Keeping the Boat

Bud Kennedy · November 29, 2020, 09:45:36 AM

When you are an older person you begin to notice changes in what you are able to do. Once simple tasks tend to take longer than in the past. You also begin to notice more and more self-initiated delays to begin many of these tasks. I guess we tend to procrastinate a little more when we age.

Sooner or later your thoughts start to turn towards things you have acquired through life. These things tend to be recreational products or other play time doo dads that we have had for years. We realize that we just don't use these items much and for some reason we start to think about selling off our toys or just plain giving them away to someone.

As a long time, bass angler some of our most prized possessions are items that were acquired during our decades long quest to catch more and bigger bass. Well I am no different. I have items stashed ways that are no longer used but represent my testament to our bass fishing dreams some of which began during our childhood. At the very top of this heap is my 1991 Ranger 365V bass boat. I love this boat and it means a lot to me each time we are on the water. This is not the shiny new fancy boat of today but a classic of yesteryear. At least to me it feels that way.

Me and the boat don't get to play together as much as we used to but that does not mean it is not important to me. This old boat seems to keep me in better physical shape due mostly to the care it requires. I have owned a bass boat for the better part of 40 years and still today when we go to the water, I get butterflies of excitement when we approach the ramp. You would think it would be old hat by this time but I assure you it isn't. The excitement is real and the subsequent pleasure is equally as satisfying. Most recently I have thought about selling my old friend and passing her along for someone else to enjoy or in my worst fears, abuse. I don't think I could bear that. My wife also enjoys the boat even though it is well understood that the old ranger is still my mistress.

The boat has always been debt free. No payments to worry about just the cost of its service and purchase of upgrades from time to time. Sure, there are times when she does not feel good but we have always worked through her aging issues. She has some bumps, scrapes and bruises that represent a life well lived and to me those are part of what makes her special. The bottom line to this post is that although I may talk about getting rid of her, is just thinking out loud and does not even suggest that I will actually do that. I don't think I could bear the loss. OK so I am an old fool to have this kind of attachment to a boat. Fact is I do and for now things will stay the same even though our visits to the water seem to be in decline. Maybe down the unknown road of life this will change, but not today.

Wizard · November 29, 2020, 11:07:17 AM

Sigh! I wouldn't change a word and I can't add to it.

Wizard

Terry G · November 29, 2020, 01:31:58 PM

WELL SAID

Bassinkorea · November 29, 2020, 04:57:59 PM

I agree Bud, don't sell her!

I also get that very same feeling of excitement every time I take my boat out

caddyjoe77 · November 29, 2020, 08:58:28 PM

Bud, great post and we all know you are not getting rid of your mistress.

Oldfart9999 · December 01, 2020, 07:13:21 AM

Well said!!!
Rodney

FlatsNBay · December 02, 2020, 06:07:12 AM

The hardest thing to do is parting with your old boat. I couldn't sleep the night before getting rid of my Flats & Bay. Almost 20 years of memories. Looking back, I'm glad that I did because I now have a brand new boat. I do often wonder ( and hope) that my buyer is taking care of her like I did. Pretty crazy how much we can like an old boat!

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Capt. BassinLou · December 02, 2020, 06:14:14 AM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on December 02, 2020, 06:07:12 AM
The hardest thing to do is parting with your old boat. I couldn't sleep the night before getting rid of my Flats & Bay. Almost 20 years of memories. Looking back, I'm glad that I did because I now have a brand new boat. I do often wonder ( and hope) that my buyer is taking care of her like I did. Pretty crazy how much we can like an old boat!

Sent from my moto e5 play using Tapatalk

I enjoyed my old boat, 20 yrs of great memories, but when the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to let her go. Like you, I also have a newer boat, and I look forward to many years of enjoyment with it.

Terry G · January 05, 2021, 07:50:43 AM

My new interest

Princeton_Man · January 05, 2021, 09:58:13 AM

Quote from: Terry G on January 05, 2021, 07:50:43 AM
My new interest

apenland01 · January 05, 2021, 10:14:52 AM

I will be keeping my 1994 Ranger forever, since it's paid for and I only have to pay for servicing and upgrades as well. There's something about a solid boat that can be upgraded to the newest trolling motors and electronics without worrying about it affecting "resale value" and being "upside down on the loan". The big value to me is the joy I get out of using it nearly every weekend....

Pat Dilling · January 08, 2021, 09:37:19 AM

I think I mentioned before that my first bass boat was a 1993 Ranger 365 that I bought from Gary Dobyns after he won it in a tournament. Was a good boat and I had it until 2001 when I traded up for a Triton TR20. I still think about that boat when I see an old guy fishing in an old Ranger. LOL I also see some young guys fishing in old Rangers which mean someone like you finally let it go. I actually ordered my present boat with the same color combination that my first Ranger had, Red White and Blue. I hope you keep that good old boat and continue to enjoy the bond you have with it!

Pat