I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

[kowboydmac]

I randomly saw a boat that I liked, and it was about 2500. It's an older 80's style and IDK I just really dig it.

But alas, I have nooo clue about boats. I'm familiar with car mechanics and such, and have a few friends with boats, but no personal experience with anything nautical.

So where should I start learning about them?

The boat in question is on craigslist,
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1368230315.html

Thanks!

Edit: I love working on things, so I don't mind getting dirty. Just saying in case I get a bunch of responses like "expect to get dirty!" lol.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

Pay a reputable dealer for an unbiased inspection. If it is a sound boat, buy it, follow their storage instructions and cover it up. Schedule your Coast Guard safety courses and equip your boat properly. Every state has their own requirements. Then have someone (who is seasoned) go with you several times and you go out with them, before you take it out alone or with family. Learning and comfort curves vary. Boating is a lifetime of enjoyment and relaxation. It is also an expense...did I mention expense? So, prepare yourself for that!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

A boat is like a car as a horse is like a motorcycle. As long as you approach it (as you seem to) as needing to learn, you will do fine.

There is also a safety factor in boats that is different from cars; an otherwise minor mechanical issue, or weather/conditions, or improper operation, can create danger that would not occur in a car. Be attuned to that.

 

[salty87]

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

look at lots of boats before you buy, ride in as many of them as you can. once you're in, you could be in deep. cheap old boats become expensive when they need major repairs.

a boat that's sat unused under it's own cover in the grass for 2 years hasn't been maintained. boats need to be run to be maintained, seals and rubber dry out...flat tire, no thx. if they can't take care of the simple things, they aren't doing anything. you have to start looking somewhere though, just don't fall in love.

 

[QC]

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

I agree with all here, but . . . . Is that a SeaRay? Looks kinda like it although the logo is messed up. If the floor is sound, that might be an okay mini-project. I am a little different in that indications of issues like the tire and it sitting are bargaining chips. If she doesn't require major surgery, then that might be a sweet project.

Why do you want a cuddy? Might be exactly what you want/need, but I find that newbies often fall in love with cuddies just to find out that for a day boat a cuddy is a waste of space.

 

[mddubya]

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

Looks like a pretty sweet deal to me. As long as it will run and there aren't any holes in the hull it would be a nice project at worse, a great family boat at best.

Definitely have it looked at by a professional, or at least a friend that knows something about boats.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

let me get this straight: 1) runs like a dream!!! 2) been sitting in the back yard for two years!! 3) Sold as-is!!! Although the engine may "run like a dream" (two years ago, it may not have been winterized (if in an area where things freeze) and nothing was said about the condition of the outdrive which may be toast. While "sold as-is" is a common notation in a for sale ad, it is also a red flag. I agree that for a first boat, not knowing much about boating, and you not saying what type of boating you intend to do, a cuddy may very well not be what you actually need. However, somebody else down the road may find this exactly what they need so there is an opportunity to make a buck or two. But you need to know what you are getting into so as was mentioned, have someone do a survey so you at least stand a reasonable chance of going boating without spending a bunch of money getting the "overlooked things" fixed. As a minimum you can bet on the need for one or two new batteries (starting and house batteries). Replacing rotted trailer tires? Engine oil/filter/fuel filter changes. Draining old fuel (before you actually try and run it), lower unit lub check and change. Prop damage and bellows repair/replacement. See where I'm going with this.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

Anything under $5k (for this type of boat) can be a complete crap shoot unless you are a completely seasoned old-boater-guy with real life experience working on them. Ever seen boats that people want to give away? Those are "this boat" 5 years down the road. People get in over their heads and give up (which it's likely this seller is now doing).

Go VERY slow and be CAREFUL. Read all the posts here from guys that are totally screwed - "Just got this great new boat but why is there chocolate milk in my oil?" or "New guy here - should I have this large crack in my transom?" and the every present "Bought this boat without survey - what's it worth (now that he's bought it)". Posts of this type are legion at this site.

BEWARE YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!!

Any boat that cheap will need thousands of maintenance & replacement in the next two years. Which you won't recoup upon sale. You'll spend more time getting it fixed and cursing your mechanic (if you can't do it yourself) than boating. Guaranteed. Good luck.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

UH OH!! The details dribble in. Go over to your dealer and look around at new or warranted used. The run it over to your local dealer and ask him how he'd trade with it. You'll get your answer.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: I don't know a thing about boating, lol.

Pick out your boat before you start shopping. Then price it new/used <5 years/used > 5 years/used >20 years. See what hits in your budget INCLUDING 15% to get it in the water the first time. Then start shopping.