2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

[hostage]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Don't despair, maybe you could find a fishing buddy who has a boat. I bought my boat, knowing it is something I enjoy as my grandfather owned a boat, my dad owned a sailboat. Though the first day I took my g/f out she was crying as she got nervous :-\ She soon got over the fear and we enjoy boating now. You can also rent a boat.

Honestly if money isn't really the issue then get something you could easily sell for about the same price that way you don't loose much out of it and gain an educational experience. So don't buy brand new or really really old.

The last thing you want to do is get a boat that has problems. Then frustration and expensive repairs will be what comes to your mind, when you think of boating.

BTW, I keep my cost of owning a boat down and enjoyment up by the following:
1) Keeping my boat at a storage place across the street from a Marina ($40/month)
2) Using a private Marina's season launch ($275/season)

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Biggest factors setting such a low budget was Being a first boat. Knowing it is an expensive hobby also wanted to see if boating was for us. Leaving some expendable cash for repairs, maintenance, over looked equipment and such,, on basically a trial and error boat. In hopes of getting a season or 2 out of it.
Marina fees are fairly step here around Pittsburgh unless i go an hour or 2 out of town. In the event we get hooked like i KNOW we will!
This will leave room for investing in a new or much newer boat in the near future. I know probably thinking A** backwards. This all got started over wanting to get a simple yet small river/lake fishing boat. Go figure!
But i totally understand and see your point of view as well.
Although i would rather go back to my fishing boat, now i got the boss lady involved we know it not going to be a smooth or easy ride. :facepalm:

No not at all back *****wards, in fact thats the way I prefer to advise newbs. However, remember with this theory I share with you, you want to get the best return on your investment, getting a quality used boat that will fetch what you put into it is a priority. Don't shy away from investing more money in a better boat if the price is right knowing that when you look to upgrade or get out your boat will sell for nearly the same as you purchased it.

Another thing I tell Newbs with women involved is to look for something with a sundeck, this is for her and you, she gets to sunbathe and you get to fish and enjoy the view, it may not be the best fishing platform but think about it, if you have to take the wife with you wouldn't you be happier if she was in a Bikini laying out (quietly) while you toss a line in? how can it get any better then that?

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

No not at all back *****wards, in fact thats the way I prefer to advise newbs. However, remember with this theory I share with you, you want to get the best return on your investment, getting a quality used boat that will fetch what you put into it is a priority. Don't shy away from investing more money in a better boat if the price is right knowing that when you look to upgrade or get out your boat will sell for nearly the same as you purchased it.

Another thing I tell Newbs with women involved is to look for something with a sundeck, this is for her and you, she gets to sunbathe and you get to fish and enjoy the view, it may not be the best fishing platform but think about it, if you have to take the wife with you wouldn't you be happier if she was in a Bikini laying out (quietly) while you toss a line in? how can it get any better then that?

Wondering if i can pass this one off as a sundeck (Evil grin) would indeed make for a much better fishing day!
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2837783066.html

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Question, would you define your Marriage as "Happy"?

Or would it be safer to define your Marriage as a "Love Hate Relationship"?

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Trying to find that balance is what seems to be the challenge.. Something reasonable yet able to resale with out getting way over my head. Like any used boat/car there is always risks involved. More so being a Newb not fully aware in what to look for, heck even spending to much time looking for the hidden problems and over looking the obvious. The Newb factor is what got me wanting to stay low on budget, also knowing you only get what you pay for. Knowing it is still real early in the season helps a great deal.
Still amazed how much input i have had on some simple pictures i posted and how experienced and helpful many are here.
Again i thank all who have and continue to help.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Question, would you define your Marriage as "Happy"?

Or would it be safer to define your Marriage as a "Love Hate Relationship"?

A love hate relationship i'm happy with if that helps. LOL
Would be a way of seeing where she truly stands

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

What is it with these boat ads in your area - Nobody likes to put the year of the boat, The length? If they "forgot" that what else did they forget to tell you?

LK

 

[hostage]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

It is easy to find a boat, what is hard is finding what you want? I spent a lot of time on that question. I wrote down all the things that were important to me, separated them into "must", "like", "don't mind". Then further put a prioritization on each item within each section. I used excel to do this. I figured out I wanted a 19-20ft boat w/ a 4.3L. The weight of the boat was good for my tow vehicle, the size was good to have a few friends on it and the engine gave me enough power to pull and was more efficient than a 5L+ motor. I could also get decent speed for a boat that size with that engine. I also put under wants:
Stereo
Fiberglass Cockpit w/ snapin carpet (nice feature)
Cup holders
Fiberglass/waterproof stringers
bimini
bording ladder
swim platform

I was stuck between a cuddy and a open bow and opted for a cuddy for the better sea keep and ability to over night. After 2 years I have yet to sleep on the boat and the boat does handle better on Lake Ontario better than an open bow, but you can always put a bow cover on the open bow and that helps a bit I hear. The g/f prefers the cuddy as a place to change and a good place to store things.

This boat is prefect for us right now. Though when I get a family we are going with something larger.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Noticing that a lot! Seems many of the replies i get on requiring more info about the boats are...come out and take a look at it...Functions as is... Sorry no other pics.... If you want to see it I can send the address.
To me that is a waste of time and gas that end up being worth more then the boat it self.
I refuse to do with out knowing more about the boat, so i can research what i can, along with all the help everyone here has offered here.
Until i get information i feel is worth my time, the search shall continue!.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Funny you said that hostage. Today i been working on a list for us to sit down and go through. Me if it got a motor that works, it floats get to point A and back i am happy! Being i do have a small family (young daughter&Older son) and semi picky wife, there a little more to take into consideration. Looking into something 6 to 8 people max. They would be happy with a boarding ladder or swim platform, being outside of my fishing would be there wanting and loving to tube and swim. We are not a family of luxuries just love being out doors and even roughing it. We have portable privacy curtain thingy for changing and emergency BR calls. Not that it would not be a huge consideration in the future, when and if it came to a newer long term boat. The advantage i got is being early in the year, so got nothing to rush this pain staking learning process.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

My 2 cents . . .

Overall, nice boat for the price (which is probably negotiable to $3,800 or so). Is that an OMC or a Volvo Penta outdrive? (Sorry, I'm obsessed with Mercruisers). If it is an OMC, it must be about the last one made . . .

Anyway, I agree with the loading comment of the others . . . 4 would be fine, 6 would be crowded.

As for top speed 50 MPH (I assume that is with 1-2 people), probably not something you want to do, except in ideal conditions.

 

[hostage]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

I guess it is all about compromise. Looking at some boats at dealers might give you some ideas of, hey I like this or I don't want that. The worst case is buyer's remorse and the best thing is not to rush in and get something you regret. I put a lot of time thought and placed many posts on this forum. Remember there is no "deal of a life time", only great deals for you and they come and go.

 

[jdlough]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Burgh,

You sound bummed cuz you wanted a little fishing boat, and your wife's making you buy a bigger family boat?

Are you nutz? This is a GOOD THING! Anytime a wife says, "We're gonna need a bigger boat", that's good. (Same with TV's)

I think you should try to find an outboard powered Dual Console boat. A DC boat is basically the same thing as a Bowrider, except it's a more serious boat, more geared toward fishing. A Bowrider usually has carpeted decks and vinyl cushions everywhere. A DC has fiberglass decks, usually self-bailing decks, often has livewells, rod holders, and is much sturdier. They are meant to live outside. Any cusions are removable, so you can just bring them (and any removable electronics) inside for the winter, leave the boat on the trailer uncovered for years, and all is still ok. (You may not want to actually do this, but what I mean is there's a much better chance that there is no deck or stringer rot in a DC as compared to a normal bowrider)

At the bow, there's comfy seat cushions, but when you wanna fish, you can just leave those cushions behind, and stand on the seat platforms to cast.

The site won't let me upload pics of my boat due to maintenance or whatever, but my avitar pic shows my 1997 SeaSwirl 2100 DC with 175HP Johnson, which I got for $6k. It's great for fishing, tubing, family, etc. The self bailing deck is a HUGE plus.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Seems many of the replies I get on requiring more info about the boats are...come out and take a look at it...Functions as is... Sorry no other pics.... If you want to see it I can send the address.
To me that is a waste of time and gas that end up being worth more then the boat itself.
I refuse to do with out knowing more about the boat, so i can research what i can, along with all the help everyone here has offered here.
Until i get information I feel is worth my time, the search shall continue!.

The seller that says "Come and have a look and form your own opinion", is probably more honest than the guy that says, "It's in excellent shape, well maintained, and runs perfectly!", when you get there you find out the picture was ten years old and the hull is moldy and rotting.

And by all means take the Admiral, She may decide the fishing boat was not such a bad idea.
The Fish/Ski Combo boats are mostly fish but ski capable.

Think of the cost of going to look, as the price of your boating education.
It is amazing how much bigger 20 ft is compaired to a 19!
Finding out what you do not like is just as important as what you do like.

As I have mentioned to others. Work out the logistics.
Where are you going to keep it?
Many local laws require it to be out of sight of the street if kept in the yard.
Will it fit down the Driveway or in the garage?
Boats are a lot wider than cars!
Some 20 foot boats sport a head.
Sound like a good thing? Who gets to empty it?
Will your vehicle Tow it? Are You Sure!!! ???
Most smaller SUV's will not tow a 17 footer, Very few a 20 footer.
Boats are heavy. You are looking in the 1 to 2 ton range with the trailer.
Estimate fuel costs.
A 17-18 footer w/120 HP could cost $100 to operate for a full day.
A 20-22 footer w/240 HP could double that.
At 2-3 MPG you can burn 8-10 Gal per hour.
Is that in your budget?

By all means go and look at everything even remotely likely.
Don't believe a thing any seller says, Good, or Bad!
Remember, the guy selling it doesn't want it.
You may just find a jem that he describes as a junker.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Burgh - coupla' thoughts buddy:

$2 - 4K isn't crazy. I think Lipp said earlier, but I'll say again ... it's a good way to start out. But, be careful, take your time and be willing to walk away until you find the right boat.

At the moment, I think you're struggling to figure out what the right boat is. I suggest to folks all the time - go lurk at some of the dealerships and/or rent from a local marina and try stuff out. Go to the pontoon guys, be up front that you're just window shoppin' and see what you like and don't like. Run over to the fishing boats, the bowriders, etc.,etc., and just climb around and see what's comfortable. Window shoppin' can be kinda' fun. That might help solid up an idea of what you want ...

Then you can better comb the ads for what you're lookin' for.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Also, if you are swaying towards a boat that will be agreeable to your wife and family, you will probably need to think about one that has the 'restroom' onboard.

Larger bowriders usually have them in the port side console and cuddies are basically a restroom in themselves.

I was thinking about getting a 'fishing' boat as a means of getting outboard motors versus the I/O that I currently have. The issues that I found were less comforts for the crew and higher price. That is what seems to make these older I/O boats attractive - more for your $$$$

 

[Sandbank]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Some of the older makos or a grady white with cuddy cab may suit your req's and price as have room for a private head. Ones like Trophy's would suit you but may be a bit high in price unless u can locate a reposessed sale. Sadly plenty of those around. Have a look at the repo sites.Heres some links to ones I know of that does not cost to access.
http://certifiedsales.com/listing_power.htm
http://www.laniermarine.com/pre_owned_list.asp?GroupBy=&newused=U&TypeID=82 (not specifically repo does have them in stock)

Also here is a link to the NADA price guide to assist you with what older boats may be worth:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

when you're shopping for 18-12' boats in the $2-4K range, you have to live with incomplete ads, no sea trials, no surveys, and broken periferal equipment (stereo's, for example). It's a drive up, kick the tires, pay cash and drive away deal. You focus on the motor, and the hull if you are getting one of those designs that rot. The good boats in that range will sell in 1/2 a day. Grab and go. Your low price balances the risk.
your purchase price is the down payment. Be able to repower within 2 years--and hope you don't have to. Have at least $800 cash more on hand for start-up costs.
As hostage said, pick your boat BEFORE you start shopping.

on old boats, NADA is as accurate as the gas gauge--tain't.

 

[hostage]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

To add to Home Cookin's point when I really "started" looking at boats I was looking in the ~$4k range bow rider or cuddy. One was sold a couple days after I looked at it, another one was purchased as soon as I got there. It felt frustrating as people were willing to pay for boats and not even try it out, so it was hard to compete in that range. The boat I got I negotiated a new prop and took 500 off of the asking price ($7500) total.The ~$4k boats I started looking at were in very similar condition so the market seemed to price them well. They also seemed to be in similar condition and were all early to mid 90's boats w/ wood deck that was carpeted. The difference in condition and features to my 2000 Maxum was extraordinary. My g/f was not happy about me spending that money on a boat, until she saw it. Here are the features that my boat came with:

Swim Platform (some boats from 90's had them, but not all)
Waterproof Stringers (none of the boats had this, so they could rot and be more expensive than the boat was worth)
Fiberglass Liner deck (no rot on this deck, none of the 90's boats that I looked at had this)
Snap-in Carpet: It is easy to clean and remove if need be. (none of the 90's boats had this)
Upgraded Stereo (guy put in a newer stereo so I can plug my ipod to listen to music)
Newer 4.3L (190hp), - All the other older 4.3L I looked at were only 175hp
Better Hull design - Has a little step in the hull to increase performance
Head - While all the cuddys I looked at had a portapotty, this one actually had a pump out head, which is rare on a 19ft boat
Table - This boat had a table that folded out of the engine cover.
Cup Holders - This boat had a lot more cup holders, while some of the older boats had none
Modern Design - The boat had a more modern look compared to the old leftover look from the 80's and 70's
Snap On Cover - Boat came with a snap-on cockpit cover, while some of the other boats didn't
Screen on Cuddy Hatch - Helps keep bugs out
Stairway to cuddy deck - No other boats 90's boats I looked at had this feature, making it difficult to access the anchor.
Condition - Much better condition with less wear and tear than the other boats I looked at

Pictures of the boat I got for $7500:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-...I/AAAAAAAAAMU/7usNHV-dQNQ/s800/0519001703.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JCQ4L26YEVQ/TzKGQL5vnyI/AAAAAAAAANE/LMk6HSMQOqQ/s800/IMG_1342.jpg

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Burgh,

You sound bummed cuz you wanted a little fishing boat, and your wife's making you buy a bigger family boat?

Are you nutz? This is a GOOD THING! Anytime a wife says, "We're gonna need a bigger boat", that's good. (Same with TV's)

I think you should try to find an outboard powered Dual Console boat. A DC boat is basically the same thing as a Bowrider, except it's a more serious boat, more geared toward fishing. A Bowrider usually has carpeted decks and vinyl cushions everywhere. A DC has fiberglass decks, usually self-bailing decks, often has livewells, rod holders, and is much sturdier. They are meant to live outside. Any cusions are removable, so you can just bring them (and any removable electronics) inside for the winter, leave the boat on the trailer uncovered for years, and all is still ok. (You may not want to actually do this, but what I mean is there's a much better chance that there is no deck or stringer rot in a DC as compared to a normal bowrider)

At the bow, there's comfy seat cushions, but when you wanna fish, you can just leave those cushions behind, and stand on the seat platforms to cast.

The site won't let me upload pics of my boat due to maintenance or whatever, but my avitar pic shows my 1997 SeaSwirl 2100 DC with 175HP Johnson, which I got for $6k. It's great for fishing, tubing, family, etc. The self bailing deck is a HUGE plus.

Not really bummed more like overwhelmed. Going into uncharted waters i was not ready for, due to lack of larger boat knowledge. Although i have gained a wealth of knowledge from this site, i been highly impressed with the range of experienced and newb boaters with the information and advice that has been offered. Any man married for 15 years got be partly nutz! A DC boat is indeed sounding like the boat we been looking for. Will do some looking on the site and web for more info. Unfortunately i am unable to see your or any ones avatar images seems site is being buggy today.
Thank you very much for bring this type of boat to my attention!