johnklang Loc: Oakhurst, CA

Spent my whole life trying to live within my means, sometimes successfully, sometimes not so successfully. There were times in my life when I spent a nickle, if you looked closely, I squeezed it so tight there was a little pile behind the buffalo. Anyway, it set a "deferred gratification" way of thinking in my brain. My two sons are adults who own their own homes, are doing well, wife and I are content and pretty much debt free. Around the age of 67 I was thinking about upgrading my 14 footer and the deferred gratification thinking set in, "maybe later" my brain said. Fortunately, as I mulled it over, I eventually had the thought, "if not now, when?.... When I'm 70? 75? 80? Would it be ok for me to buy a new boat when I'm 80?" Anyway, I got a new boat, actually my wife bought it for me as as surprise but that's not the moral of the story. I don't know what your financial situation is but if you are serious about fishing, choosing something that isn't going to work for you is not going to be satisfying. I'm now 70, 6' 1", and 240. I have a yak but don't fish out of it and honestly don't think I could although I can do belly crawls under a house and reroof it in the afternoon. I know that isn't going to last forever either. A boat doesn't have to be new, but if you don't have to, don't rule it out either. As others have suggested, there are a lot of factors to consider and buying a new boat without considering suitability for purpose isn't very smart either. But if your holding up because you've spent your life making sure others needs are being met, you might want to consider if it might be time for bilgebreath to enjoy some of those years of sacrifice. So be careful of asking for opinions, you just might get some. ;-)

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Precisely how I went from buying a 12 foot jonboat for a 2K budget to bringing home a 16 foot Tracker pro guide. I can stand up and fish and not have to worry about falling overboard. Can also fit 1 or 2 grandkids in to fish with me, which were doing often. Meet your needs.

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

I agree with that statement. Safety for conditions unknown have to be a thought at our older age. I have been fishing for bass since the late 80"s and still do today, but now have a big interest in fly fishing. I have all the gear to do it and many hours on video teaching, so time to get wet real soon. Being I am almost 70 I will only go into a moving river just above my knee's. I am excited to learn this and add it to my fishing adventures.

motorcycle_dan Loc: central ohio

Bilge Breath, (I love it) Spouse and I just bought a (another) tandem Hobie Compass Duo. VERY stable. I'm sure you could tip it over but it would take effort. We had traditional river kayaks also nice but the new one has chairs that are very comfortable and pedals for propulsion. Got it in Cincinnati "Strictly Sail and Kayak" Good people military discount. I like it because it came with rod holders or you could get any number of other accessories (including a sail should you feel frisky) They have many options including trolling motor should you not want to pedal. Link: https://strictlysailinc.com/

Anybass Loc: Pa.

John, Good thoughts. My son-in-law has a thought for his senior Mother-in-law & Father-in-law--you gotta grow old but never grow up! He has a great attitude which passing on to their son---passed on by his Mom and Dad.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

You are not as old as stated on your birth certificate or your driver's license. You are as old as you feel! I don't think of myself as being in my 80s but somewhere between 20 and 40! However, that does not account for aches and pains and having difficulty in walking, but those are minor problems. Just Sayin...RJS

Anybass Loc: Pa.

I hear ya RJ. Not far behind you and recently jacked my mental age to 35. Been blessed with good health and pray for those not. If keep the body moving and ignoring age, much can be done recognizing certain logical limits. I use to have a few back/strain issues. Saw a woman re stretching exercises years ago. Now each morning before get out of bedroom, I stretch for 30-45 minutes depending on schedule that day. No more back issues and staying limber. My philosophy is that I want to wear out, not rust out.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

That sounds like me. Only problem was when covid hit being isolated all the time was not good fir the program.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

One of my (and many others concur) favorite baseball players was the marvelous Satchel Paige, famous in K.C. with the Monarchs, before he became one of the first black ballplayers in the MLB.
He had been dropped off at an orphanage as a toddler and it was never known when he was born.

Because of not knowing, He had what I consider the most profound quip on "AGE" that was ever uttered......."How old would you be, if you didn't know how old you were ?".....of course referring to his own birthday quandary and one's mindset.
In 1977(78?), my boss had donated $$$ to restore and refurbish an inner-city ballfield in K.C. that would be dedicated to Satchel Paige in a ceremony, but Jack was unable to attend that day. Jack's family had reserved seats on the front row for the dedication, and Jack didn't want the seats empty, so he had his son invite me to attend.
What you say to such an offer from your boss ? I said..."hell yeah, I'd love to go !".
Feeling privileged just being there, I had no idea that "our row" of donors was to "meet and greet" with Satchel at the end of the ceremony. As I approached him in the reception line, I thought "what do I say to him ?" and finally decided to offer my congratulations & ask him to repeat his saying, which he obliged with a big smile and added...."nowadays I answer myself with 'some days I'm eighteen, some days I'm closer to eighty'.... it's all good !"

I shall never forget that day and I will strive till my last breath to live accordingly. Good advice from a smart man.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Very cool !!👍⚾️

Bevanddon Loc: Logansport, IN

Hi Well my husband and I are in Indiana, and I am in my 60s he just became 71. We like a Johnny boat or pier fishing. I think we get a better cast further out off a pier, And fishing under the piers is great.# Never too late to fish.
Bev.

johnklang Loc: Oakhurst, CA

[quote=FixorFish]One of my (and many others concur) favorite baseball players was the marvelous Satchel Paige,

Great story and what an experience. Very cool.

As for age, my plan is simple. I plan to live until I die.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Good plan.... the operative word there is LIVE.... HOW you do it is up to your mindset and choices of how you handle any setbacks along the way. Good luck !

Bilgebreath Loc: Fairborn, Ohio

Well, unexpected events always seem to happen. They moved my wifes knee replacement up a few weeks, so I am gonna be nursing her for a spell. Gonna be interesting to say the least. Thanks to all who replied and a special thanks for the offers of eyeball meets and greets. My post has generated some very interesting discussion and comments concerning choices and senior life. My head is still trying to explode making a decision. After my wife gets up and at it, I will continue searching until something just jumps out and sez "take me home". Thanks again guys.