After spending a few grand on a boat, and buying a new bow mount, and batteries, I was ready for a new bow graph. Sweet! Spent some time shopping around, found a few models I liked, then my starter blew up! YAY! So I just burned alot of my graph money on a stupid starter. Freakin money pit! That being said, I love my boat. So much freedom! But at 21 with some pretty hefty bills and working carpentry I'm getting a little tired of taking the boat monkey to the doctor. The price of poker. Ah well, just a little venting. i'll just get a graph next month or something. There is a super high end bait, and a very expensive rod in the future so those have to be figured in here pretty soon. I can't imagine how some of you guys manage the big glitter rockets, and 15 loomises in the locker! I'm glad its the only thing I truley love doing, cause it is the only thing I spend money on!

Man I hear ya, I am getting my first boat in the next few days, and I already have plans on putting atleast $2000.00 into it just to get it into tournament fishable condition. I need a cover, a bow mount, a couple fish finders, supplies to fix a big soft spot, I have to wet sand the hull, and buff/wax if several times, batteries, and a charger.  That's just a small start.  But I can't wait to start.  Alot of guys out there would give up a leg for a boat, just be thankful we have the ability to spend all our money on a boat.  

I can't imagine how some of you guys manage the big glitter rockets, and 15 loomises in the locker! I'm glad its the only thing I truley love doing, cause it is the only thing I spend money on!

Sometimes it's falling into money azz backwards.

For others it's being in hock up to your eyeballs.

Some just make a whole bunch of money and can afford it.

With your list of needs/wants, have you considered scanning the forum boards for used?  Right now there are a LOT of used rods being sold right now.  After the first of the year you'll start to see plenty of used reels and there's always someone selling electronics.  

Boat: a hole in the water where one pours money

Carpentry? Tell me it aint so!  

Cart: The rod I want is not very common, but I would be happy to relieve someone of their Lowrance x-96 or x125. I do keep a pretty close eye on the flea market section. But unless I see someone selling a Calcutta 400, or a Lowrance I'm probably pretty screwed on the finding it cheap. I ebay just about everything.

Catt: It is so.

But at 21 with some pretty hefty bills and working carpentry I'm getting a little tired of taking the boat monkey to the doctor.

Take care of the good equipment you purchase and over the years you will build up a great collection of equipment. ;D  I am 50 and have a few nice St Croix rods and all the lures I can carry. (still doesn't stop me from buying more ) and I own a 16 foot boat and a kayak.  I would like a bigger boat and maybe after the last kid gets out of college I may buy one. :  

I guess my point is it sounds like you have a good start enjoy it as much as you can.  The fish do not care what type of boat you fish from or what rod you are holding ;D ;D

Bring Over Another Thousand                            LOL