Frist boat in my life

[davi65]

Hello every one!!

I read the posted about getting my first boat here this morning... I saw a boat for sale around 9k a 1994 Four Winns Vista 238.

Now what do I have to look for before I close the deal ? I like this boat have this cover on top and I believe will help my family.... they all ways complaint that is too cold out side.

Now can some one help me here and tell me is that too old ? the boat has been on fresh water as a Engine model 5.0 EFI...

Any coments will help thank you.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Frist boat in my life

That's a big chunk of a boat to buy for your very first boat. It's also 15 years old. Are you sure you want a boat that large for your first boat?

Bottom line is that you need to have a professional survey the boat before you buy it. For that money, you need that inspection, which should include an on-the-water test, which you should attend. This will cost you a bit of money, but it's worth every penny. Since it's your first boat, it's not something you should pass on. You need a non-partisan expert to examine the boat inside and out and from stem to stern. Look for Marine Surveyors in your area. Your local Yellow Pages will be faster than the internet for that search.

Then, you need to carefully compare equivalent boats and their prices in your area. I don't know what those sell for, but $9K is a lot of money for a 15 year old boat. It could be the right price, though. I don't know.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Frist boat in my life

OK, looking at that exact model of boat for sale around the country, asking prices seem to be around $15K. So, if the boat checks out fine, it's a good price. If it doesn't check out fine, it could be way too high. The survey is critical.

 

[David Greer]

Re: Frist boat in my life

please let us know the body of water where you plan to learn about boating

 

[5150abf]

Re: Frist boat in my life

Concur, that is ALOT of boat to learn in, kinda like learning to drive in a semi truck, also if you don't know anyhting about boats find someone that does and have it inspected, your dream boat could very easily turn into a nightmare.

I know a fair amount about boats and I would never buy one that big without a survey.

I believe that is a storage cover too, not used when running the boat.

Why such a giant boat for your first one?

 

[davi65]

Re: Frist boat in my life

I am buying this bout from some one out the state I live in NY the person how is sealing lives in PA about 3:30 driving. There is no problem I can go and get the boat I have a big truck.
I like the idea of have the boat inspect... I am really killing my self to make a decision about this. The owner state that the boat is excellent has no problem are all..
Let me just ask this what can go wrong ? The motor not work ? the boat be crack ? I mean I will be spending a lot more to fix what type of problem if any ?

 

[David Greer]

Re: Frist boat in my life

Ah, the eternal question: what could go wrong? Let me count the ways....
How many posts are there on this forum?

 

[davi65]

Re: Frist boat in my life

Good question I live 10 min from ocean:

check link google map...

http://maps.google.com/maps?sourcei...anal new york&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl

 

[SeanMcl]

Re: Frist boat in my life

My worthless advice: get a smaller boat. Big boats are harder to tow, harder to launch, harder to drive, harder to get back on the trailer. It's kind of like getting a dump truck for your first car.

A nice 19 foot runabout will get the family together, get you out on the water and you'll have a blast. It will be cheaper to buy, maintain and operate.

Whatever you buy, have it checked out by a Marine Mechanic, and test drive it on the water. It will get you on the water and keep you there, rather than at home posting in the repair section of the forum.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Frist boat in my life

Take a safety course and if you have any friends that boat enlist some help. Be very careful when you take it into open waters. Lake vs Ocean is a huge difference.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Frist boat in my life

I have to go with Bubba on this one. Just don't plan on Martha's Vineyard for your first trip. Go slow, learn the boat, launching and docking in a crosswind. If I was boating on the ocean, I'd want a bigger boat as well.
By the way, welcome to the forum.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Frist boat in my life

My 20' er is a pain in a crosswind to launch. I could just imagine that thing in a 20mph cross wind. Obviously doable, but it would take some skill. She's a big boat for your first, but looks like a beauty. You say you have a truck, you'll likely need a BIG truck. I'm just guessing, but on the trailer she looks to be an easy 6000lbs + trailer + onboard fuel, water, gear. Check the tow rating on your vehicle, and best of luck.

Other notes: Has an OMC outdrive. It'll be hard (not impossible) to find a shop to fix it, as parts are scarce apparently. Also, is it me, or does the outdrive look damaged?

Ian

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Frist boat in my life

Get her inspected by a good marine surveyor, do a sea trial, if all checks out then buy it.

Before you use it take a boating safety course. See USPS.org for courses near you.

 

[capped]

Re: Frist boat in my life

I have to go with Bubba on this one. Just don't plan on Martha's Vineyard for your first trip. Go slow, learn the boat, launching and docking in a crosswind. If I was boating on the ocean, I'd want a bigger boat as well.
By the way, welcome to the forum.

i went on a canada/new england cruise and their tenders could'nt even get us to martha's vineyard, stupid atlantic ocean!