Hello All
First time poster,
While I grew up summers on Upper Cape Cod had 14' wooden sailboat and currently own a 1986 13' Tide Runner (looks like a BWhaler and is a great boat) with a 1986 Evinrude 28HP on Buzzards Bay, I consider myself a newbie. I think I am leaning toward an older (1983+) Grady White 20'-24' which can be trailered. I am looking for advice on my next boat purchase. I listed some factors, things I do know and concerns:
1) Family of 5 plus dog that loves the water but not allowed on beach can no longer cram into 13'. We are always leaving 2+ behind
2) My Son has Cerebral Palsy (CP) and loves the water but can no longer navigate beach on his feet
3) All like to fish, all want to tube and ski
4) 1 thru 4 will equate to more family time
5) I am on a waiting list (1 year 2 max) to moor a boat in front of family cottage beach for $40/Yr. We spend 2 weeks a year vacationing and do day trips
6) Would like to spend between $0.00 - $20K (maybe more if I am swayed to a new O/B 2Stk,4Stk 150+. Ugh I am Irish and hate parting with $$$)
7) In anticipation of this purchase I bought a 1999 Lexus LX470 w/ trailer hitch last year fairly certain it can pull 4500+ lbs? I question this because no towing info is in owners manual.
My main source to date on getting an idea on pricing has been Craigslist focusing on the New England Areas. Any and all feed back is welcome and if you can direct me to specific postings that can save your fingers from typing THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Hull - while open to other manufactures I am of the mind set that if I am able to get a fair deal on a GW the resale value will assist me when I want to move up to 26'+ (non trailerable w/ my vehicle?) or have to dump it because I made a mistake....
1) Barring rain & temperature are there advantages/disadvantages to a cuddy style like GW Overnighter, Adventure, Seafarer vs. lets say Tournaments or a BW Ventura? FYI I like the newer BWhaler Ventura because of rear access transom door for my Son. Issue is not many are on the market and price is high.
2) Are there major functionality (other than cup holders....) differences from say a GW 1985 Hull to a 1992 ... 2000. Are the materials or form factor that actually make a difference
3) I read one post that weight of used boat was some 400lbs+ more than manufactures spec's thus not meeting spec of original trailer. Some suggested the boat was water logged. What about things like fuel tank, sump pump. How do I best protect myself from these things. Is there a check list that a buyer should use as a guide?
4) What am I missing
Outboard Motor - I know little to nothing about engines other than you can cut you fingers off in a snow blower like I did.
1) I have read some posts and trying to be objective it seems 4Stroke vs. 2 Stk seems like preference and price. It seems that 4s are quieter require not mixing and 2s EFI/ DFI.. are better on gas w/ a little more pep.
2) Looking at older model GW most come with engines already. My thought is call a reputable sales service shop and try to work a trade out with them for something less vintage or even new? Is this reasonable?
3) "Eying it" am I correct in estimating that minimum HP for 20' -24' would be 200HP? Which equates to about $14K new? How much should it cost to mount/ install?
4) What am I missing - Check list for buying a used engine?
Trailer - I have a trailer for my 13' and if the boat ramp was not a couple of blocks over I be hesitant to use it at all.
1) What types of trailers would be appropriate for the boat I am looking at. Names I heard are Cox, Laz... Are some better than the others? I can see the value of a power winch
2) Can you buy a trailer for a 24' but use it for a 21'....? I have heard that you may want to bring boat and boat trailer to boatyard and pay $75 to $100 and have them fork lift it in? Is it worth it?
3) Is there a check list for buying a trailer
4) What am I missing?
Pulling the trigger is easy stopping the bullet is not. Other than the trip to the Registry it was quite painless getting my 13' into the water in Massachusetts.
1) Will I run into any hurdles when trying to do the same for a bigger boat?
2) Paperwork and buyer beware wise what am I missing?
Thanks for your patients
Fay
First time poster,
While I grew up summers on Upper Cape Cod had 14' wooden sailboat and currently own a 1986 13' Tide Runner (looks like a BWhaler and is a great boat) with a 1986 Evinrude 28HP on Buzzards Bay, I consider myself a newbie. I think I am leaning toward an older (1983+) Grady White 20'-24' which can be trailered. I am looking for advice on my next boat purchase. I listed some factors, things I do know and concerns:
1) Family of 5 plus dog that loves the water but not allowed on beach can no longer cram into 13'. We are always leaving 2+ behind
2) My Son has Cerebral Palsy (CP) and loves the water but can no longer navigate beach on his feet
3) All like to fish, all want to tube and ski
4) 1 thru 4 will equate to more family time
5) I am on a waiting list (1 year 2 max) to moor a boat in front of family cottage beach for $40/Yr. We spend 2 weeks a year vacationing and do day trips
6) Would like to spend between $0.00 - $20K (maybe more if I am swayed to a new O/B 2Stk,4Stk 150+. Ugh I am Irish and hate parting with $$$)
7) In anticipation of this purchase I bought a 1999 Lexus LX470 w/ trailer hitch last year fairly certain it can pull 4500+ lbs? I question this because no towing info is in owners manual.
My main source to date on getting an idea on pricing has been Craigslist focusing on the New England Areas. Any and all feed back is welcome and if you can direct me to specific postings that can save your fingers from typing THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Hull - while open to other manufactures I am of the mind set that if I am able to get a fair deal on a GW the resale value will assist me when I want to move up to 26'+ (non trailerable w/ my vehicle?) or have to dump it because I made a mistake....
1) Barring rain & temperature are there advantages/disadvantages to a cuddy style like GW Overnighter, Adventure, Seafarer vs. lets say Tournaments or a BW Ventura? FYI I like the newer BWhaler Ventura because of rear access transom door for my Son. Issue is not many are on the market and price is high.
2) Are there major functionality (other than cup holders....) differences from say a GW 1985 Hull to a 1992 ... 2000. Are the materials or form factor that actually make a difference
3) I read one post that weight of used boat was some 400lbs+ more than manufactures spec's thus not meeting spec of original trailer. Some suggested the boat was water logged. What about things like fuel tank, sump pump. How do I best protect myself from these things. Is there a check list that a buyer should use as a guide?
4) What am I missing
Outboard Motor - I know little to nothing about engines other than you can cut you fingers off in a snow blower like I did.
1) I have read some posts and trying to be objective it seems 4Stroke vs. 2 Stk seems like preference and price. It seems that 4s are quieter require not mixing and 2s EFI/ DFI.. are better on gas w/ a little more pep.
2) Looking at older model GW most come with engines already. My thought is call a reputable sales service shop and try to work a trade out with them for something less vintage or even new? Is this reasonable?
3) "Eying it" am I correct in estimating that minimum HP for 20' -24' would be 200HP? Which equates to about $14K new? How much should it cost to mount/ install?
4) What am I missing - Check list for buying a used engine?
Trailer - I have a trailer for my 13' and if the boat ramp was not a couple of blocks over I be hesitant to use it at all.
1) What types of trailers would be appropriate for the boat I am looking at. Names I heard are Cox, Laz... Are some better than the others? I can see the value of a power winch
2) Can you buy a trailer for a 24' but use it for a 21'....? I have heard that you may want to bring boat and boat trailer to boatyard and pay $75 to $100 and have them fork lift it in? Is it worth it?
3) Is there a check list for buying a trailer
4) What am I missing?
Pulling the trigger is easy stopping the bullet is not. Other than the trip to the Registry it was quite painless getting my 13' into the water in Massachusetts.
1) Will I run into any hurdles when trying to do the same for a bigger boat?
2) Paperwork and buyer beware wise what am I missing?
Thanks for your patients
Fay
