New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

[olmpilot]

I'm brand new (well not actually.. I sailed in Calif. when I was in high school..) and took the plunge and bought a '89 Seaswirl 18'6" Sierra Cuddy Cabin w/ 120 HP Evinrude OB on Tuesday. The dealer was asking $6500 on a consignment and we agreed on $5500.<br /><br />The boat seems very solid and in good condition and appears to never have been in salt water, and for the most part everything works.<br /><br />So, does that sound like a decent deal or did I get new boater syndrome and pay too much? Also, anyone else own one of these now or in the past and have any experience with them? Are they good boats?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />(PS I did do a lot of reading on this board before making my final decision... )

 

[Terry H]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

If you like the boat enjoy...it all depends on condition, condition, condition as to the price. You made the decision to buy...don't look back...just a thought

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

It's called buyers remorse! Don't sweat it! Everyone goes through it and it is natural.<br /><br />My first advice is to get a manual for the motor... things happen and you just have to keep up with them.<br /><br />Now ENJOY the boat and welcome to this great community of boaters!<br /><br />Bob

 

[olmpilot]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

Thanks for the feedback folks. I guess I was a little concerned when I "REALLY" went through the boat yesterday and found all the "little" things wrong with it (including a rotted piece of flooring/small stringer? - that I think I can repair). Needless to say, I know what and where to look the next time I buy a boat!

 

[JRJ]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

I own a 1990 Sierra Clasic Cuddy that I bought used. Mine had a Johnson 120 that I replaced with a Johnson 115 4-stroke. The boat is very comfy, has enough power and has been good to me. I'm not an expert, but will try to help with any issues you may have. Enjoy the boat

 

[roscoe]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

I think you paid $3 too much.<br />Yep, thats right, I wouldn't have paid more than $5497 for that boat. <br /><br />But I bet you have wasted $3 on more foolish things, like ice cream, or candy.<br /><br />So enjoy the boat.<br /><br />Happy boating.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

But certainly get on that soft spot before it becomes more of a problem......

 

[quantumleap]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

Life is short. Money comes and money goes. Fix the floor and shine her up like new and enjoy.

 

[delsol]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

hey dont look back, as i sold cars the heck with book values, you will know if you got a great deal 4 yrs from now etc....meaning after time and use you can make price and deal become real factor now you cannot, if you payed 8k for boat rode it 200 times in 4 years and had little trouble, then you stole boat at that price, if you payed 2k and had all headackhes you payed to much..time will tell as long as you are happy <br />have fun and good luck

 

[olmpilot]

Re: New to boating - New Boat just this week. Opinion Please?

Well, thanks for the advice folks. I took the boat out both Saturday and Sunday with my girlfriend and the kids. We all felt very safe and it performed outstanding, even in some "rough" waters in the puget sound. Once I figure everything out about it, I think I will be very happy. I'm still working on figuring out how to trim it and get the best performance (i.e. my post in general outboard area), but I was not the least disappointed after our first official "sea trial" this weekend.