A friend asks "How much boat can I afford?"

Not my friend. My friends are crazy, not stupid. But you're right on your assessment. But even those who use a boat a lot generally only rack up 100 to 200 hours a year. Most of the time the boats sit idle. That's why I favor partnering (with a manager). It can knock the costs way down and keep the boat kept better. It has to be treated as a business though. Many a friendship has ended over a boat partnership.

I know, especially now, times are different. I know a few multi-millionaires that couldn't get a $300k house loan to save their life... even if they have triple that in cash sitting in their bank account. They would have to go hard-money for a loan.
Thats why I said "extreem renting". Would never insinuate that he was stupid. On the contrary, I personally know several people with "lower-than-standard I.Q.'s", and none could afford to rent an escalade!! . I personally think you need a bit of crazy, courage and risk-taking just to make life fun and rewarding...