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Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-02-2008, 1:32 PM Reply   
I've been "semi" boat shopping for a year or two now but my financial situation extremely limits my options. I'm a 3rd year Senior Associate at a CPA firm and by no means would I consider my salary poor, but there is no way I could afford even the cheapest "Entry level" wake boat (Malibu I/V-ride around $39K). I'm a newly wed and my wife doesnt bring home much cheese, but I think it's retarded that we are excluded from buying a new boat on our income. The other option is to buy a used boat, something like an old Natty 2001 or a Prostar etc. That would be pimp for sure, and if I had the time I'd love to buy one for $5K and spend another $5K working on it and have a nice boat...BUT NO CPA EVER HAS THAT KIND OF FREE TIME! I want a new, reliable boat, that I can hook up to the truck after work, hit the water and not have anything to worry about like breaking down or putting oil in it every trip.

Why can the auto makers put cheap reliable cars on the road for less than $15K but wake boat manufacturers can't get under $40K? You'd think one of the big 3 (CC,MC,or Malibu) could throw together a 2001 style wake hull, a 220 hp motor, perfect pass and a tower for under $15K.

Burns my ass. End Rant.
Old     (jay_g)      Join Date: Apr 2006       04-02-2008, 1:37 PM Reply   
i got a leftover 2007 outback V in the low 30's Not sure if thats in you budget but look at leftovers
Old     (timmy)      Join Date: Jul 2001       04-02-2008, 1:38 PM Reply   
Precisely why I plan to never purchase a wakeboat again. I'll keep my '02 forever!
Old     (sidekicknicholas)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-02-2008, 1:52 PM Reply   
gotta love moomba...they have gone up in price but by no means what other companies have...

best bang for the buck IMO
Old     (trickyboarder08)      Join Date: Jul 2005       04-02-2008, 1:55 PM Reply   
Get a 2001, that's what I did. I love it.
Old     (garret_s)      Join Date: Apr 2006       04-02-2008, 2:00 PM Reply   
I think the problem had a lot to do with sales volume: manufacturers don't sell nearly as many wakeboats as car manufacturers do, so its hard to keep prices down.

However, I think you are right about a lack of entry-level boats. Boats don't seem like they are THAT complex that someone couldn't figure out a cost-cutting formula for a boat: spartan interior, smaller engine, a less "revolutionary" hull, and a basic tower/instrumentation. It would be like the Kia of wakeboats!
Old     (mammoth)      Join Date: Apr 2005       04-02-2008, 2:02 PM Reply   
I know it's just a rant...but wow, if that's not a display of 'entitlement mentality' I've never seen one.

To answer the question re: cars, it's economies of scale. If there were 2 or 3 boats in every driveway, they could be much cheaper.
Old     (ttrigo)      Join Date: Dec 2004       04-02-2008, 2:07 PM Reply   
stop whining and deal with it. j/k, sort of. I dont know too many people who can afford a new boat at the age of 24.
if you are really dying to get into a boat, you will figure out a way to do it. if you are really that busy with work, how much time would you be able to spend on the water anyways?
just become friends with people who have boats, and let them take the hit to the pocketbook.
Old     (wesley_is_wake)      Join Date: Jun 2007       04-02-2008, 2:09 PM Reply   
It's all about supply and demand like Garret said. It's been around for years since the start of socialism. But getting off topic..Moomba is an excellent choice for a boat. I also have a friend who has an 02 x star. It has the same hull as the new x-1's. It's perfect from a wake comparison, but it's pretty small and doesn't do well on rivers and lakes in times of high traffic. Older boats can be less of a hassle too. there's less need to take immaculate care of it if it already has some dings and marks.
Old     (polarbill)      Join Date: Jun 2003       04-02-2008, 2:11 PM Reply   
They are built on an extremely small scale compared to cars. It is also a luxury item. If you want a 15k wakeboard boat go buy 175 bayliner and throw a tower on it. It isn't nice but it is new and works. Sounds like a KIA. You don't need to buy brand new to get something that you can just take out and have an awesome time with. If you want a boat that is cheap and ready to get the 1991 supra sunsport that is for sale in the classifieds section.

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/546327.html?1206807477

(Message edited by polarbill on April 02, 2008)
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-02-2008, 2:15 PM Reply   
LOL...It's absolute 'entitlement mentality' :-)

I do understand the concept of economies of scale, however like Garret said, boat building isn't rocket science and it seems with the recent increase in the "alternative sport lifestyle" someone would have taken a "Kia" type approach to building something for those of us not making 6 figures.

Most of us arent hard to please, perfect pass, a tower and room for brew, bags, and possibly some babes. Some of us don't need a boat with the self cleaning turd scrubber and automatic binding lubricant dispenser. And we don't mind filling our own bags or adding our own amp, subs, and tower speakers.

Just a thought.
Old     (ttuclint)      Join Date: Sep 2003       04-02-2008, 2:18 PM Reply   
You know they did make some good wakeboard boats in between the late 80's and 2008.


For example a mid to late 90's Malibu VLX or LX can be found for less than 20k.

(Message edited by ttuclint on April 02, 2008)
Old     (lovin_the_wake)      Join Date: Jul 2007       04-02-2008, 2:21 PM Reply   
I'd try and find an older 2001 or a late 80's early 90's Supra Sunsport and then use the left over $$$ for ballast, a tower, and whatever accessories you want
Old     (cavlxenvy)      Join Date: Aug 2007       04-02-2008, 2:29 PM Reply   
Cars are machine built....

Bayliner hulls are machine built...

Bayliners are cheap....

Catch my drift?

Do a plant tour and see how much work goes into a boat. Then ask the question again.

Rising oil/gas costs aren't helping either. Most of the parts in these boats are petroleum based.
Old     (denverd1)      Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tyler       04-02-2008, 2:39 PM Reply   
super sport, 205v, sunsetter/wakesetter. there's tons of options. just because you didn't take the warning stickers off yourself doesn't make a boat unreliable. I hook my 20yr old boat up for a sesh after work all the time. Find something you can afford. maintain it. add upgrades when you can.
Old     (nauty)      Join Date: Feb 2004       04-02-2008, 2:41 PM Reply   
A couple of years ago I had a conversation with one of our local dealers about this very topic. My point to my dealer was that if they put out a stripped down V-drive with nothing but a tower, racks, and ballast, all for $25K, they could capture a portion of the market that buys used boats. Why buy a used boat if you can buy a new V-drive for $25K?

The dealer's response was that each manufacturer can only produce so many boats per year. Each year their entire production is sold out. Therefore, if you can sell out an entire year's production of $60K + boats why cut your profit in half by producing a $25K boat? I have to admit that he had a point.

I bought my brand new 2004 SSV in the spring of 2005 for $36,999; it was a left over. The next year prices went through the roof. I too will be hanging onto my boat until it dies 20 years from now
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-02-2008, 2:46 PM Reply   
"The dealer's response was that each manufacturer can only produce so many boats per year. Each year their entire production is sold out. Therefore, if you can sell out an entire year's production of $60K + boats why cut your profit in half by producing a $25K boat? I have to admit that he had a point."

As a devout free market capitalist, I appreciate this statement.
Old     (nauty)      Join Date: Feb 2004       04-02-2008, 2:52 PM Reply   
Perhaps someday the market will correct itself. With rising gas prices making everything else in life so expensive, people like you who might have purchased new if prices were reasonable will end up buying used instead. If the trend continues production runs will eventually stop selling out. Then manufacturers will return to a value priced entry level boat.

Then again, the same dealer that I spoke with about this a couple of years ago told me that despite a 40% drop in attendance at this past winter's boat show, they had their best boat show ever in terms of new boat sales. Apparently the wake boat market is bullet proof to recession
Old     (epic1)      Join Date: Oct 2006       04-02-2008, 3:18 PM Reply   
As I lube up with flame re tardent gel...

All the family brands offer a "wake" model. 19'-21' open bow with v8 and tower stero for about 20k. but...

I would sign papers on a vdrive not stern drive, maxium, wellcraft, or eve a bayliner. I by no means need the best wake, but I would like to surf, and New stuff is fun... But I will end up with a 2001 and just bring cute girls, not the guys.
Old     (wakebrdr38)      Join Date: Sep 2006       04-02-2008, 3:31 PM Reply   
girls love the 2001 :-)
Old     (guido)      Join Date: Jul 2002       04-02-2008, 3:33 PM Reply   
Dude..... Stop whining and go buy a boat. If it's enough of a priority to you, then you'll find a way. I bought my first new boat when I was 22. It was a Sanger DLX Wake Series. I think I got it out the door for $27k. It's all about financing and being willing to extend yourself for something you love. I ended up doing just fine on that boat. I sold it 3 years later for $3k less than I paid for it. I took the money I had left from the sale and put it down on a '05 X2.

Now, I know boat prices have gone up, but there are still good boats out there for the money. The X1, any of the Sangers, V-rides, etc... There are too many to list.

What you haven't mentioned is your lifestyle. If you're stretched thin because of an extravagent lifestyle, then I don't feel for you.

I look at it like this.... My wife and I both make great money now, but we live in a pretty entry level neighborhood. Yeah we want to move and get a big house, but they're pretty damn cost prohibitive these days. Maybe if I was willing to give up some of my lifestyle in trade we could afford it. Until then I'll just be happy where I'm at.

It sounds like you are in the same situation. Substitute my house desires for your boat desires. You'll always want something you can't afford. And let's be real, how many on this board go out and pay cash for their boats? There are some, but not many. Most people do what they can to afford the lifestyle they enjoy. Usually that involves some type of financing.
Old     (player138)      Join Date: Jun 2007       04-02-2008, 3:40 PM Reply   
Considering what cheap foreign cars have done to the North American auto industry... I can't say I'm upset that there aren't Kia-equivalent wakeboats. But anyway, I saw the Centurion Falcon V at the Boat Show and it seems like that's really trying to fill this niche. It's more than 15K, granted, but it seems like a solid, well built, (relatively)inexpensive boat.
Old     (lsukuntryboy)      Join Date: Jul 2007       04-02-2008, 3:57 PM Reply   
Bayliners are not machine built anymore. they are actually mexican built. no offense. I mean they are being built in Mexico where the cheap labor is and being brought back to the states. Thats why when we order 175's at the dealership we can only buy them in truck loads. 6 to a truck. I belive that even the 185's are being built there now. Thats why they especially are so cheap.

But take this example. We also sell Crownline. I ordered a crown "wakeboat" the other day. Its a 185SS. I put a tower and a set of racks, 6 kicker speakers and a Amp, premium upgrade on the interior, transom radio control, transom trim switch, bow filler cushion, and a whole bunch of stainless steel stuff. It has a 5.0L carb mercruiser. That boat list for about 33,995.
I am going to sell here for 27,995. And I still have quite a big gap to negotiate a price with. We sold a 210 Crownline for 35,895 that was supposed to sell for 54,995. My question is are the wakeboat companies makin as huge of a margin on their boats as Crownline is tryin to get for theirs. The 210 priced its self without a tower and all of the goodies into the range of a decent wakeboat.
Old     (bbr)      Join Date: Apr 2002       04-02-2008, 3:58 PM Reply   
Well put Evan, well put.
Old     (auto)      Join Date: Aug 2002       04-02-2008, 4:07 PM Reply   
You could have married a chica with a good job. Seriously, I am amazed when I look at life choices of others that bitch. I waited till I was older until I got a wake boat, because I wanted a new Malibu.

I loved Chicago, got tired of the BS politics and wanted to make more money, moved to Dallas. If you want something, the only thing stopping you is yourself.

Everywhere along the way people make choices, and those choices will impact their economic viability.

Prices are what they are, and like another poster said the sense of entitlement in this country is out of control.
Old     (882001)      Join Date: Nov 2003       04-02-2008, 4:25 PM Reply   
there are some great boats, alot better than a 2001 for under 20k the 95-98 dd sport, or a 205 is what i would look for. my 2001 is great and all but the storage thing gets annoying
Old     (882001)      Join Date: Nov 2003       04-02-2008, 4:26 PM Reply   
but then again i wouldnt trade it for 2 bayliners
Old     (deltaridah)      Join Date: Aug 2007       04-02-2008, 4:33 PM Reply   
i see it as you have a few choices
1. dont buy a boat and bum rides
2. buy a inboard/outboard bayliner,reinell etc
3. buy a boat a few yrs old.

a solid boat a few yrs old to me is better than buying a new one which will depreciate as soon as the ink dries and if they are well taken care of there is NO more work needed than a new one.

Just dont complain about not being able to buy a new one. you would be surpised what people on here have to ride behind cause they want to ride or what they have to sacrifice just to have that. you have a solid job make it work if you want your own boat.
Old     (w00taz)      Join Date: Jun 2007       04-02-2008, 4:40 PM Reply   
I am going to go on the exotic extreme car sites and bitch about kia not making a 200mph supercar for $40k.
Old     (detonate69)      Join Date: Apr 2001       04-02-2008, 4:43 PM Reply   
Just because a boat is older doesn't mean it's gonna have problems.I have a 1999 Mastercraft 205 which we bought 3 years or so ago for $25k. This thing has been turnkey since I bought it. Do the normal upkeep, oil, fluids etc. and you'll have no problems if you take your time and find a well taken care of used boat.

And you still have to do the normal maintenance on NEW boats, otherwise they turn into the crappy used boats you speak of.
Old     (cmeriptahoe)      Join Date: Jul 2006       04-02-2008, 4:48 PM Reply   
Well I would make a comment about your first mistake which was becoming a CPA... but I don't want to be that guy. So I say just take some of the advice of the other people on here and quit your whining. You can find great deals used, or you can find someone who owns a boat and mooch off them. But like many people mentioned, if you don't think you have enough time to deal with a used boat (which can be very reliable) then I don't know how you are going to find time to use a new boat. I treat my boat like a child... or so my real children say. That means I spend tons of time on it, cleaning, working, all around babying it. Something I enjoy but I guess others don't share the same sentiment.
Old     (cavlxenvy)      Join Date: Aug 2007       04-02-2008, 4:50 PM Reply   
bayliners made in mexico? scary.
Old     (ksilva)      Join Date: Mar 2008       04-02-2008, 4:52 PM Reply   
I rode behind a 1987 Reinell.... It was still a good time.....

I sold it last weekend. Looking to buy a Sanger....
Old     (cmeriptahoe)      Join Date: Jul 2006       04-02-2008, 4:54 PM Reply   
^^^ You won't regret it. I love my v230.
Old     (lsukuntryboy)      Join Date: Jul 2007       04-02-2008, 5:16 PM Reply   
not all bayliners are made down there. just the smaller ones that every dealer takes 8 of like the 175s and 185s. thats why about 3 or 4 years ago the 175 went from listing at 14,995 to 9,995. it was huge, a ski boat for under 10k.
Old     (johnsvt)      Join Date: Dec 2006       04-02-2008, 5:25 PM Reply   
Luker you are quite young yet. I was much older when I bought my first boat. I would consider used first or just wait a couple more years and get something new.
Old     (kirk)      Join Date: May 2003       04-02-2008, 5:59 PM Reply   
Expensive boat?
No problem... 20 year payment plan and low monthly payments...
Old     (antoddio)      Join Date: Dec 2006       04-02-2008, 6:13 PM Reply   
I can refer you to my CPA firm, we can split the referral bonus and you will be nearly 10% closer to your boat.

Deal?
Old     (redsupralaunch)      Join Date: Aug 2002       04-02-2008, 6:48 PM Reply   
Luker - here some math for you CPA's!

Lets just say Grampa Luker loves you so much he has decided to invest 5,000,000 to lease a factory, buy some old molds, hire a great crew of guys that knows how to build them, a sales team to sell them, some pros to tell everyone how great they are, cash flow to purchase truck loads of engines, props, towers and perfect pass, and an insurance policy to cover it all the "crap happens." Plus you figure out you can make $50 easy on every unit and you would give him the rest as a return on his investment.

How are you going to explain to Grandpa that even though you sold as many boats as Moomba alone and you captured 10% market share and now rank 1/5 largest in the world, you only sold 1300 boats.
Old     (lknboarder)      Join Date: Jan 2008       04-02-2008, 7:08 PM Reply   
there is such a demand right now for wakeboats that the prices will only go up

Although you can get into many I/O's for under 20K
Old     (hp_inc)      Join Date: Jul 2007       04-02-2008, 7:09 PM Reply   
Totally off Topic, but with all this Bayliner talk..the 175's are assembled in Mexico. Not built.

If you love boarding, you will figure out a way to do it...even if it is behind a Bayliner 175. I can have just as much fun screwing off behind a Bayliner as I can my Malibu.

Of course, the wake makes it alot easier to stick tricks on the malibu. Suck it up, buy something and come back with a good story on how much fun you are having now that tax season is coming to an end and you are wakeboarding on your new boat!!
Old     (kko13)      Join Date: Jul 2006       04-02-2008, 7:42 PM Reply   
sorry to say NO boat 4 u. there is no such boat. even new boats need maint. and up keep.they are boats it happens i dont care if you spend 5k or 75k. maybe you should find a friend with a boat and pich on gas because no offense i dont think you ready to be a boat owner. maybe look into renting. B-O-A-T = Break Out Another Thousand. new or used they all cost money to own/fix or use you either spend the money on payments or repairs. good luck in your search
i know of a nice 99 SAN for 20k in FLA

(Message edited by kko13 on April 02, 2008)
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-02-2008, 7:42 PM Reply   
I'm really shocked at the shelling I'm taking on this...I figured there would be more guys in my situation that would sympathize with my plight :-)

Oh well, tail tucked...back to the cube for some tax returns...
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-02-2008, 7:46 PM Reply   
It feels like I just stacked on a wake to wake jump in front of a boat full of chicks :-)
Old     (cavlxenvy)      Join Date: Aug 2007       04-02-2008, 7:51 PM Reply   
Look at it this way Luker, you were in a boat full of chicks.

Hang in there.
Old     (trdon)      Join Date: Sep 2007       04-02-2008, 8:09 PM Reply   
Im on a 5 year 10K plan. My first boat was about 10k, a 85 2001. Last year after 5 years of owning it, I bought a 93 sport for around 16k and am adding a tower and stereo and a few other things. I will onw this one for about 4-5 years and sell it for about 15 or so (roughly and upgrade again puting another 10 towards it making it a 25k boat. Every time I will get a nicer boat and keep upgrading as my budget will allow.

I feel ya on the cheaper boat. Crappy problem is that they keep being sold for rediculous money and people keep buying them. I dont know how people can afford them. I make good money as does my wife with not too bad of a house payment and I would have a hard time with a new boat payment. I can do 500 a month but I will be damned if i pull a 15 year loan to do it. If I cant comfortably deal with a 5 year payment, i wont buy, period.
Old     (deltaboy)      Join Date: Jan 2007       04-02-2008, 9:08 PM Reply   
If I were in your shoes first thing I would start doing is specialize in one or two areas of your business. If so you will have more worth to those who own your a@@ right now. Screw being an associate make em need you before you go and open up your own firm. This will allow you to charge a higher rate and thus give you a higher return for toys. That’s what I did in a sense (not a cpa though). I understand that for many of you CPA's out there (with exception to a few here) break out of the mold a bit and remember that living within your means is for those who lack creativity. Make it work end of story, just don’t screw your self too hard. I figured that while I was young and healthy I would kick it up a notch and save for two years and then blow it all on a boat. I didn’t just do it for me though, but rather for all the fond memories we had growing up on the Delta and wanted to pass it on to my family. Get creative, for example aren’t medical or therapeutic expenditures a tax deduction past 8k? Find your self a shrink that will "prescribe" stress relief and the only way you can do that is by boating. Then you go drop 30-45k on a boat and presto. Tell me would that work? Seriously? Because if it would I’m pissed I didn’t do that before. Any way my point is half of your job is too get creative, start applying some of that creativity to yourself and the situation you are unhappy with. Party on!
Old    alanp            04-02-2008, 9:29 PM Reply   
huge disparity between a new boat and a nauty 2001.

spend 20k on a 1995 supersport nautique. problem solved.

next
Old     (w00taz)      Join Date: Jun 2007       04-02-2008, 10:28 PM Reply   
Maybe give wake skating a shot? spend 6k on a mo-skidoo. for a hundred bux for gas I could get anyone in any kind of physical shape to go wake to wake on a wakeboard. for a hundred bux in the mo-skidoo (significantly more gas) I don't see ya jumpin behind any v-drive @ 60' and jumping a skate wake to wake unless there's some uber natural talent. I could be wrong (have been before). I think this is where the trend of the sport is headed. skating and winching seems to be picking up.

I empathize with ya though luker. I do, honestly but you're in the lion's den. A lot of us are making payments or made the *gulp* here ya go cha-ching to get these boats. It's easy to say "I wish I didn't have to pay what I did" but honestly if a blinged out x-star tomorrow was 20k my boat would be almost worthless and I'd have to bite it 4x to get the x-star wake and bling where the new guy didn't. Plus imagine all the morons on the lakes. I don't know where you ride but it's already crowded enough here. They're starting to make new budget minded boats. The Falcon v is reasonable.
Old     (timmy)      Join Date: Jul 2001       04-03-2008, 4:49 AM Reply   
I bought a new boat 4 years ago. They have gone up in price so much since then that I won't even consider it now.
Old     (srh00z)      Join Date: Jun 2003       04-03-2008, 7:37 AM Reply   
The lack of a true entry level budget boat is the reason I went with a nice used off season deal. From what I have seen, a desirable used model will hold its resale value better than some of the "budget" boats, and this also factored into my decision. I looked for quite a while though to find what I wanted.
If you get interested in a used boat, I have a buddy with a 1995 Sport Nautique with a GT-40 and new interior that is in Birmingham.
Old     (26lacefield)      Join Date: Aug 2006       04-03-2008, 7:56 AM Reply   
Luker- a wake boat for under 15k will never happen. if you ever have a chance to take a tour through a wakeboat manufacturing plant take it. you'll understand why they are so evpensive. hell the motors and v-drive is going for about 11 grand now. to built a full boat form nothing to runing on the water it take on average about 16 days(if i remember right) during those 16 days people are doing something to it for about 4 hours a day. during the fiberglass and jellcoat its being tended to for a while longer. with a car it came be built in i'm guess 3 days at the most. also the boat companies can only make so many boats. if they can sell them all for the price that they want they'll keep increasing the prices. I feel your pain but still they'll never be able to make a boat for around 15k. you can't even get a 18 foot bayliner for under 15k.
Old     (wakereviews)      Join Date: Sep 2006       04-03-2008, 8:16 AM Reply   
When i was at the MB factory watching the Tomcat build it was more like 10 days and 16 hours a day someone was working on it. They worked shifts and some of the guys were there are like 2am.
Old     (acurtis_ttu)      Join Date: May 2004       04-03-2008, 8:18 AM Reply   
Luker, attack this monster from the other end. If you have passed the exam, and have been workin for 3 years you outta be making enough money to afford a 40k boat. Are you really doing tax returns?

Just FYI, college grads are making $50-54k. working for large public firms. And they haven't even passed the exam yet.
Old     (etakk7)      Join Date: Apr 2006       04-03-2008, 8:25 AM Reply   
First of all if you don't have any free time in the summer you need to come work for my CPA firm, auditors and tax people alike, the summer is pretty lax.

I don't want to pile on any more, but I agree that you are not necessarily entitled to a new boat because you have a "good" job. Last I checked, people down the chain in a CPA firm are not exactly making a killing. I'm also a Senior Associate and bought a used 2000 205V. I didn't put in anywhere near $5k. More like $2k for an automatic ballast system and PP.
Old     (rich_g)      Join Date: May 2003       04-03-2008, 8:49 AM Reply   
Just to put it in perspective, in 1994 I bought a new Malibu Skier with trailer for $17K. It was a closed bow, stripped down slalom boat; carb, no bimini, radio was an option.

This was a true entry-level inboard, and this was before the wakeboard boat market. Malibu discontinued this model because they needed the production slots when the wakeboard boat market emerged. What would $17K in '94 be in today's dollars?
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-03-2008, 8:51 AM Reply   
Adam...I'm kinda joking about tax return comment... I worked for KPMG in atlanta as an auditor and now I'm an audit incharge at a local firm here in montgomery. I had never done a tax return in my life and to this day have only probably done 10 or 20, but I've had to realize doing 1040s are a fact of life at a local firm :-)

Your salary calcs are pretty much dead on...new hires at KPMG are getting about $55K and the first year staff that work for me are making around $47ish. My salary is comparable to a 2nd year big 4 accountant...not great but not bad here in no-where alabama.

I probably work an average of 45 hours a week while my big 4 buddies are working an average of about 60. :-)

But I still don't have time to work on a boat :-)
Old     (gymboarder)      Join Date: Feb 2003       04-03-2008, 8:59 AM Reply   
I completley agree with Guido. If you want something nice you have to make adjustments to your lifestyle.
Luker, I just wanted to let you know I worked in a CPA firm stratigh out of college. Hated it because there is really no money in it. Even if you are a partner the money isnt great. If you want to make more money get your CPA license and go into private accounting. I did that, less stress more money and no burinig the midnight oil at tax season.
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-03-2008, 9:07 AM Reply   
As a partner money isn't great? Unfortunately you were misinformed.

Average partner compensation for a local/regional firm is somewhere around $220-$270K, with more experienced partners making $500+.

Average partner compensation for a big 4 firm is somewhere in the $300K range which is due in part to the extremely large number of partners. Experienced partners in big 4 firms can make over 7 figures.

Plus as auditors, our lives aren't boring like industry accountants. (Boring is all relative when your an accountant i guess!)

I will agree with you somewhat because the money isn't fabulous until you've put your time in (10-15years)...but salary ceilings are a lot higher at a firm than in an industry position unless you become a CFO.
Old     (gymboarder)      Join Date: Feb 2003       04-03-2008, 9:36 AM Reply   
Luker,
Misinformed?
Maybe in your area partners make that much. Where Im from they dont. Plus are you willing to grind it out for 10-15 years.
I though your whole point was to make more money to afford a boat or change your lifestyle. Are you willing to wait 10-15 years to maybe become a partner. There is no guarantees in that. If you like working there great, I couldnt stand all of the politics and BS in big firms.
I have been out of college for almost 15 years. I am a CFO so yes I do make great money. If I was still in pubilc accounting I know for a fact I wouldnt me making what I make.
Any way good luck with the purchase if you decided to go that way. There is a cost benefit to everything.
Old     (canucked)      Join Date: Jun 2007       04-03-2008, 9:36 AM Reply   
my wife both have good salaries and i'm rockin the 01 Air Nautique....my monthly payments are zero, When I bought it I was dead set set on a new boat but opted out of a 15 year loan.

Our tow vehicle is old but is also paid for.

If I ever get to the point in my riding where the wake on my current boat is limiting me, then I imagine I can probably leave my cubicle farm and join the pro tour.
Old     (auto)      Join Date: Aug 2002       04-03-2008, 9:52 AM Reply   
^^^^^

Hmmmmm Partner. Let me tell you how many people I know that are burnouts/refugees from the Big 8/6/4, uhhhhhhhhh that would be a ton. Now let me tell you how many that I know that are partners, that would be two.

Percentages are not in your favor, especially if you are whining at 24.

Both partners I know have advanced degrees, JD/MBA's, so you might have to put that new boat on hold a little longer.

As mentioned above by Rod, there is a ton better jobs than public accounting that provide a lot more quality of life/income ration.

Future Partners do not spend time posting on wakworld.
Old     (tj_in_kc)      Join Date: Jan 2008       04-03-2008, 10:31 AM Reply   
An accountant that's a cheap skate....wtf...who's not surprised??

just to clue you in on a few things:

it's not the boat companies fault that your wife doesn't have a good job.

it's not the boat companies fault that you have been working for 3 years and can't afford an awesome special kind of boat, that as Scott said above, is like an exotic car.

it's certainly not our fault that you made the choices you did in life...so don't come here and whine to us about it. just because you graduated college and have made it through 2 or 3 years of "real work" doesn't mean you deserve a boat bud.


go buy a bayliner 175 cheap skate.
Old     (bmartin)      Join Date: Jan 2007       04-03-2008, 10:41 AM Reply   
Look at the I/Os like others have posted. You can get new ones for Ford/Toyota prices and decent used ones under $10K. Reliable and not so much money and yes you can wakeboard behind them and there are tons of posts on here on how to mod them to kick up a respectable wake. When I was in my 20s and early 30s I went through 2 5-10 y.o. I/Os and had a great time and never owed a single penny.

I guess it is our debt culture but I never bought into the fact that everyone needs to have the 'Best' shiz right from the start.
Old     (w00taz)      Join Date: Jun 2007       04-03-2008, 10:42 AM Reply   
lol wow Luker's getting tore up on this one!
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-03-2008, 10:47 AM Reply   
TJ: I'm not looking for an "awesome special kind of boat", just something with less bells and whistles for a lower price.

I'm not asking for a Ferrari at a Honda's price, I'm looking for a Honda at a Honda's price.

And Shane, It's not much, but I do have an undergrad and a Masters of Acct. I'm not complaining about my profession or the money I make, I'm actually very content with both...

Most of you are missing the point here, I'm not "whining" that I can't afford an X-Star, I'm asking why the bigger boat companies haven't taken a stab at a less expensive, inboard, wake specific boat market.

Only a handfull of you have addressed my question and I appreciate the insight from those responses, like Richard's comment why move to $20K boats when you are "selling" out of $60K boats. This comment was helpful, but those of you who are flaming about lifestyle changes and my "whining", need to propose a reason that there are no inboard wake boats in the lower price range rather than act like someones father.
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-03-2008, 10:48 AM Reply   
Scott: I know right...they're takin' me to the woodshed on this one!
Old     (tj_in_kc)      Join Date: Jan 2008       04-03-2008, 10:54 AM Reply   
Start here:
www.moomba.com

If that's still too much for you look at www.bayliner.com

a wakeboarding specific boat is a special and awesome kind of boat, just like a Ferrari is a special and awesome kind of car.
Old     (deltaridah)      Join Date: Aug 2007       04-03-2008, 10:58 AM Reply   
funny my good freind went to deloit straight out of school he was making 90k +. But then again he was #1 in his class. My other boy went into business for himself right after he passed his cpa exam. he made over 250k his first yr. I guess it shows its not what you do but how good you are at it!
Old     (roverjohn)      Join Date: Dec 2007       04-03-2008, 11:04 AM Reply   
How's this? The type of boats you describe exists from time to time. Aztec built one until recently. I think it was called the Crow. There just is not that big a market for them to continue in production when used boats are available dirt cheap and are in direct competition with the boat you are looking for. It's the same reason that no one builds entry level homes any more. Manufacturers build what the average buyer wants and right now the average wake boat buyer wants to spend a fortune on bling. Once more people like you and I are around the Manufacturers will see that a market is there and start offering us boats. I ski behind a 1959 RaysonCraft and can wake ride behind it by simply slowing down. None of the folks here would be impressed with the wake as the boat weighs 1600lb and has no ballast. The skiers here, however, would be amazed at it's utter lack of a wake. I still have a good time wakeboarding behind it and since I have no aspirations of ever turning pro it's the perfect boat for me.
Old     (auto)      Join Date: Aug 2002       04-03-2008, 11:05 AM Reply   
^^^^^

Ahhhh, the first post came out like whining(seriously), now I get it. My only explanation would be the size of the inboard market is so small in the aggregate of the marine industry, that it would be too small of a niche market and ot near as profitable.

That and the demographic of the wakeboat owner is vastly different than the cove cruiser market of the same sixt.
Old     (bmartin)      Join Date: Jan 2007       04-03-2008, 11:32 AM Reply   
"Only a handfull of you have addressed my question and I appreciate the insight from those responses, like Richard's comment why move to $20K boats when you are "selling" out of $60K boats. This comment was helpful, but those of you who are flaming about lifestyle changes and my "whining", need to propose a reason that there are no inboard wake boats in the lower price range rather than act like someones father."

This was addessed early on in the post and several times since and it didn't seem worth repeating but her you go. Inboards=low volume and high prices, I/Os=high volume and lower prices. Your getting flamed because your complaining about the hard work low pay that is not translating into a wakeboat for you. Its an expensive sport if you go all out, but there are economical options you don't seem willing to pursue.
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-03-2008, 11:47 AM Reply   
AtTheLake: I did say a handful, and that I appreciated it. And as I said before...I'm not complaining about hard work/low pay.
Old     (acurtis_ttu)      Join Date: May 2004       04-03-2008, 11:52 AM Reply   
Luker, I worked for Deloite for 3 years out of school...I wised up and got out. Your right about partners salary, at least down in the Houston region. My friends who are still there are senior managers, they are working themselves to death, and make less money then me, lol. I'm still in Audit, in a round about way.
Old     (xbones)      Join Date: Mar 2007       04-03-2008, 11:57 AM Reply   
Adam, are you working internal audit somewhere? or something else?
Old     (jperkinsttu)      Join Date: Mar 2008       04-03-2008, 12:24 PM Reply   
I just got out of college less than a year ago and if we wanna bring up salaries I am at the bottom, but that isn't stopping me from doing what I can to save up to put a nice down payment on a boat whenever I find the one that I want.
What I realize and have already been planning for is all the expense it would take for me to maintain the boat myself, how much it would be to have somebody do it for me if I don't have the time, and all of the other expenses of owning a luxury item such as this. You have to take care of whatever it is that you get or like everyone else is saying it will become that p.o.s that no one would ever wan to buy from you.
I have found things that I can do without in order to have what I really want and sometimes it is hard to stick to that plan but they way I figure it is it will be worth it in the long run.
These guys on this website aren't here to make you mad and what not they are just trying to explain to you that we are all regular people that want everyone to enjoy getting out on the water but at the same time aren't to let you sit there and think that getting into the sport is going to be a piece of cake w/o a trust fund to dip into. This isn't the place to discuss what you make and complain about not being able to touch water unless it's a brand new ride.

Make a sacrifice like everyone else or find a new hobby.
Old     (sulmaxwell)      Join Date: Dec 2003       04-03-2008, 12:26 PM Reply   
it's called financing, they are called payments and the term is CARPE DIEM...
if i died tomorrow, i want to die happy...
Old     (matt_alger)      Join Date: Sep 2007       04-03-2008, 12:46 PM Reply   
If the market demanded a cheaper boat (like the Aztek that was mentioned) then manufacturers would find ways to make cheaper boats. However, the market seems to demand more features and comfort in their boats so prices rise. It is simple economics. If everyone bought the cheapest Moomba they could get then Mastercraft et all would make their boats cheaper, thus putting pressure for Moomba to find new ways to cut costs rather than everyone trying to find ways to improve features. Moomba has even risen in recent years (in price as well as comfort and features). Seems like customers are willing to pay for all the bling!

The other way to look at it is price increases are good because that means that less of society can afford boats and may actually slow the overcrowding on the lakes. I am all for that! As a matter of fact, I would love to see a $1,000 annual registration on boats, it would keep the $5000 Bayjunkers off the lakes and give me better water. Even when I was in college and could barely afford rent, I would have found a way to pay the $1,000 a year to enjoy this sport.

Sacrifices and priorities.
Old     (glasgow)      Join Date: Mar 2008       04-03-2008, 1:17 PM Reply   
Luker, for the price Nautique 2001's are the heat. With alittle weight you can get a NICE wake out of them. I have a Very Nice 88 in the Classifieds for sale, check it out. It's in North Carolina.
Old     (zoah)      Join Date: Nov 2006       04-03-2008, 1:27 PM Reply   
who was under the impression boats were cheap?


if you want to be thrifty about getting into boating, you'll have to go used. Do your research for awhile to find the good buys.

It's also about building. I bought my SuperSport knowing it wasn't going to be the last boat I bought. However, when I'm ready to move to a newer boat I'm positioned well with a boat with a title as a trade in or private seller.

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