New to these forums so my advice level is more of a mustachian-in-training, but we loved boating and thought we did it at the value level. We purchased a 20' bow rider used -- you'll find lots of people buy new then barely use them, so we got a great deal used through private sale, came with the trailer (had trailer space at home, so no storage fees, like you). Yes, gas is an expense, but not so bad for a smaller boat. We used the cheaper or free boat ramps by the house a lot, took it to waterfront campsites for vacations (boat tied to a tree right in front of our tent) with the kids and the dog, family, friends, waking up, jumping in the boat, on the water all day waterskiing, tubing, floating around in life jackets, (all equipment bought used, a lot came with the boat), campground at night around the fire. Rockfish season in the winter (our daughter still loves fishing). Sundays out floating reading the newspaper and a thermos full of bloody marys. We got a lot of use out of it for many years, then sold it for almost half of what we initially paid for it when the kids went to college, so got back most of the maintenance costs. (also had a friend who repaired boats, so saved there as well). We plan on a boat being a major factor in our retirement, so will enjoy reading other's advice, help me plan more for the future.