First Boat

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chriswh86

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
29
Hey everyone,

First time here. Im also looking to get my first boat. Ive enjoyed tubing and fishing from friends boats in the past and im looking to get my own. Ive been told getting a small alum boat is a good idea for a beginner, but I also see decent fiberglass boats going for the same price, about 2500-4000canadian and they can tow a tubber and so on.

Im curious what everyones thoughts are for a first timers boat. Will a fiber glass with an OB be to much? Id like to be able to take friends out on a lake for a fun summer day and try out new sports, water skiing/wake boarding/tubing etc. Id also like to fish in the ocean

Thanks for your replys
Chris,
 
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itsmytimeQ4sf

Recruit
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
3
Re: First Boat

Hey Chris,

Just put my first boat in the water last week. I took a long time boating friend with me just to learn from him and get to know my boat. I have a Tahoe Q4 ski and fish 4.3 liter engine. Like you, I have been boating with friends for years on their boats and "Its my time now" is worth all the responsibility and money Ive put into it. I was really nervious to be in charge ..i.e. backing the trailor, docking the boat, pulling it on to the trailor etc. Its gonna take a few...lol more times for me to get the hang of it, but Im sooo glad I made the investment. I cant wait to take my friends out with me and hook up with the party barges for some fun and sun. Good luck with your decison.

Wanda
 
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chriswh86

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
29
Re: First Boat

wow, those are beautiful boats, are you glad you when with a bigger inboard boat?

what do most of your friends have? I like the simplicity of an alum with a 10hp or something, but I know im going to want something where I can ancor up and relax, or tube and so on.

Im just a young guy so im not going to go all out on a boat, i want to buy something out right for 5k tops. I just dont want to bite off more than I can chew.

Operational costs on motors is something else id be interested in, im mechanically inclinded to do most of the medium to basic work etc. There are a few nice 17-18ft boats for sale with merc/evenrude 110/115 boats. Perfect for tubing etc...

I wounder :)

Chris,
 
DuckHunterJon

DuckHunterJon

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 19, 2010
Messages
1,082
Re: First Boat

If you are considering a tinny, but want a bit more power for tubing and what not - consider an aluminum ski n fish from crestliner, lowe, tracker, or others. Nice combination of lightweight, durability, yet a little more get up and go than a tiller motor aluminum boat.

My other suggestion would be, don't get caught up too much in getting the perfect boat. Get into something small, that won't depreciate much and get out on the water. In the first year, not only will you learn a ton on the water, you'll also learn what you want long term in a boat.

chriswh86 said:
wow, those are beautiful boats, are you glad you when with a bigger inboard boat?

what do most of your friends have? I like the simplicity of an alum with a 10hp or something, but I know im going to want something where I can ancor up and relax, or tube and so on.

Im just a young guy so im not going to go all out on a boat, i want to buy something out right for 5k tops. I just dont want to bite off more than I can chew.

Operational costs on motors is something else id be interested in, im mechanically inclinded to do most of the medium to basic work etc. There are a few nice 17-18ft boats for sale with merc/evenrude 110/115 boats. Perfect for tubing etc...

I wounder :)

Chris,
Click to expand...
 
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chriswh86

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
29
Re: First Boat

I am thinking of something like a 17ft fiber. More on the basic beginner style. Like i mentioned, nothing above 5000 canadian. So it will give me the basics of a boat in my opinion, motor, ability to tow, cruise, have fun, seat a few friends.

I belive this will give me a good start to learning boating. Good thinking on my part?

Also, what can i expect for weight on a boat around 17ft, fiber glass.
 
emoney

emoney

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2,551
Re: First Boat

If you're mechanically inclined, you'll appreciate the maintenance ability of an outboard. Don't buy one that you're not going to be happy with, so take your time. Do like the 1st responder says and take someone with you that's had boats to help pick out your first one. When it comes to fiberglass boats, just remember that they can look nice and pretty on the outside, but be rotten underneath. You've got to check the floor for soft spots and the transom for flex. If I were to be in Canada, I'd probably search for an aluminum Fish/Ski combo with an Evinrude outobard in the 17' range. They're out there and in good shape. Good luck and keep us informed.
 
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chriswh86

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
29
Re: First Boat

thanks for the reply emoney :)

What is the best way to test transom for flex, pulling and pushing on the motor and same with using your hand?

Why is it that you can get decent fiberglass boats for 3-5000 and aluminum wise, only usually 14-16ft basic aluminums for 2-4000, mostly due to aluminum costs?

Im looking more toward fiberglass due to what I can get for my money and also what i want it to do.

Having a soft spot on a fiberglass boat floor, is that something to just walk away from? or can it be easy depending on location of the floor
 
bonz_d

bonz_d

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
5,276
Re: First Boat

I too am in the aluminum crowd for some one with no previous boating experience. Reasons being that the hulls are much less to worry about finding one that has hidden structural damage. Yes glass boats still have a lot of wood in them and if not cared for properly tend to rot, soft floors. Maintenance on an aluminum boat is usually less costly and aluminum is much more forgiving when it bumbs into things such as piers, trailers, ground. Believe us when we tell you that you most likely will hit a few things that 1st year.

Think of it this way. Even a 50 year old aluminum will most likely still be structurally sound.

Best advice, take your time, look at lots and don't be swayed by a shiney finish no matter which type you finally decide upon.
 
nrf414

nrf414

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 16, 2008
Messages
573
Re: First Boat

bonz_d said:
I too am in the aluminum crowd for some one with no previous boating experience. Reasons being that the hulls are much less to worry about finding one that has hidden structural damage. Yes glass boats still have a lot of wood in them and if not cared for properly tend to rot, soft floors. Maintenance on an aluminum boat is usually less costly and aluminum is much more forgiving when it bumbs into things such as piers, trailers, ground. Believe us when we tell you that you most likely will hit a few things that 1st year.

Think of it this way. Even a 50 year old aluminum will most likely still be structurally sound.

Best advice, take your time, look at lots and don't be swayed by a shiney finish no matter which type you finally decide upon.
Click to expand...


You can't go wrong with a Starcraft!
 
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chriswh86

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
29
Re: First Boat

Whats everyones take on an I/O setup for a newbie. What are the pros and cons to each setup. OB or I/O for a rookie capitan.

Are I/O infact easier to service/repair?
 
bonz_d

bonz_d

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
5,276
Re: First Boat

For some one with zero boating experience I don't see that it would make any difference. Both will operate relatively the same. Maint. will be much more involved with an I/O and more costly.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: First Boat

You can pull a tuber with pretty much anything. I'd say 50HP plus probably necessary for it to be much fun. If you're looking for an inexpensive boat, an aluminum hull (such as a Starcraft) with an outboard offers the least chance of financial disaster. A fiberglass boat that turns out to be rotted can be a real nightmare and an older I/O may require many $$$ worth of deferred maintenance. Of course, a careful inspection can mitigate these potential pitfalls.
 
tomslick

tomslick

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Joined
Apr 13, 2010
Messages
6
Re: First Boat

I would say its what you are comfortable with. Have you worked on lawnmowers and chainsaws then get an outboard. If you are good with a real engine than get an I/O. Has all the same componets as an automotive engine. Make no mistake, you will be working on it at some point. With your check book or with your hands. Buy as much boat as you can aford. Next year you are going to want a bigger one.:facepalm:
 
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chriswh86

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
29
Re: First Boat

thanks tomslick :) its got to be a medical condition of us eh, always want bigger
 
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HapaHaole

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Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
11
Re: First Boat

If you want an opnion, I would pass on it. Fiberglass with an inboard is expensive to fix, if needed to, and like everyone says, its hidden damage that you will eventually have to fix. If you get an aluminum boat with an outboard as your first boat, you can give it a whirl then decide what kind of option / style of boat you want. The nice thing about an aluminum with outboard is its easy to sell, I am in the process of getting my 2nd one, its bigger and has the options I want. I put my 1st one in an ad, and I got responses quickly.
What are you using to pull the boat also? the aluminum is light so you can use a standard car to tow it.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: First Boat

That Campion looks absolutely cherry. Real diamond in the rough potential there. Definitely warrants a closer look.
 
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