Let’s Break It Down.

Key Takeaway:

Not every investment is about ROI. Sometimes, it’s about ROE—Return on Experience. And that’s where sailing—and SailTime—comes in.

If you’ve ever hinted at wanting a boat, you’ve probably heard this one:

“Boats are a terrible investment.”

Your financial advisor may have said it. Or your brother-in-law who “knows a guy.” Maybe even your own inner voice whispers it when you’re daydreaming about open water, salt air, and freedom.

And hey—we’re not here to argue with basic math. Boats, as standalone assets, don’t appreciate like real estate or retirement funds. But here’s the thing:

Not all investments are meant to pay you back in dollars. Some pay you back in life.

The Real Reason You Want That Boat

Let’s be honest: You’re not craving a 36-foot sailboat because you’re trying to outpace the S&P 500 as an investment.

You want the wind, the water, the weekends unplugged. You want your kids (or grandkids) to grow up with sea legs. You want to wake up on the water instead of fighting for a brunch reservation.

That’s not a purchase or investment. That’s a lifestyle choice.

As SailTime CEO Todd Hess puts it, “If sailing adds value to your life, that’s a return your advisor can’t quantify.”

The Money Question: Can You Afford to Own?

Let’s say you can swing the initial purchase. That’s great. But ownership isn’t a one-and-done deal. Here’s what you’re really signing up for:

• Dockage fees
• Ongoing maintenance
• Insurance
• Winter storage
• Scheduling time to actually use it

Before long, you’re managing a floating project instead of enjoying the adventure you paid for.

What If You Could Have the Boat Without the Burden?

That’s where SailTime comes in. We offer two paths:

1. Membership – For Freedom Seekers

Want to sail regularly without buying a boat? A SailTime Membership gives you guaranteed access to a premium sailboat as if it were yours—without the stress of upkeep or ownership.

You log in. You book. You sail. When you’re done, we handle the rest.

This option is perfect if:

• You don’t want to commit to buying yet.
• You want flexibility to sail multiple days a month.
• You value simplicity over spreadsheets.

2. Ownership – For Strategic Owners

If you’re ready to own, but don’t want your boat sitting idle (or racking up marina fees), you can place your yacht in the SailTime fleet.

Here’s what happens:

• We manage everything: dockage, maintenance, insurance, and scheduling.
• You earn revenue from member usage, offsetting your costs.
• You still get guaranteed access to your boat every month.
• You preserve value—through proper care and consistent usage.

It’s ownership that makes sense.

Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Wrong—They’re Just Missing the Full Picture

The job of a financial planner is to minimize risk and maximize returns. That’s noble. That’s necessary.

But not everything you do with your money is about compound interest. Some decisions are about:

• Building memories.
• Reclaiming your time.
• Feeling more alive.

Try putting that in a spreadsheet.

ROI vs. ROE: What’s Your Real Return?

Sure, you won’t resell your boat for more than you paid. But ask yourself:

• How much is a stress-free weekend worth?
• How often do you actually use the things you already own?
• What would it mean to make an investment in joy—and share it with people you love?

We’re talking about a different kind of ROI. One that pays out in presence, passion, and purpose.

Let’s call it: Return on Experience (ROE).

“Owning” Isn’t Always the Goal

If you’re someone who loves sailing—but doesn’t want the full-time relationship with a boat—SailTime was built for you.

• You can start with a membership and sail with confidence before deciding to buy.
• Or you can own smart and let SailTime handle the heavy lifting.
• Either way, you skip the sunk costs and focus on what really matters: being on the water.

Still Want to Talk Investment?

Okay, let’s do that. A boat in the SailTime fleet is a revenue-generating asset. Members pay monthly fees to share time on your boat, and SailTime manages the operations. You earn income and enjoy personal access—all without becoming a full-time boat manager.

It’s an ownership model that balances lifestyle and logic. Not a bad investment after all, right?

Conclusion: When “No” Actually Means “Yes, But Smarter”

You don’t need to prove your financial advisor wrong. You just need to show them there’s more than one kind of value. At SailTime, we help you find the balance between dreaming and doing. Between owning and enjoying. Between working hard and sailing free.

So go ahead—have your boat. And eat that cake, too.

Ready to explore smarter boat ownership options?