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Relative to other activities, powerboating is an expensive hobby. That's
the conventional wisdom, anyway. But is it true?
Compare powerboating to golfing, not the once-every-few-bachelor-parties-type
of golfing, but, the serious, avid kind. Consider what it costs to play two
rounds of golf on a top course in this country during a weekend, what
it costs to travel to one of those courses and what it costs for food and
lodging once you're there. In three or four trips, you can easily spend
$10,000-about what the new Bayliner 175 runabout, including a trailer,
will set you back.
Now let's say your golf habit takes you to Europe a few times a year.
Now you're looking at roughly $20,000—about what the new Yamaha SR230
sport boat, including a trailer, will set you back.
And consider this: Either one of the boats can accommodate your spouse
and kids, which likely isn't something you can say for your golf
buddies.
I haven't tested the Bayliner 175, but the people at Go Boating, one of
several magazines that supplies boat reviews to boats.com, have. And
it's safe to say they were impressed, especially with the boat's quality
and features relative to its price, just as I was when I tested a
prototype version of the Yamaha SR230 this summer. Though significantly
different, both models share a commonality—they make owning a powerboat
affordable.
If you're looking for a more expensive hobby, try yachting. Or golf.
by: Matt Trulio
Powerboat Editor
boats.com
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