One source indicatesthe following:
�If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it� or words to that effect are popularly attributed to J. Pierpont Morgan, a 19th century American financier, banker, philanthropist, and art collector, whenreferring to yachting or his yacht.
I have found an account of the conversation in which it arose in Business Education World, 1933, Vol 16, but I do not know how accurate it is. It is cllearly not first-hand. The book is available on Google Books with a
snippet view so I place the quote here in full.
The topic of yachts came up and Morgan's neighbor said, "I understand that you own a yacht, Mr. Morgan."
"Yes, I do." Morgan replied.
"How much does it cost to run?" his neighbor asked.
"Why do you ask?" Morgan inquired.
"Because," his neighbor replied, "I am interested in buying one.�
�My good man,� said Morgan, �if you have to ask how much it costs
to run, my answer is: Don't buy one!"