Oh how life changes so quickly
Well we are contemplating selling our 2005 360FV. My wife is starting a business which I will be providing the business acumen too. So our life just got real busy and I don't see a way of finding time for the boat. The reality is we are 6 months at least away from opening, so we'll probably enjoy the boat the rest of the season and then offload it. We will certainly find a way back to the cruising lifestyle hopefully sooner than later. What do you guys think is a realistic asking price for a very well maintained 360FV?
It is mostly as you would find it from the factory with some upgraded TV's, new canvas, and an added bow thruster. It has the twin Merc 496's w/ Bravo 3s.
Comments
Go Steelers!!!
Boat Name: King Kong
"Boat + Water = Fun"
In the fall and winter, what you'll get is tire-kickers, lowball offers (if any), and cold calls from brokers who want to list your boat ... basically a big waste of your time, effort and listing fees. Unless you want to take a beating on price, the boat will still be on the market next April. Then your phone will start ringing off the hook. I'd say shrink-wrap it for the winter, and list it on the first warm day of April.
(Incidentally, that approach will also help you avoid seller's remorse. If you can part with your boat on a warm spring day, then you really are ready to sell!)
Thanks guys. Yeah I'm just not sure how soon we could get back on the water hence considering the sale.. Between a new business and having 2 kids whom are just getting to the sports age, free weekend time will be pretty limited. I would hate to let her sit for multiple years. We question whether to let the kids play in every and any league or limit them where we can still have a functioning family life on the weekends, which would mean boat time. I look at what family members have gone through and the amount of travel they put forth to support their kids activities and I question whether its really healthy. The child is likely to have no career in sports yet the amount of time they dedicate to it end up affecting grades, priorities, family etc.
Still lots to consider. If we think 1 year is realistic, than i'll keep it but anymore seems to be just throwing away more money than necessary.
Here's my advice, but some facts first.
Fact 1 - children's sporting is a money making industry. It is the perfect setup, poking at the emotions to get parents to fork out more cash... how can you deny an opportunity for your children?
Fact 2 - most kids eventually get bored and move onto something else. Not all, but most. They get all excited at first, and us parents go the whole nine yards, but after a few years, different things become important.
Fact 3 - sporting is great for kids, gets their mind off other stress, keeps them healthy, off VIDEO GAMES, etc. But there also has to be a balance. We have kids on our street that we NEVER SEE (maybe 2 times in the whole summer).
Fact 4 - you can get so sucked into this that you will have NO family time left. Your wife and you will not eat dinner together for most of the week. You will be travelling one way on the weekend with one child, and she another way with another child. There is a big sacrifice made - the family time actually diminishes.
After what I've gone through - this is the advice I have. Kids just want to have fun. They don't need to be on the best team that practices 6 times a week and costs $3000 per year to have fun. They really don't. Keep it simple. Get them involved in something that's a couple of days a week and affordable, and preferably during weekdays. Keep it close to home - we got ourselves in a situation where we were travelling 80 miles round trip 4 to 5 times a week. It was costing a lot of money and time on the road. Find a club close to home, so you aren't whipping through traffic and supporting your local gas station on your consumption alone. Don't get sucked in unless your child is (a) exceptional and (b) eats and sleeps the sport. A lot of parents get sucked into more training, more trips, "lifetime opportunities." Just remember, there's a commission being paid for every child that books - $$$ not quality and experience. There are millions of kids involved, and your child is just another number (sorry, it sounds harsh, but it is the reality). Don't allow your child to be a number - go back to my first point, just make sure they are having fun. That is the most important thing.
Lastly, make sure you know when "family time" is. There has to be a day or two a week you know that nothing else will interfere with that time. Fight to maintain that time, resist any other obligations and commitments. My wife and I basically didn't eat dinner together for over 1 year because of my son's soccer. We sacrificed a lot. This year, well ... he wants to play baseball. So, did we need to put 15,000 miles on our car, 5 days a week, no family time, $3000 per year, etc. etc. Nope, it would have been just as good to play in a local league 2 days a week, he would have had just as much fun.
Boat Name: King Kong
"Boat + Water = Fun"
If your boating somewhere close to home, dont sell it. You will regret it. If it takes you longer than 45 minutes to get to your boat then by all means unload it and enjoy the free money that you are already spending.
Good luck
Steve
I guess what I'm saying is you make it work for what you want. My sister and her family are one that goes crazy and does the sports overdose and they have to be in everything all the time! It is crazy and you eat at fast food and nothing is healthy about it. Not for me. Good luck with your decision!
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Good one Handy! If it were only true! Monday was the last baseball game!
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express