First time boater...

[KirkDarch]

Ok I can mislead you I have owned a 14? aluminum boat with a 9.9 for the last 25years?

Questions for you ?all knowing forum members? and I have a lot of them?

Background I am heading over to the dealership tomorrow morning to finish paying for a used (2006) Senza 206 with the Volvo 5.0L MPI engine. It is honestly a little bigger boat than I had wanted for my first boat but at least used I am hoping to not get to upset the first time I scratch it. The boat itself seams to be in very good shape though it does have one small tear in the drivers seat (very small and it needed to get pointed out to me because I did not see it), and the stickers are pealing.

What I will be using the boat for? hauling around tubes and water ski?s with my wife and I and our 4 children (oldest is 14). We don?t have a cottage or live on a lake so it will be trailered everywhere, and yes my wife thinks I am crazy.

Questions:

1. Do you think this is to big a boat for my first one?
2. Any suggestions on fixing the seat or stickers (I was wondering if there are places that can paint graphics and then clear coat it? if I just peal off the stickers it will look to bland).
3. What should I look out for? do you have any advice for a first time boater?
4. What are the goods and bad?s of this year and make / brand of boat?
5. What do I need to do to transfer the hull warranty or is it even worth it?
6. I did not get an owners manual or any other info with the boat and have not been able to find one on line? do you have any suggestions where I might procure one?
7. I am so out of my depth here (yes this was a bit of a snap decision) that I am not really sure what else I should be asking? but any and all info you can provide would be helpful.

Thanks,

Kirk

 

[jmarty10]

Re: First time boater...

1. Never too small of a boat. With six on board and some friends you may catch 2 footitis. But a 19-20 footer is a real nice size and will accomodate your family.
2. Going to need to find an upholsterer for the seat. For the decals, contact the nearest larson dealer and they will be able to order new logo/decal for your particular boat. I nicked the N on my larson and they were able to re-order the decal at a cost of $75 for the entire name.
3. So you have never driven a speed boat before? Not a problem we have all been there. How about asking the dealer to do a test drive and a lesson? I had a neighbor who boated and showed me how to start her, trim her, throttle her and idle her in and out of the dock for a couple hours on a weeknight. After that it was just me. I had growing pains and you will too! Ropes, life jackets, whistle, throwable, fire extinguisher, anchor and gas will get you going. Walmart will be your friend. Get some insurance on her before you take it out.
4. You said Senza so I'm assuming its a Larson. They have been around forever with a long history. Youre going to have a good solid hull which will probably be VEC which basically means one piece, all fiberglass and no wood. This is good because it eliminates floor rot. Youre getting a Volvo. I'm not and engine expert but if well maintained they last a long time. A 5.0 going to be good/adequate power for that boat. Volvos and Mercs are by far the most popular. Volvo (from what I hear) are more expensive to replace parts. Dont let that worry you if the engine is tip top when you purchase
5. Bad news here. Larson/Genmar went belly up in 2009. If the boat has the 5 to life warranty they probably will not cover anymore older boats after the bankruptcy. I know this first hand becasue I have a larson and have been fighting with them about this. Is the dealership a Larson dealership? if so they will know.
5a. Depending on your state you will need to title the boat. The dealer should be able to help you with this. If you are paying cash and owning outright I would highly suggest you title the boat and trailer in your name. Your states DNR may have a form to fill out along with a fee to transfer title and hull id.
6. Larson dealership may be able to get one for you for the cost. Dont worry about new boat manual. youre going to want engine/drive info and the guys here will have that in the engine forums.

7. Here is the best advice. Make sure the dealership and their mechanics do a 100% thourough inspection of the boat including engine, drive and hull. Its called a marine survey. There is a myriad of things that could potentially be wrong, but the dealership should have a checklist of things that they inspected. The boat should be water ready from a dealership and if something is wrong mechanically it should be noted.

 

[drrpm]

Re: First time boater...

That sounds like the perfect size for your intended use. The dealer should take you out in it and put it through its paces. Brain storm with your wife about any questions you have, write them down and bring the list with you. The only manual you really need is a 2006 Volvo manual. Ask the dealer if he can get one for you. Make sure your tow vehicle is up to the job. Have fun.