The Word Cheap Is Relative.
What is cheap can mean so many things to so many people. One persons $10K boat is true treasure vs another’s is a beater boat. Add to that, what is the meaning of cheap. Cheap as low cost, or low quality? And of course, there is the personal side. You are just a cheap ass person and will dicker over a nickel, and screw others for the same.
A reliable usable boat is the best boat
When it come to the universe of classic boating, cheap can be dissipative. Sometimes the cheapest boat you buy can cost you a fortune. And then there is the usability factor. Then the word VALUE slips into the conversation.
What about RESALE? Oddly enough, one of the greatest arguments for being in classic boating is resale, value. Thats right. If you buy right and sell right, you could actually make money. Not likely, but possible. As one old pro told me, you make your money on the purchase, NOT the sale.
Being a classic boater/Woody Boater is not really about the boat, it’s about all the stuff that makes it possible. The right tools, knowledge can make it a VERY affordable adventure. Or if you are not handy with a tool, having a team of reliable honest service folks around you. BTW, sometimes they are not the cheapest, but they do the best job. But trust can be a costly variable.
When it comes to parts, be loyal and understanding. Shopping around for a cheaper price is just dumb. I know this sounds whackadoodle. The parts business in this community is personal, not corporate. Having the part, and the knowledge of the part is what you are paying for. All of our parts are NOT a commodity. And remember, if you want futrure access to parts support the guys that find them. DO NOT pick someones brain and then not buy from them. Thats just insulting and will cost you in the end.
Black Dog 23′ Triple Freedom Boat Service
Buying a boat through a reputable broker can save you a small fortune down the road. They know the pitfalls, the hot models, and value. And will help you not blow your foot off. I personally know many of these folks, and they are great folks, They understand this is a small culture and word of mouth is EVERYTHING. Everyone knows everyone. ITS PERSONAL from Day One!
So thats kinda a rough breakdown of CHEAP. I am sure there are many other insights. And yes tricks to save money. Feel free… GET IT FREE, to share some thoughts in the comment section.
That Smith family photo is a treasure. I have never seen that one before.
“As one old pro told me, you make your money on the purchase, NOT the sale.”
My Brother in Law and I have had this discussion many many times. I say “You position yourself to make money on the purchase, but if you never sell you never actually “Make Money””. To this day he claims that he made a LOT of money when he bought a Cadillac. He drove that car into the ground and it ended up in the junk yard. I say he never MADE a dime. If you can’t put money in your account or buy something else with it, you never made it, IMHO.
If there is a flaw in our community it is that we do not publicly call out the “bad actors”. As a matter of fact it seems to me that we keep endorsing them and more members of our community continue to get hurt.
Adding the header for the left over Babe Day!
I tell customers it’s a hobby, not a business…. enjoy..