Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

[LuvBoating]

Power boaters meaning: ski, cuddy cabin or bowrider. Anyway, we are in our mid 60's (64/65) and I was curious about the percentage of boaters that are out there in our age bracket and older. We seen very few-to almost none while living in Colorado (Denver metro), North Carolina (Lake Norman area) or here in Jacksonville, FL. When launching our cuddy cabin or simply stopping by a ramp area (w/o boat), we see mostly younger folks. Had one couple our age tell us: "We couldn't afford Dry Storage and launching/retrieving the boat just physically got too much for us, so the boat was sold."

What do you think?
Thanks for any/all responses!

 

[JimS123]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

We're in the same age bracket. Been boating since I was in diapers. Both our boys as well. My wife's grandparents had a lake cottage so she was a boating infant too.

To the comment "Physically too much" I say BS. An all roller trailer makes launching effortless, and my powerwinch takes care of the rest. I back the car in the garage and don't even have to push it around.

We were just out on the jetski last night. That's what helps keep me healthy. We know a couple in the upper 80's that still 'ski as well. They DO use wetsuits noow, because the cold water gets to them. The wife power loads and he drives the trailer behind their Deville. Don't even need a winch.

My Dad boated till he was about 86. If I get too old to have a boat, please come and shoot me. I'll provide the ammo!

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

I'm still a decade away...but a couple of weeks ago(on fathers day) I had taken a walk to the local locks for a little exercise and to see of some of the boats passing though. Many large boats were present, then something caught my ear. I looked to see a "little" 1956 Chris Craft "Woody" entering with an unmistakeable rumble. An "older" couple(probably late 70's/early 80's). Talked to the gentleman while they were locking down. Said he bought it in Sept, restored it(including the 283V8 in it)and was just "out for a ride on a nice day"

I was happy to see these two enjoying themselves and the fruits of their labor.! I'll tell you what though...after the locks opened, he put the hammer down and little thing sounded awsome.

It gave me the same chill as hearing the rumble of an old V12 WWII warbird. Classic!

 

[G-Daddy]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

I'm 64 and don't do all the boat driving on the bigger boat any more - my son does that. But I do all the launch and retrieve on both the 17' and 25' boats. Have a roller trailer and powerwinch on the 17 - so not much work at all. The 25 is bunks and hand crank so the last 6' can be a bit much in hot weather.

 

[LuvBoating]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

Well, depending on the kind of surgeries an older person has had in the past, can reflect the "too much physically" part of boating. I've had a hip replacement and a rotator cuff (shoulder) done in the past. Neither have really bothered me dealing with boating, but that could definitely change as I get older. I was recently diagnosed with mild osteoarthritis in my right ankle, of which can be somewhat painful. My wife has complained about soreness (aka arthritis at our age) in her hands/wrists/feet. Yes, an electric winch will be in our future! Even though many of us wish it, a lot of us, at this age, AREN'T built like Jack La Lanne when he was in his 60's! When we do end up taking the old "powerhouse" out for a spin on the water, it will have to be done on a day when my wife has the next day off from work.........so we can RECUPERATE and take Motrin (if need be).

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

We're just about finished with the 60+ and start 70+
Bought the boat mainly to entertain the grandkids - currently just riding and swimming, but next year start tubing. Cuddy is not really best boat for us with stiffening joints etc. A toon might have been a better choice - maybe will change it one day!

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

We are 70 and 69 and still love boating. After 50 years of boating and 19 different boats we now own a 23ft tri toon and love it. We hope to be able to boat for several more years. We boat on Lake Lanier in Ga

 

[airshot]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

Yep...63 and still boatin...I have a 22' Islander and it is trailered so a launch and retrieve at each outing. Also do my own maintainence, yes it does take a bit longer but I have had a boat since I was 12 and no intentions of giving it up. I am in Ohio and fish lake erie.

Airshot

 

[pckeen]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

I have three young kids all under 6....and one more due soon. There are days when I feel like I'm in my sixties. Does that count?

 

[IllesheimVet]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

63 and have owned 4 powerboats and one snailboat since 1981. Thinking of downsizing to a Robalo 180 or maybe Key West 189FS from my current 24' WA cuddy, since I rarely go offshore and a fixed income makes it painful to fill a 126 Gal. tank with today's prices. I usually have no problem launching or retrieving by myself, and as a retired airline mechanic, do almost all my own maintenance.

 

[DougGreer]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

72 here and just got my 8th boat last summer, sure hope iam able to spend a few more years boating the great lakes

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

Age (66) does not equate to agility. Being mostly a lone boater/fisherman I do find it combersome to load and unload including the cover. Until lack of agility takes over I'm on the water.

 

[JB]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

I guess boaters who boat to fish don't count? I gave up boating at about 73 when I could no longer launch or retrieve my boat.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

I'm pushing 70 real hard, I've hit the 69 mark!! I had the Ol' tub out today fishing. I try to go at least once a week.... almost always by myself. Got a roller with a hand crank and have no problems. Do all my own maintenance. I can still throw the drive up on the bench once a year.
Three day trip planned for the 4th to Stehekin at the end of Lk. Chelan in Wa. state. It's a great trip into the mountains. bout 50 miles one way.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

^^ A bit east but, one day I spent 10 yrs in Shelton. Came your way for Apple Blossom Festival one of those 10. Sorry LuvBoat

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

Yup.... Mid 60's and still boat with a classic sport cuddy. Keep her on the trailer and do all the driving, launching and retrieval myself, but the big 2550 cuddy on a bunk trailer can be a chore in the heat. Just gotta be more selective on which ramps to use and sink trailer a little deeper to aid in loading. Going for it while I still can.

Nieces, nephews, family and friends love going out for a day of boating and tubing. Too old to be on the other end of the tow line, though. Knees and back would never be right again after one day of participation.

Suppose when the day comes and I can't do it any longer, son will be smiling ear to ear when he becomes the owner.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

Ayuh,.... While I'm not quite 60 just yet, I'm gettin' close,....

At this point in time, I Refuse to believe I'm gettin' that old, 'n Refuse to believe there's Anything I can't do,....
As at this point, I can still do anything I ever did, just not as often, or as quickly, or for as long,...

If, 'n when the day comes, I guess I'll be payin' somebody to launch, 'n retrieve my barge,...
Whatever it takes, My barge will be moored at my slip, as long as I can draw a breath,...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

I'm close to being there. of course I'm boating and always will. I'm in a boating town and no boater ever quits, but they may ease back a bit. even the duck hunters are out there in their 80's.

What you older set are complaining about is not boating, it's trailering. You do yourself a disservice if you think "boating" means trailering launching and retrieving a pig of a boat every time you want to go for a spin. At any age. Eliminate that step and enjoy yourself, rather than have that part cancel out all the pleasure boating brings, or even keep you from going out at all. Get off the ramp and onto a pier.

and nothing personal but I recall from this OP's earlier posts that his idea of "boating" does not include the work and challenges that most boaters know are necessary--and welcome--parts of coastal boating. His "observations" in the first post here are from lakes. Meh. They make golf for those who want it easy.

 

[HarryHarley]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???

Yes sir, 62 and still at it. (18 foot Celebrity)
I really enjoyed reading ALL the posts. In many of them I said to myself...... yeah that's me too!!!
Have skied every year since I've been 10 years old. Was out just last week for the first outing this year.
Bought my first boat at 16 and have had one ever since. I'll go as long as the good Lord allows. Love it.
Hope for the best for every one!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Many Older (60 Plus) Power Boaters Out There???



OK--OK! I'm 67 (the new 57) and it is attitude not age that counts. Arthritis and gout don't stop me, just slow me down a bit. So I work around them: Sure, I have down days where I can't do anything but then on the good days I do what I can. While most times I use my smaller boats because I am alone, and because they are more fun, the bigger 21 foot cuddy has a power winch (Which in my opinion is why God invented electricity) and when with my wife or family I have some modicum of help. I don't consider any part of boating bothersome or a chore.