Uh Oh!

Dan's conclusion was prophetic: "we will all change our lifestyles, consciously or otherwise". We're not in Kansas anymore, folks, we're in a world economy. Those who accept and deal with this fact will still do well. Even when the subprime crisis is corrected there are structural changes already in play. Good news: one relative advantage of the C-Dory now, and I'm sure one that most of us considered when purchasing, is the legendary C-Dory "efficient-C". Our vessels will hold their value better than most. Mike.
 
Wow - it took only one post for this to somewhat devolve into a political right-left thing. Perhaps a new record. Fortunately, the conversation eventually came around a bit to answer the original question - what will be the impact on boating. From my perspective, a little recession is a buying opportunity. Interest rates are coming back down and boat prices will possibly drop (especially in the used market). As long as you're not one of those who has been over spending for the past few years, a recession will be a good time to upgrade to a larger boat.
 
In regards to boating those of us who have our personal finances in order will likely see more positives than negatives. Our only real fear is if the fuel pumps should run dry. Such as in the 70's only worse. Sure hard to find any personal positives in that.

Jay
 
It's not so much the price of fuel going up as the value of the dollar going down. Rather than fund the war with tax increases our leader has chosen do so with credit. Some countries are calling for oil to be tied to the Euro because the dollar is so weak. If the costs of this war were coming out of our pocket now, the war would have ended years ago. Our children and grandchildren will have to pay for this empire building. Another issue is NAFTA and GATT. When our leaders say one world economy, they mean that they want to pull us down to the rest of the world not bring the rest of the world up to our standard. All those Chineese and Indians (from India) are going to compete for the same resources us Americans have been consuming for years. All the while the boys at the top will siphon the cream off the milk. They'll still get their's while the middle class will join the poor. I don't understand their thinking. If they get rid of the middle class and get everyone down to subsitant wages, who's going to buy all the cars, TVs and other goods they're so fond of peddling. It's all about short term profits and what's in it for 'me', never what's good for the nation.
Forrest
 
To my knowlege Camano Yachts is still in business. However all of the Canadian boats (Rosborough prices went up about 20% this year's model over last) will relitatively become more expensive.

Locally I see poor boat sales, plus some of the mechanics which were backed up weeks last spring, are begging for work currently.
 
One of our largest local boat dealerships recently folded up, citing the inability to meet his $25,000 monthly fixed costs for the lease, etc.

A very large Northern California multiple city RV dealer is auctioning off his used RV inventory and drasticly reducing prices on new units.

An opportunity for some, but not for most!

Joe. :disgust
 
My wife buys a newspaper once a month. She likes the way it fires up the wood stove. The worms in our composter love it too. I wrap fish in it. Newspapers are far superior to T.V.s in my opinion.

Recession is like a tide. If you follow history and prepare ahead of time your tires won't slip on the slimy part of the loading ramp. Get caught unprepared and your anchor may drag.

I'm feelin' pretty good got plenty of scope out and don't lie awake at night worrying...I'm in a C-Dory
 
There are advantages to a weak dollar that we shouldn't forget:

1. U.S. goods cost less, so our exports rise - just look at beef and agriculture right now.
2. Associated with # 1 above, we can only hope that it means we will keep more jobs or grow more jobs (see 3 below)
3. Lots of jobs that went to Canada are now returning to the U.S. because it is now cheaper. (I read an interesting article lately that stated that a high loony is not particularly good for Canadians because of the increased labor costs and the movement of jobs). The company I work for in particular, a small international company, was hiring lots of people in Ottawa but is now back to hiring in the U.S. because it is cheaper.
4. If you own stocks in big U.S. companies like Proctor and Gamble, Coca Cola, McDonalds, etc. where 50% or more of their sales come from overseas, you're somewhat isolated from the dollar decrease, because these companies sales are in the foreign currency and when brought back to the U.S. they take advantage of the exchange rate.

I hate to say it but a weak dollar may be a Godsend, because it may help with employment which is probably the biggest factor affecting the real estate 'crisis' and consumer spending habits.
 
dotnmarty":2javrx51 said:
Hey Forrest-Your analysis is like your choice of boat-We may not like it but it's probably pretty darn good.
Click to expand...


???

014_G.sized.jpg
Michael and Sona McCoy at Avalon Harbor


Are we dividing our ranks within our family?

Joe. :smileo
 
forrest



Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 24
City/Region: Chehalis
State or Province: WA
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:34 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUOTE:
I'm one of those low life Cape Cruiser owners. I will be using my boat and plan on renting a cabin as well. I was just wondering if this was a good time of the year to see whales around Snug Harbor.
Thanks,
Forrest
CC 26 Marinaut
Hull14
No name yet

Easy Joe, Easy. I'm not dividing anybody. I like the CC and I like Forrest and agree with his analysis.
 
Sorry Marty! I thought you were referring to the later post by mpmccoy.

There are so many new people around here it's hard to keep them straight until we talk to them enough to establish their identity clearly in my mind!

Apologies to all concerned! Was in the dentist's office from 7-9 am before the post, will have to blame it on the pain pills and novacaine. Right now I have a $6700 headache!:embarrased

See ya' in Seattle!:teeth

Joe. :thup
 
I'm really glad I didn't mess with the stock market & I'm grateful I have my C-Dory that is economical to operate, fun to use & comes with a lot of nice folks to hang out with......

Ruth & Joe
R-MATEY
 
I don't know about a slowdown in consumption, and, if there is one, what areas are most affected. In my opinion a slowdown could be very helpful depending upon what we are cutting back on. I do know that the "repossessed" lot I drive by daily has many many boats inside the fence.

Perhaps related...I purchased a new C-Dory after hearing it could be tough finding a used one and that a person needs to be patient to get one. Well, as soon as I made my down payment on the SEA COASTER, used 22' cruisers began appearing on this site and now there are 7 for sale. Is that typical during winter months? Or is it a sign of ?

By the way, you all keep me upbeat as I make monthly payments to store what I am not using... the boat and trailer. Here in the NW we can at least ski and snowshoe while we wait for spring and more sunshine.

Anne
 
To get back to the OP, the poor economy should not affect most of us. We have simple economical boats, although I haul mine with a gas guzzling V10. I just have to get on the water sometimes. The boat is paid for. The truck is paid for. Insurance and maintanence are minimal. My only real cost is gas. In my lifetime, I doubt gas will ever be to high for me to get out on the water whenever I need to. If I wanted to get a bigger boat, this would probably be a good time.
 
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