Thanks, I truly appreciate most all of the responses.

Skeet you have to admit this is a rather odd question to be posing given the fact that there is such a wide diversity of people on here most of which spend half their lives eating, sleeping and breathing fishing stuff and all of which have a unique set a variables to deal with....Finances being at the forefront in most cases.

If I were in YOUR position, this is what I'd do, in chronological order:

1) Put any thoughts about trading in the current boat for another "newer" boat and additional payment out of my head. What I currently own is about as new and current with the latest equipment as most of the upper tier rigs sitting on show room floors now. There is nothing to be gained by throwing money at a problem that doesn't exist.

2) I would immediately take my boat to my trusted boat mechanic and have him do a complete check of it from stem to stern including all electrical equipment, hull and motor for function and integrity. Boats do not like sitting for long periods of time. Just because it isn't being used much does not mean its in good working order. Motors/lower units and fuel systems in particular tend to have problems from sitting up and my boat is probably in need of what would be the equivalent of a 300 hour service.

3) I would figure out what had gone so wrong in my personal or professional life that I was not able to get out on the water with any more than 38 hours run time in a 4 year period in a 4 year old boat, and I would fix that too.

4) If I was unable to reconcile the issues I had in #3 I would put a For Sale sign on my boat as soon as possible and get as much of my money back as I could before it devalues any further. Losing money is never a good idea especially when it comes to expensive toys like boats and motorcycles if they are just going to sit around and not going to get used for their intended purpose. I'd cut my losses and move on.

C'mon man, make the time to take your family and friends fishing with you..... They'll love you for it. YOLO.

Skeet, don't know if this is the answer your looking for but here u go.
I would ask my BIL sure lets go get one how much you willing to spend a month or
make a list of a new top of the line boat, with everything you ever wanted on it, every option that u want
now go down the list and mark off the things that u could add to your current boat.
When your finished compare the list, if your list has more unmarked items than marked and
your BIL has about 500 a month to spend, go for it, you'll come out smelling like a rose
if not I would bling out the boat I own

Real simple keep the one you have and if it's electronics you need to be up to date. Update them.......I'm about to finance one and wish I could pay cash.......if I only had my old rig back........

This! And find a cheaper hobby!

Why don't you just ask your wife what she thinks about buying a new boat?

My choice would be the "Paid Off" boat. If you just plain hate the boat then go for the new one with payments, and hate the payments for another 4 to 6 years.
Ron

Skeet, I also have a paid off boat, nice feeling. I wouldn't worry about some of the comments on here.
A few people have negative comments about anything.

Thanks JerryC, much appreciated.

I don not regret posting this, I just wish maybe I would have explained it a little better, my question revolves completely around the tecnology aspect of my Brother in Laws statement.

I apologize to the board for not making my self clear, I just didn't know that the post would be picked apart piece by piece and analyzed from everything from, I got to much money, I am not very smart, and I need to spend more time with my family.

My family life is fine, we have many other things that we do together, when I am not working, we have many hobbies, but I would not dare go there for fear of being analyzed again, I love my Skeeter Boat, It is my sanctuary when I am alone.

Sorry Guys

Fitter, My whole reason for the post actually revolves around your #1, I just didnt explain myself very good, thats my fault.

My boat is serviced at least once a year, whether I use it or not.

My family and I do many many other things and are together everyday, we have many other hobbies, and are always together when not working, several watersports are included, thats part of the reason I have so few hours on my boat, we do many things when I am not working, including fishing together.

I truly appreciate the response.

In that case, I would just order me a spanking new Z521C. Because, all my life, I've been about if I can afford it, and I want it,....I buy it.

At age 74, I've kinda run out of money.

Don't really know what your brother in law is talking about by "new technology" over a four year old boat since you already stated you have "updated electronics". That's really the only area that's changed. Even the "new Skeeter models" are not that different. Slight changes to revitalize sales or convince people to trade up is the only changes that have occurred.

I agree. The boat is as good as a new one with new electronics. Especially with that low hours. Keep the boat and hopefully the job will let you fish more this year