Lucky for me the last 3 boats I have owned including the one I have currently were all cash deals. I also bought a new Stratos in 2003 & financed it. I sold it when gas went through the roof after the hurricane. I had absolutley no problem making the payments. When I sold it I payed it off & pocketed a sizeable amount of cash that was left over. Some don't have the cash to go out & pay big money for boats, but some can make payments easily & pay them off a lot earlier than most folks would by paying extra each month. A boat loan is not a bad thing for someone that uses their head when they should. Like I said no payment on the last 3 I've owned, but a good chance there will be a loan for part of the next one I buy as I'll be stepping up quite a bit from what I have now although there is absolutley nothing wrong with my 95 Dyna Trak 180 STE I have now other than I want in the 20 foot range & thinking either a 201 Pro or Bullet. It won't bother me a bit to finance part of it & I currently don't have a loan of anykind on my vehicles, boat or home. I did , but they were buckled down & payed off way early & I am debt free. Why would I finance a boat ??? I would just as soon keep my savings where it's at. In the bank incase I need it.