Burgh_fisher
Seaman
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2012
- Messages
- 65
Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions
Thank you for a lot of insightful information! I have over looked the tow weight. Boater education is not required here for people born after 1982 i believe unless it is for use of a PWC. Although they do offer free classes plus the price of the book that is 29.95, i will attend with my children and wife. One can never be to safe or over educated. Operating fees and general maintenance are not going to be an issue although i am trying to avoid buying complete money pit. I will have to double check on the width of my driveway as well. Thanks again!
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.
Thank you for a lot of insightful information! I have over looked the tow weight. Boater education is not required here for people born after 1982 i believe unless it is for use of a PWC. Although they do offer free classes plus the price of the book that is 29.95, i will attend with my children and wife. One can never be to safe or over educated. Operating fees and general maintenance are not going to be an issue although i am trying to avoid buying complete money pit. I will have to double check on the width of my driveway as well. Thanks again!