Time to part with the boat

[Bud Kennedy]

A long time ago, I had established a goal to be a bass fisherman until I turned 80.  This year I will reach this goal.  Unfortunately, both the Mrs. (my long- time fishing partner) have been experiencing some health issues that has kept us off the river for over a year.  During this tine my Ranger has been in storage with only time to time trips back to the driveway for some cleanup and minor maintenance.  Now we have made the decision to sell the Ranger.

For the past couple of days, I have been performing some clean -up work on the boat.  This has created a flood of memories from our days at Santee and the many other outings.  I guess you could say that these moments are kind of bitter sweet experiences.  It is sad that a boat that does not get used will develop some issues that can pile up if you don't keep up with them.  We have established a price to sell the boat with the idea that the new owner will likely have to spend a few bucks to bring some things up to day.  Most likely trolling batteries will be needed, live well pumps may be needed and perhaps some other items like a new boat cover as my Ranger cover has seen better days.  Some folks have looked at the boat but I cannot say that any of them have been serious shoppers but or most likely looking for some fantastic deal.  I think that $5K is a great price given the fact of the custom boat trailer and all the motor updates that I have added last year.  I doubt that the motor has not seen much more than 50 hours since the updates were performed.  Additionally, I I added a replacement helm and cables for the steering system.  If I peel away all the money I have spent in the past few years.  I will certainly not be making a profit on the price tag.

Our age and health situation just has made boat ownership difficult to justify.  There are too many safety concerns for us old geezers to ignore.  So, now is the time to sell our 34 year old 1991 Ranger 365V.  I know she has a lot more years of bass fishing still left in her. 

[big g]

Sorry to hear, but if we are lucky enough to reach that, we will all have to make that decision.  76 and moving slower but still trucking.  God bless you both.

[D.W. Verts]

Wow Bud. I wish you all the best!

Dale

[J.W.]

I hate that you're having to part with it. If you're like me, you kind of get attached to things like boats and old vehicles you've owned a long time. I guess it's not so much the object, but the memories attached to them. I hope that the right person comes along and buys your boat. Someone who will take care of it and make their own memories in it.

Also, letting go of the boat doesn't mean that the two of you couldn't still wet a line from time to time. Before I had a boat, my wife and I used to bank fish at her parents' pond catching bass or sometimes we'd catch bluegill on ultralight gear. Could be good quality time with your other half. Sometimes we'd bring lawn chairs and a small cooler with food and drinks and make a day of it.

In any case Bud, I wish you and your bride all the best.

[Princeton_Man]

Saddened by this, but someone will get a heck of deal on that Ranger. Have you posted anywhere yet? There's a Facebook group called Cheap Bassboats for under $10,000. I'll bet it won't last a day on there.

[Donald Garner]

Bud, Tks for the update on getting the Ranger up for sale.  I know exactly how you feel.  I'm going through those same feeling myself right now.  I've had several individuals call me reference my Stratos and G3.  Those that showed up for a look see all had something to say both positive and negative about them. 

I'm taking a guy out Saturday for a Test Drive in the Stratos.  He was very much interested in it as I was showing it to him yesterday.  Hopefully we can close that deal Saturday afternoon.

Best wishes on a Quick Sale of the Ranger.  I posted both of my boats on Face Book and Craig's List.

[Mike Cork]

Hate to hear you're letting her go. Such a beautiful rig, I'd buy her if I could. Whoever does is getting a great boat.

My dad sold his at 79, he said he'd fish with me or hire a guide if he went anymore. He's enjoyed some great guide trips...

The guy that bought his boat lived just up the road from him, he would stop and adjust the cover before storms because the new owner just never got it right 

[EasyKasting]

That's a tough reality when age and health shift priorities away from boat ownership after decades on the water. Sounds like that Ranger provided solid service and memories. Making the practical decision now is understandable.

[Terry G]

Bud I'm with you turning 85 in AUGUST and have only had the boat out 1 time in the l ast 3 years.
I think I have a buyer if it comes through there will be tears shed, she has been faithful the last 25 years.

[SenkoSam]

Bud, aren't you fishing with anyone? Gotta keep those lures in the water!

[caddyjoe77]

Bud, if you are ever in the Big G area, let me know i will be glad to take you out in the Cat.