My retirement boat was almost  twenty years old when I bought it . I updated the trolling motor , depth finders , rewired trailer lights and replaced the trailer boards .  Its nice and gets complimented a lot .

I bought my Grumman (alum.) new in 1996. It has never been garaged, and I had to replace the floor / decks once so far. If I ever replace flooring again I will go with vinyl and not carpet. Same if I ever buy another new one. Buying before retirement is good thinking......

5 minutes ago, detroit1 said:

If I ever replace flooring again I will go with vinyl and not carpet. Same if I ever buy another new one.

 Same here...since my decks are aluminum, I'll wear out the carpet before I have any issues with the floor.

Maintain the engine properly and 15 years will be no sweat for it.  My last Suzuki 50 ran like new after 18 years, absolutely no deterioration in anything in 18 years (exc props).  I expect all the brands will do that now that they have electronic fuel injection instead of carbs.  Changed the lower unit lube, engine oil, plugs, and fogged it annually.  New water pump impeller about every 5.  (I run in clear water; if you're running in "mud" a lot , do it more often.)

 

Outside storage is a tough pill to swallow.  It really takes a toll on the boat: sun, rain, mice, tire deterioration, rusty trailer, probably a cover every couple years.  Is it possible to put one of those "temporary" carport kinds of things over it?  Rent a garage in the neighborhood?  Move to downsize the house and upsize the pole barn?  If you do, make it drive through.  So easy to put the boat away.

 

Consider an Ulterra trolling motor, power deploy and stow.  REALLY better than sliced bread.  Especially for those getting up in years.  Money well spent.

 

My new Lund has carpet on the upper surfaces, vinyl on the lower.  Very nice.

 

 

1 hour ago, MickD said:

Consider an Ulterra trolling motor, power deploy and stow.  REALLY better than sliced bread.  Especially for those getting up in years.  Money well spent.

Yup.

TRIGGER PULLED!  Update to our story.  We just found a 2016 Ranger RT188 with 10hrs on it.  Guy bought it, barely used it, and found out what he really wanted was a pontoon boat.  It's a 115 Mercury with dual consoles, auto bilge, front and console electronics, custom cover.  We got it for $5500 less than the new RT188 on the dealer's floor.  Very happy campers here.  

 

Thanks to all that helped us out with advice.  I think we found our retirement boat.  This one should last us.  

Congrats!! Nice looking boat to enjoy now and throughout your upcoming retirement

Nice rig, good choice!  Enjoy it.