I think it depends on what you like to do. Are you a big fisherman? Do you water ski? Do you live near a lake or other body of water that you'd be able to recreate at often (and do you enjoy that kind of thing?)? Are you looking at a fishing boat/speed boat/pontoon boat? Are you and your wife retired? Do you have the time to take an R/V on an extended vacation (> 1 month) on a yearly basis? I'm guessing since you are choosing between a boat and an R/V you are either planning on buying a really nice boat (i.e., a pontoon) or a relatively small camper.
Personally, the water is my second home, so I'd choose the boat in a second. I also couldn't justify owning an R/V unless I planned on living out of it for at least 2-3 months of the year.
It's a tough call for us for the following reasons....
-We live in MN and are surrounded by lakes. I do like to fish, but I'm not any good at it yet b/c I don't get out enough. I also like to ski & wakeboard, but the wife could care less - she just enjoys the sun.
-We live in MN and are surrounded by great camping and would have extra room for our growing family up at the in-law's cabin (small A-frame).
-We still have ISU FB Season Tix, so the Camper/RV could be used for tailgating and staying over night (this one makes it really tough).
We aren't looking for a really nice camper or a really nice boat - just a good product for a good deal. The camper would likely need to be a pull trailer (not 5th wheel) and the boat would need to be a fish/ski boat.
Don't get me wrong - this is a good problem to have, but I just can't seem to be swayed one way or the other yet. I think it will really come down to the best deal that presents itself.......if anyone has experience or knows how to get a good deal on either, I would really appreciate those tips.