Certainly makes sense. As a lifetime boater, I am finding it more difficult to get out on the water. My wife was introduced to boating by me. She at one time suggested that I sell the boat and hang it up. She now realizes that a boat is part of who I am ... I don't think it would be right not to have a boat in the garage at my disposal 24/7 ... just in case I can get/make the time. Also the grandkids are now loving the boat, which is another excuse to get out on the water. But I can easily see how a new boater could quickly get disillusioned. The boat dealer that hosts several activities each month to engage his customers in boating is VERY smart.
I think tho regardless of current trends a certain number of new boaters are going to "hang it up " for a variety of reasons
1/ In spite of everything the wife and/ or kids said , enthusiasm shown , when it came down to it they couldnt be arsed sitting in a boat all day , dont like touching fish and it hurts to fall off the ski and Dad is left to it ,his dreams of happy family outings go down the pan and the boat et all gets moved on .
2/ The only reason the boat was bought in the 1st place was a display of wealth . Turns out it wasnt worth the effort and nobody gave a **** any how .... boat gets sold ( more money than brains category )
I gave up the boat when we lived in Nelson . Initially we could go fishing and catch more than enough fish with a retail value much higher than the money we spent getting it . But fuel cost doubled , catch limits plunged takeable size range tightened and the place was fished out .Sold the boat
After we moved back south , fish are more plentiful , limits are up , no max size limit ........no brainer . bought another boat .
Fishable days are fewer ( 14' boat ) as the local area has a rep for quick weather changes and rough seas , but it is one of those places where effort is rewarded.
Boating is not for everyone and sometimes you need to buy a boat to find this out . Boaties being basically human will tell you about all the good times ( frantically trying to justify the expense to non boaters ) but leave out the bad bits so you can find out for yourself .........like probly the 1st time they try to get it off the trailer
.
There is a place up top half of the South Island called Havelock ( not to be confused with Havelock North in the North Island ) that has a outdoor bar set up called the "Slip inn " that is right at the main launch ramp / slipway to the Marlborough sounds , I spent a day there , we went in for a feed of Greenlip mussels but upon me spying the bar ramp set up and a disaster that was already unfolding on the ramp we binned the fishing trip and sat at the bar watching one disaster after another ..... we wernt the only ones , seems it a local passtime and every time something went wrong for some poor bugger (and his family sometimes ) a roar of laughter went round the spectators , unhelpful advice was offered which often prompted a few suggestions from the victims to the amused onlookers ........which only made it even better . Best day ever boating
