Similar to people wanting to get into a sport. Take cycling for example; my friends would ask me what bike to buy and I just tell them to get something cheap and simple. Then get out and ride! Some you’ll figure out what kind of riding you like, what trails or roads are around you and what people you want to be around. Then you can fall into the pit of buying a stable of 5 bikes. Haha!
But there’s another side of this that reminds me of my dad. When he needed something, he always bought good quality, took care of it and it lasted forever. There’s virtue in that for items we know we will wear or use like a good pair of pants, boots or saw, etc.
I agree. More shades of gray than black-and-white.
This is also reminding me of the oft repeated phrase “buy once cry once.” I hear it spoken mostly by men with expensive hobbies to rationalize big purchases, and I also think those dudes actually rarely buy once. At some point the culture surrounding their gear will demand that they trade up for the newer better option.
There’s 100% a romantic practicality to buying the quality good and caring for it. And also a culture that fetishizes buying the high-end “best” thing that you don’t remotely need. A lot of shades of gray.
There’s the law of diminishing returns: how much can I spend to get the best value without spending too much or getting too little in return. Best example I can think of: buying Darn Tough socks. Yes they cost $25 a pair but they are amazing, blister free, made in USA, and guaranteed for life. Bad example… spending $10k on a badass bike to save 5 pounds when you could just save 5lbs on your belly 🤣
Really appreciate this perspective & the framing of it. We’ve lived on our sailboat for many of the last years, and the number of people who have asked if we’ll do it “forever” always entertains me.
Nothing is forever!
…But for as long as it’s fun & traveling in a slow, mildly uncomfortable, oft-broken way makes some sense, it’ll continue to be our freedom-hack of choice! 🤣
(Ok I guess kids & voluntary amputations are forever but you clearly get my drift!).
Would love to hear more about the shared shop space — it’s an idea my husband and I have tossed around as a support to his growing boat-repair business 👀
You made a reader think! I can think of worse outcomes! Love this post, especially its resemblance to so many conversations we have had about the cool things you are constantly doing and the mundane life I live. Why not try something new and fresh and low risk, you ask. And I have no answer besides: I should.
Love it.
Similar to people wanting to get into a sport. Take cycling for example; my friends would ask me what bike to buy and I just tell them to get something cheap and simple. Then get out and ride! Some you’ll figure out what kind of riding you like, what trails or roads are around you and what people you want to be around. Then you can fall into the pit of buying a stable of 5 bikes. Haha!
Great approach. The abundance of gear and reviews and content has fooled us into thinking we *have* to buy the perfect thing. We don't.
But there’s another side of this that reminds me of my dad. When he needed something, he always bought good quality, took care of it and it lasted forever. There’s virtue in that for items we know we will wear or use like a good pair of pants, boots or saw, etc.
I agree. More shades of gray than black-and-white.
This is also reminding me of the oft repeated phrase “buy once cry once.” I hear it spoken mostly by men with expensive hobbies to rationalize big purchases, and I also think those dudes actually rarely buy once. At some point the culture surrounding their gear will demand that they trade up for the newer better option.
There’s 100% a romantic practicality to buying the quality good and caring for it. And also a culture that fetishizes buying the high-end “best” thing that you don’t remotely need. A lot of shades of gray.
Yes 100%!
There’s the law of diminishing returns: how much can I spend to get the best value without spending too much or getting too little in return. Best example I can think of: buying Darn Tough socks. Yes they cost $25 a pair but they are amazing, blister free, made in USA, and guaranteed for life. Bad example… spending $10k on a badass bike to save 5 pounds when you could just save 5lbs on your belly 🤣
Really appreciate this perspective & the framing of it. We’ve lived on our sailboat for many of the last years, and the number of people who have asked if we’ll do it “forever” always entertains me.
Nothing is forever!
…But for as long as it’s fun & traveling in a slow, mildly uncomfortable, oft-broken way makes some sense, it’ll continue to be our freedom-hack of choice! 🤣
(Ok I guess kids & voluntary amputations are forever but you clearly get my drift!).
Would love to hear more about the shared shop space — it’s an idea my husband and I have tossed around as a support to his growing boat-repair business 👀
Always satisfying food for thought 🤔
Crap. That's the tell-tale mark of a subpar post. The most lukewarm comment thus far from my #1 fan. I figured as much, but it still stings.
You made a reader think! I can think of worse outcomes! Love this post, especially its resemblance to so many conversations we have had about the cool things you are constantly doing and the mundane life I live. Why not try something new and fresh and low risk, you ask. And I have no answer besides: I should.
Mundane? Come on now.