Unfortunately as the demand is there for bigger boats, along comes with it a necessity for bigger motors to satisfy the speed bug that so many of us have. I have an XB2003 and have no desire to jump up a step to a 21 footer. But, many guys have made that decision. Then of course the motor manufacturers have to go along with it building bigger, heavier motors and the vicious cycle starts. It ends with great boats like the XB2003's no longer being produced and great motors like the 260's and 280's biting the dust as well. The prices in my opinion have risen to a level that even if a person can "afford" it, in the whole balancing act of the finances a family faces these days, what kind of sense does it make? Sixty to seventy thousand for the initial purchase, then the tow vehicle, insurance, gas, oil, maintenance, etc. needed, will eliminate many from ever being able to enjoy boating as many of us have known it over the years. Although I could "afford" a new boat, at current pricing, it just plain would make no sense.
