould 0738 wrote:

The Washington State Department of Licensing just released sales statistics for
new boat sales between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003

The numbers are bleak, as one might expect in a state with one of the highest
unemployment rates in the nation, but one category is absolutely scary.
Sailboats.


Interesting stats, Chuck!

I note esp. that the biggest category for sailboats was 23-26ft - I
would have guessed over 30.

As for "why", again interesting question. I've noted for years that
sailboats were notable in their almost complete absence in boat shows.
Yet, most boats you see ON THE WATER are sailboats (salt water - not
including runabouts, skiffs, etc). Certainly a MUCH higher percentage than
Chuck's figures show.

I think it's there's less incentive to buy a new sailboat (as opposed
to used) than a new powerboat. A 10 or 20 year old sailboat is still very
serviceable: you might want to buy new sails, or touch up the paint. A 10
year old powerboat will probably need a $20K engine rebuild or
replacement.

Me, I'm keeping my sailboat, and replacing the engine to make it into a
decent powerboat as well! After all, it's only 20 years old...

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36

Could have something to do with the crowds on the water and the desire
to go where you want to go instead of being at the mercy of the wind.

Agreed, kinda. If you want to GO somewhere, get a powerboat. The joy of
sailing is in the voyage, not the destination. When sailing, the
"destination" is often "wherever we happen to be by around 6-ish". You
call it "at the mercy of the winds" - I call it enjoying the ride.

Lloyd

Is sailing becoming extinct?
 

The reality is, there were crap boats built in '69 and good boats
builit in '69. Same thing today, some crap boats, some good boats.

bb

I guess it is just the perception. A "crap" 1969 boat is landfill now so the
only examples you see are the better ones.

Is sailing becoming extinct?
 

Agreed, kinda. If you want to GO somewhere, get a powerboat. The joy of
sailing is in the voyage, not the destination. When sailing, the
"destination" is often "wherever we happen to be by around 6-ish". You
call it "at the mercy of the winds" - I call it enjoying the ride.

Lloyd

Absolutely true for this "half way" sailor. (motor upwind and sail back)
I'm the guy with the poly tarp sail on a pontoon boat. When I really want to go
somewhere I crank up the 4 stroke and off we go but there is certainly
something soothing about silently moving along, for free, hearing nothing but
the water slapping aginst the hull and the sound of the birds in the mangroves.


It does prompt a question about the statistic. How does the state of Washington
categorize a motor sailer? That could account for the low numbers in the mid to
larger size.

Is sailing becoming extinct?
 

"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message ...
On Mon, 11 Aug 2003 05:24:34 +0000, Backyard Renegade wrote:

"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message ...
On Sun, 10 Aug 2003 18:50:11 +0000, Gould 0738 wrote:

The Washington State Department of Licensing just released sales statistics for
new boat sales between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003

The numbers are bleak, as one might expect in a state with one of the highest
unemployment rates in the nation, but one category is absolutely scary.
Sailboats.


Interesting stats, Chuck!

I note esp. that the biggest category for sailboats was 23-26ft - I
would have guessed over 30.

As for "why", again interesting question. I've noted for years that
sailboats were notable in their almost complete absence in boat shows.
Yet, most boats you see ON THE WATER are sailboats (salt water - not
including runabouts, skiffs, etc). Certainly a MUCH higher percentage than
Chuck's figures show.

I think it's there's less incentive to buy a new sailboat (as opposed
to used) than a new powerboat. A 10 or 20 year old sailboat is still very
serviceable: you might want to buy new sails, or touch up the paint. A 10
year old powerboat will probably need a $20K engine rebuild or
replacement.

Me, I'm keeping my sailboat, and replacing the engine to make it into a
decent powerboat as well! After all, it's only 20 years old...

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36

Could have something to do with the crowds on the water and the desire
to go where you want to go instead of being at the mercy of the wind.

Agreed, kinda. If you want to GO somewhere, get a powerboat. The joy of
sailing is in the voyage, not the destination. When sailing, the
"destination" is often "wherever we happen to be by around 6-ish". You
call it "at the mercy of the winds" - I call it enjoying the ride.

Lloyd

I understand completely. I am currently building a sailing boat (and
a few others) and realize that I might just have to change my boating
habits to use it. I am however really looking forward to sailing again
as I did some 30 years ago... Of course, I have never really been
stuck on any one type of boat over another, in fact I still drool over
that fiberglass Dagger sea kayak too... I guess that would only draw
an eyebrow if you know who I am and what I do;-)
Scotty
Scotty

Is sailing becoming extinct?
 

. Of course, I have never really been
stuck on any one type of boat over another, in fact I still drool over
that fiberglass Dagger sea kayak too... I guess that would only draw
an eyebrow if you know who I am and what I do;-)
Scotty
Scotty

Glue a really thin layer of veneer to the exterior. Nobody will be the wiser.
:-)