Annual Cost data

[OtherBoatisaCessna]

The acquisition price to operating cost ratio for boating isn’t that bad IMO.  I typically see this kind of evaluation in the aircraft world, and, personally, I don’t think I want to know.  Partly because many of the operating costs are sunk anyway  (hangar costs, boat storage, etc), and I hate feeling like I need to pay the piper at some enormous rate every time I go, when in reality it’s just put gas in and go.  Also, what are you flying @Nick55?  That sounds like 421 numbers.  

[MikeR397]

I just went flying in a friends Grumman Goose today. Burned a nice 80 gallons for an hour cruise around. Makes boating costs child’s play in comparison.

[Nick55]

Was actually going to reply back, two radial engines on anything (DC-3, Goose, or whatever) and you’re sucking the gas but it’s sooooo fun. I know a guy with a PBY Catalina.  He figures $4k an hour to operate it. 

[MikeR397]

1 hour ago, Nick55 said:

Was actually going to reply back, two radial engines on anything (DC-3, Goose, or whatever) and you’re sucking the gas but it’s sooooo fun. I know a guy with a PBY Catalina.  He figures $4k an hour to operate it. 

It’s cool to experience new, but it’s not my thing and I’d get bored quick with hobby flying. I’ll take a jetski, snowmobile, wake boat or track car any day for fun. 

[Nick55]

Totally get that too.  I have friends who do it for work, and friends who fly simply to not be at the mercy of airlines when they need to take a trip.  But I enjoy it for travel or fun.  
 

Back to the subject at hand….. 

My wife hinted she might be ok with a cruiser as well, so I’ve been shopping those.  Just slip fees in my area make my Wakesetter look cheap.  I am thinking that will be on the 5-10 year plan, once kids are out of the house. 

Edited November 20, 2023 by Nick55

[Woodski]

The extra degree of freedom kind of limits any too close fueling calculations.  In terra firma racing, the fuel calculations will cut it pretty close & a miss is only a trophy or prize money. 

[Shea]

Wow, I wish I was as financially in tune with the cost of my hobbies as most are here.  I focus on so many other expenses and just sort of say **** it when it comes to having fun.  Thanks for bringing this up.  It's motivated me to take a look at the fun aspect of spending.  I know the saying "Happy wife = happy life."  But I also know "Lot's of toys = happy me."  Who knows if I will act on it but it's something I should think about.  

I can't remember who posted they receive thousands in fuel cost sharing from friends, but good on you!  I put well over 100 hours on my boat per year and I think the most I've ever gotten is a couple hundred dollars total via Venmo.