Dont listen to them… IMO a boat requires less maintence than a car over time. 24’ is a really nice size, not too small, not too big. I guess some people have bad luck with boats, I never really have. I was going to buy one this year actually… I think im going to hold off and try and pick one up cheap this winter and put a little bit of work into it. They are so much fun… and there all about drinking, hence you would fit right in!