We do two kinds of boating, "big boat" (something you can eat and sleep on and take long distances) and "small boat" (whatever the dinghy is).
We big boat to go to places you can only go to by boat, and anchor out. Such as the last few days. Sometimes we see the big boat merely as the delivery vehicle for the small boat, kind of like the 747 used to transport the space shuttle. Anyway, if we couldn't do all that, we wouldn't own a big boat or rent one either.
A few times, we've been anchored out in some great spot, near some near-derelict Sea Ray or sailboat, where the captain of same has made some comment like "man, I hardly feel worthy compared to your boat". I always say, "I'd rather be on your boat right now than 99% of all the boats ... you got the same view we do... you're boating, they're tied to the dock!"
I only work on the boat so we can go boating. Working on your boat for the pleasure of restoring or just the satisfaction of the work is a perfectly legitimate hobby, like some folks restore cars they don't drive, or old tractors or furniture or you name it. Just not my bag. I take satisfaction in doing what work I do, especially to the degree it familiarizes me with the boat's systems, and when I can remedy something that happens "out there". What's that old definition of cruising? "Working on your boat in exotic places.." Fortunately preparation and attention to seaworthiness can keep that to a minimum. But it's getting to and enjoying those out of the way places that is the great pleasure.