I just sold my boat last summer. I had Glastron 185GX. Just a small 18ft open bow that we used for tubing mostly. It was a lot of fun and I am glad that I had it as the kids were growing up, but eventually we got too busy to get enough use out of it. I bought mine used and ended up selling it for very close to what I paid for it, but there was a lot invested along the way. I grew up with a boat in the family, but that was a 41ft 1968 wooden Chris Craft...a much different boating experience. I think the real key to enjoyment is usage, and your usage depends on how easily accessible it is. I live in a lake community. The I had the boat docked at the end of my street. I could be on that boat in a matter of a few minutes of deciding I wanted to be...morning, afternoon, evening...didn't matter. I could go out for an hour or 5 hours...or come and go sporadically at different times of the day. I didn't have to commit to a weekend. How far away is the lake house? If I had to drive an hour to use my boat, I would not likely have gotten as good of use out of it. All the money and maintenance wouldn't have been worth it to me if I didn't have the ease of access. I wouldn't have enjoyed it near as much. Your friend says you can use the lake house, but how often? Will they always be there? I suppose you know your friend best, but you guys better have some agreements in place or you'll be stepping on each other's toes when it comes to wanting to use the house and/or boat.