JimH wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..
JimH wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message
...
I was wondering if there are any stats on how long people actually
keep their boat. Like if they buy a new runabout or cuddie etc. how
long do they actually keep it, before selling it or trading it in for
a new model.

some people keep cars a year then trade for new, others buy new and
run the wheels off it.

I've never bought a brand new boat in my life and really don't plan on
it. My two boats are 1983 and 1977. Both in very good shape and will
be keeping them for quite a while.

Does anyone know what is the average trade off or average length of
ownership is for boats?
I would guess I change boats every 5-7 years. I have only purchased 1
new boat and that was only because the dealership was going out of
business and I got a great deal on it.

My 20 foot runabout is being gifted to my son when he is actually able to
take ownership and advantage of using it. I received a call from the
marina today that the outdrive maintenance has been completed and the
boat is ready to be picked up. They found some additional problems with
the OD.....which they repaired. We are picking it up over the weekend
to be shrink wrapped and winter stored at another site (cheaper).

Having never owned a boat with an I/O, my info is obtained vicariously.
From what I have read here and elsewhere over the years, it seems to be
that these drives are nothing but continuing maintenance and trouble. Yet
the technology in them, really, is many decades old. Do you think they'd
be less problematical if their manufacturers concentrated on improving the
quality of the parts they contain and worried less about new and sometimes
dubious features?



Regarding mechanical problems, I have not had any significant problems with
the outdrives on my boats.

Having said that...........I will never purchase another boat with an
outdrive as the upkeep is more demanding than an outboard.




Except for the boot on the OD, what additional upkeep do you have?