Pros and cons: A homeowners’ association – is it a good idea?

Christian Tiedt votes in favour of a owners’ association

​Things are so much easier when there are two of you! Of course, you should be wary of clichés. But when it comes to boat owners’ associations, I’d still wholeheartedly agree. To me, the advantages are obvious. Firstly: a problem shared is a problem halved. Another cliché, but it’s true. This covers things like organising everything to do with the boat, routine maintenance – especially before the start of the season – and, of course, all the fixed costs. This is a particularly strong argument in times of rising prices. Would I want – or be able – to shoulder all that on my own? Certainly not. The dream of owning my own boat would have remained just a dream. The fact that this applies just as much to my co-owner makes it even better: after all, joy shared is joy doubled! Of course, I’m also aware of the risks. What starts out ambitiously and in perfect harmony can very quickly go pear-shaped and turn into a nightmare. Especially when it comes to money. That’s why my most important requirement for a co-ownership arrangement is that we not only get on well together, but also know each other well on a personal level. That’s certainly the case with us.

Ursula Meer votes against a owners’ association

​Trouble is bound to arise. Perhaps that’s just another truism. But it stems from real-life experience. From people who, driven by ambition and having weighed up all the rational arguments – first and foremost the financial savings – embarked on a joint boat project as friends, only to later, at best, part ways amicably, and at worst, find themselves as opposing parties in court. I’ll go one better: friendship ends where money begins. And a boat, viewed in the cold light of reality without any romanticised notions of ownership, is ultimately nothing more than money moulded into GRP. It is this risk of friendship breaking down that, for me, argues against a co-ownership arrangement. Another, perhaps even more important reason: my boat is my second home – and too small for a shared flat. Come the start of the season, my toothbrush and toiletries bag are in their places, and my berth is made up. A basic supply of clothes, food and drink finds its way into the cupboards. I can head out to the boat at any time, travelling light. I simply arrive and feel at home, enjoy the peace and quiet – and don’t have to discuss anything.

Survey

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