Why did I buy a sailboat over a powerboat?
Cost is one reason. While both require upkeep, a sailboat is easier on the wallet on a daily basis than a powerboat. Foot-for-foot, I think you get more value in a sailboat and a sailboat for a given length tends to be cheaper than a equivalent powerboat.
Yes, sails, engine maintenance and rigging can be expensive but they tend to be long term costs over a period of several years. Up to mid-30s in length, even replacement usually won't get close to the cost of one decent engine repair on a powerboat.
Two, wind is free. A few gallons of gas lasts me a season. When gas was touching $4 a gallon, that becomes a very serious consideration in going out casually or bringing friends. I have no problem inviting friends and colleagues out on my C-27 but would feel guilty doing so on a powerboat and expecting them to chip in for fuel.
Three, sailing is peaceful. I sail to relax on my cruiser. Just tooling around the Bay puts me in a different world.
Four, sailing is technical. There is something appealing to being in control of how the boat gets somewhere rather than drive the throttles forward and turning the wheel. I like that connection to wind and wave.
Five, water skiing is fun but I think the rush of hiking out over the side of a dinghy or small keelboat racer is better than any iron horsepower. Plus, when you tell co-workers what you do for fun on Tuesday nights, they look at you like you're crazy.
I have nothing against powerboats. I expect we'll own one eventually in addition to one or more sailboats.
Matt