Someone on Ifish posted the economics of boat ownership as just the tip of the iceberg.... there's gas, oil, mainteneance, insurance, and all the gear you need to make it the ultimate fishing machine.

So many guys, after investing the vast sums to gear up for serious salmon fishing, have precious little left to actually go out and enjoy some days on the water. Or they're working so hard that they can't take the time off to enjoy the fruits of their fishy investment.

Going into debt for something like this really makes ZERO sense.

Especially when the note is bigger than the resale value of the boat a year or two later.

That kind of dough buys a lot of guide trips... esp for the casual fisherman.

But if you're a rabid salmon junky who thrives on the satisfaction of doing it on your own, whenever and however you like, without someone else dictating quitting time, there is no substitute for owning your own boat.

Just don't go into debt for a hobby.