Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

[midapo]

I have been reading extensively on these boards and elsewhere in an effort to decide what kind of boat to buy. We love the panhandle of Florida and want to use a boat on the intercoastal for fishing, cruising, exploring and the occasional weekender. We will also take short trips into the Gulf when it is calm. From reading and searching the post and other research, I think I need a cabin cruiser around 25' in length.
I have noticed from the post that folks are often not happy with their first purchase (too short, too long, too heavy, etc.), so I am trying to stay around the $10,000 range. Then when I do retire in two years, I will know what I really want and purchase another (if needed).
In that price range I am finding what appear to be nice boats in the 1992-1996 range. Since I have never owned a boat of this type, what should I be looking for? Brands to avoid or look for? Hours of engine use? Dry weight? Fresh water or saltwater use? Engine size? Any experience you have in this would be helpful.
I will have to travel to find a boat as they are not very common in East Texas. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[werthert]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Well, I am new, can't give real advice, but can spout some stuff to think about.

1) Some salt water boats are built for salt water, if you are looking for a freshwater boat to take into salt water, I would do some more research here.
2) With some searching you can find a good boat in your price range. IMO 25' is a little small for taking it into the Gulf *considering* you are a noob like me and not a veteran boater. Also, I would have a designated family member that knew where I was going and if they did not see/hear me by XX hours to call the coast guard.
3) Someone in-the-know chime in here please, but I would think your biggest concern would be hull integrity and mechanical. Also, I would take an engine that has had constant maintenance with 900 hours over one that hasn't with 300 hours.
4) Did the owner love their boat? Or was it owned by someone with more money than sense? This is subjective, but the boat lover will spill his guts on everything and anything with the boat... and probably won't sell it to you if he/she thinks you're going to treat her like a piece of fiberglass.

Just some food for thought.

 

[midapo]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Well, I am new, can't give real advice, but can spout some stuff to think about.

1) Some salt water boats are built for salt water, if you are looking for a freshwater boat to take into salt water, I would do some more research here.
2) With some searching you can find a good boat in your price range. IMO 25' is a little small for taking it into the Gulf *considering* you are a noob like me and not a veteran boater. Also, I would have a designated family member that knew where I was going and if they did not see/hear me by XX hours to call the coast guard.
3) Someone in-the-know chime in here please, but I would think your biggest concern would be hull integrity and mechanical. Also, I would take an engine that has had constant maintenance with 900 hours over one that hasn't with 300 hours.
4) Did the owner love their boat? Or was it owned by someone with more money than sense? This is subjective, but the boat lover will spill his guts on everything and anything with the boat... and probably won't sell it to you if he/she thinks you're going to treat her like a piece of fiberglass.

Just some food for thought.

Good points, I agree with them. I don't plan on going far into gulf, at least initially, and only in fair weather with calm seas. But things do happen. I also want to take some sort of boating course. I have owned boats and operated boats for a number of years, but mostly fishing boats. We have taken our deck boat to the coast twice, but never more than a mile or so into the gulf. It just would not handle the chop and waves. I would definately have a vhf radio and a GPS.
In line with what you were saying, it would be ideal to find someone who had treated their boat like a baby. That's the way I have treated my boats.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I am a freshwater person always have been and always will be, but some of the things are the same for what to look for, In my opinion the engine and related items are your main concern, salt water engines and pums etc..that has been sitting with salt water in them for long periods of time without being flushed out with freshwater can cause damage not seen from the outside looking in, For me and only mt 2cents the engine,elect, and rot would be the things to look for, For $10,000 I would bring someone with you to look at the boat and check everything out thoroughly, Just a quick question just out of my own curiousity are looking for deisel or gas??

 

[highN'dry]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Ten thousand dollars will not buy much of a boat for ocean/saltwater use. What it will buy you is a ton of frustration.

 

[swick]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I tell you what, iboats is the place to be. Post any question and you have people line up to answer your questions. Be as specific as you want with your question too because these guys have the knowledge. From what I've seen in the $10,000 range you will have lots of options.

I agree you will need a cabin for what you want. The boats are almost free, it is the engine you want to concern yourself with. A boat of that stature will almost deffinatley have been used in saltwater. This is not a problem if it has been maintained.

Read some of my threads on compression tests and things of that nature. I am about to purchase my first boat too and have asked many questions about the engine and what to look for on iboats. I have gotten some rock solid advice from the guys on here.

The big difference between you and I is that you may be getting an I/O engine while I am merely concerned with a small outboard. Keep in mind that used boats are very very cheap and there are tons of them out there right now, be more concerned with the engine.

Check craigslist boats for an idea of whats out there, if you are thinking FL than check craigslit in Florida. You may find a great deal thats worth making the trip for because there are a ton of boats for sale here.

Good Luck.

 

[midapo]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Just a quick question just out of my own curiousity are looking for deisel or gas??

I don't know. My understanding is that diesel runs more efficiently but is more work to maintain. Gas seems to be much more common. Somthing else I need help on!

 

[midapo]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I tell you what, iboats is the place to be. Post any question and you have people line up to answer your questions. Be as specific as you want with your question too because these guys have the knowledge. From what I've seen in the $10,000 range you will have lots of options.

I agree you will need a cabin for what you want. The boats are almost free, it is the engine you want to concern yourself with. A boat of that stature will almost deffinatley have been used in saltwater. This is not a problem if it has been maintained.

Read some of my threads on compression tests and things of that nature. I am about to purchase my first boat too and have asked many questions about the engine and what to look for on iboats. I have gotten some rock solid advice from the guys on here.

The big difference between you and I is that you may be getting an I/O engine while I am merely concerned with a small outboard. Keep in mind that used boats are very very cheap and there are tons of them out there right now, be more concerned with the engine.

Check craigslist boats for an idea of whats out there, if you are thinking FL than check craigslit in Florida. You may find a great deal thats worth making the trip for because there are a ton of boats for sale here.

Good Luck.

Yes, I have been on craigslist quite a bit. And you are right about the folks on this forum, they are great! I wonder if it would be better to look at lake boats since I might find one that has been in freshwater only? Wouldn't most cabin cruisers already be suitable for saltwater? What are the differences in a boat for saltwater vs freshwater? I know some exterior items would nedd to be more corrosian resistant.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Fresh water boats can be converted to sea water pumps and (maybe) less corrosion to deal with too! It all depends on who has taken care of their boat and who hasn't. Thats what it really boils down to unfortunatly, If I were spending that type of money whether it was salt or freshwater I would have it checked out on a boat I was seriously considering on buying,alot people with freshwater crafts don't take care of their boats just like salt water crafts owners, Like I said Buy one that has been taken care of and well maintained, have it checked out and a possable seatrial before purchasing if you can.

 

[swick]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I would imagine that most cabin cruisers are fitted for saltwater. Lake boats in my limited experience are typically bass boats, flats boat, skiffs, ski boats, jet boats, and things of that nature. Unless of course you have a hugs lake nearby. A boat is not like a fish tank, you can mix slat water and freshwater without death to the boat. I'm buying a bass boat, primarily for fresh water, but I would give it a go in the intercoastal down here just for fun also. Like I said earlier its all about how the engine has been maintained. You want to clean it up much better if you've had it in saltwater, that being said it should be fine. Remember down here people keep their boats in the water all year. People dock them right in the water.

Don't get me wrong, people that don't live on the water and choose nt to pay dock space take their boats out and clean them up, but I imagine their boats are a higher investment (more of a luxury than those who are blessed enought ot live on the water) and they take better care of them as well.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I would try to find a boat with twin outboards as they are the norm for fishing in the ocean/gulf. If one engine breaks down then you can motor back on the second. I found this boat so you can have an idea of what your looking at. this one is an older boat(1989) but has twin 1999 xr6's. look for a walkaround style boat instead of a cuddy. Unfortunately you will have to compromise somewhere to get what you want at 10k.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1989-PURSUIT-2350-WALK_AROUND-93437237

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Lake boats in my limited experience are typically bass boats, flats boat, skiffs, ski boats, jet boats, and things of that nature. Unless of course you have a hugs lake nearby.

We have just as many big boats on our fresh water lakes and rivers that are just as big as boats you would find in salt water!! And in excellent condition because there is no salt in the air either.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Diesel are less maintenance, more efficient fuel wise. when they need service they can be more expensive. they also smell. so 50/50 gas or diesel.

my suggestion, over the next 2 years, take the safe boating courses, rent several different types of boats. this will arm you with more of the knowledge you need to make an educated purchase.

 

[midapo]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I would try to find a boat with twin outboards as they are the norm for fishing in the ocean/gulf. If one engine breaks down then you can motor back on the second. I found this boat so you can have an idea of what your looking at. this one is an older boat(1989) but has twin 1999 xr6's. look for a walkaround style boat instead of a cuddy. Unfortunately you will have to compromise somewhere to get what you want at 10k.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1989-PURSUIT-2350-WALK_AROUND-93437237

I had thought about the twin engine idea. It does not make me comfortable to go out into the gulf with one engine, although bunches of people do it.

 

[midapo]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

We have just as many big boats on our fresh water lakes and rivers that are just as big as boats you would find in salt water!! And in excellent condition because there is no salt in the air either.

I too, am finding many of these lake boats on boat trader. If I was able to make the trip right now, I might go see this boat. I love the looks of this boat and the owner said it has never been in salt water.

http://www.boattrader.com/find/listing/1992-Regal-Valanti+240-95510659

 

[midapo]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

my suggestion, over the next 2 years, take the safe boating courses, rent several different types of boats. this will arm you with more of the knowledge you need to make an educated purchase.

A boater safety course is a must. I love the idea of renting, but I cannot find rentals. In the Destin area, you can rent pontoons and center consoles, but I can't find much else. And a two week rental, which is usually what we stay, would be pretty expensive. This spring we are thinking of going to dog island, fl, and it is accessible only by boat or plane.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Ditto on the twins The idea of redundancy I'm sure you can appreciate.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I agree with Tashasdaddy, boating courses are useful, and even if you did buy a boat now, that would give you a good two years to work on it and that way you are sure for the most part that she is ready and sea worthy, on the lake here at least if I am dead in the water I know I am not going anywhere or in harmsway, The ocean and rivers, I know the rivers too well, when your dead in the water you are still going down river and if your anchor doesn't grab because you are moving to swiftly in the mud well your a pinball bouncing off of everything on the way down river, Oceans I am not too familiar with, others here can tell you more about that.

 

[midapo]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

Ditto on the twins The idea of redundancy I'm sure you can appreciate.

I do appreciate redundancy. Of course, with the FAA it is more like
re-dunce-aty!

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Retiring Air Traffic Controller Needs Boat!

I would buy only freshwater. Our Daughter lives and boats in Florida and everytime they take it out of the water the marina freshwater flushes the engine. Salt deposits build up fast in salt water, not so in freshwater.
Twin OB's sound good and safe and are reasonable on gas.
You should have the boat surveyed. You can usually tell how someone keeps his boat as soon as you look at it, it's either real nice or a piece of crap.

Good luck & happy boating.