Salute to the Older Boat – Part 1

February 12, 2026

Our family has owned four boats. All four were previously owned and three are now subsequently owned.  We will likely never have a new boat and most likely, neither will you.

But the great news is you will have a very fine, if older, boat that you will enjoy thoroughly. Boats are not like cars that have a decade lifetime before they hit beater stage, nor are they like homes that stand a century and welcome a string of new owners making extensive renovations. Boats are in a unique category; just because your boat is 20 (or 30) years old doesn’t reduce by a fender width its ability to take you out on the water, entertain friends, weekend perhaps, explore and so forth. Today, in Canada, nearly every boater and particularly sailors have an ‘old’ boat.

This came up recently at the boat shows. Dealers and manufacturers would like you to buy a new boat but by a large margin, boaters go for a newer, possibly bigger previously owned boat. Then they sell their current boat along the chain to its next, soon-to-love it owner. Brokers are busy.

The best part is that everyone is happy. Each family has a boat they enjoy, perhaps not as shiny as the factory fresh model, but with lots of capacity to deliver. With some loving tender care, it can be buffed, rejuvenated and provide another ten years of fun.

The message is simple – enjoy your boat regardless of age as long is it still provides the enjoyment you crave. If you want a new one, save up, but until then go for a happy boat ride.

Next issue we look at the fleet of old boats as it expands forever. Where will they go?

John Morris, Online Editor