by KYW's John Ostapkovich

Boat have sometimes been called (only half jokingly) "holes in the water into which money is poured." 

But even in tough economic times, for boating's fans, there's nothing like it.

In a former Delran, NJ cornfield which is now the Dredge Harbor boat center (hence the name), sales manager Mike Tortu says sales are soft but deals can be creative:

"Are we flat? Yes, we're not setting the world on fire. But the fact is that we're discounting a little heavier, trying to work off a little shorter profit structure. And that's paying off in the long run."
 
As we strolled the docks, passing a couple enjoying a lovely spring afternoon on deck, Tortu explained the allure:

"It's a stress reliever.  That's what this is all about. So you don't get to the point that it's, 'Oh, all the money spent' and all the hole-in-the-water thing, whether it be a $15,000 boat or a $250,000 boat." 

That $15,000 boat will be about 17 feet long. They also have a 42-footer that's a good half million dollars.

Tortu says that for many people, this is a moving vacation home.  In fact, he's offering a thoroughly modern two-bedroom houseboat.  Fuel is $4.10 a gallon, but he says you really don't have to run the engine long to find a fine spot to recreate.

(Photo by KYW's John Ostapkovich)