"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.
For instance, we go to an island on the river to hang on weekends...
One weekend a bunch of idiots blew in and "took over" the beach.
Fifteen minutes later, we were at another beach a mile or two away.
Not to mention that I don't have a lot of boating time, sometimes only
two to three hours in the afternoon. I can head to the lake and swim,
eat, swim some more, come home and return to work. Last time I was
there I had to tow a hobie up the canal so he could sail... he had
been waiting there for a while because the wind was coming straight
down the canal which is about 20 feet wide... makes for a tough tack I
suppose. Anyway, times have changed, might have more to do with the
crowds and busy scheduals and, well, not wanting to "work" so much
when we go out to play. Remember, we are all working a lot more hours
now just to survive, don't leave as much time for sitting with
coctails waiting for wind... I must admit though, I am curently
building a sailing pram, hope I don't have to tow it to the wind
Scotty the backyard renegade