Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

[Overwatcher]

Hello! Greetings! I'm not a boat owner as of yet... However I plan to be within the next year. I somewhat know what I want, as far as general options, ammenities, features and the like... I don't however know what brand, length etc... and I am overwhelmed with the amount of boat manufacturers.:facepalm: I've used some resources this site has given me and I have come up with the below list.

Boat Size: Have no idea what I would need for the below options.
Boat Type: Jet boat or Power Boat
Activities: Scuba Diving, Long Trips to Islands, Fishing, live aboard
Electronics and Options: Unknown at the current time.
Other: High Speed, Fuel Efficient, Cabins or cuddies for 6, Kitchenette, Plenty of Storage, Small Live bait well, Low Drag High performance (everything stored internally), Water Tank, Water purification, water desalinization(maybe), Waste Tank, Thrusters (don't know the technical term for them).

Basically what I am looking for is a Speed boat look but functional (non luxury) for diving getting to where I want and fast.
Hull Type: I would be using it for river use as well as open waters... I was looking into V hull or the Multi V hull like the catamaran...I don't know which would be better for semi shallow river and open water stability, fuel efficiency, and speed...



Thanks in Advance!

Don

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Wow Don, you want it all... Nothing wrong with that.

Sounds like you're going to need at least 30' if you are going to hold fast to your wish list. If you really want live aboard, 35 is probably the minimum and a 40 something would be better.

For your speed boat look, you'll want to go with an express cruiser or walk around as opposed to a bridge boat.

You didn't say what your boating experience is but if this will be your first boat, then 30+ feet is probably too big. Seen a number of people come here to Florida, buy a 30 something boat, and never use it because the couldn't handle it. If its your fist boat, start with a 22 or 23' walk around, use it for a year, learn to drive it, learn what maintenance you didn't know you should have done, bang it up, learn what features you really want and which you don't, sell it, and then get the boat you want.

Either way, you have a lot of tradeoffs to consider on your wish list.

Good luck and make tge search a fun process.

 

[lprizman]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

this is what your looking for,,,

 

[Philster]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

The more things you want, the more your boat winds up doing none of the things you want very well. <<< Repeat that.

Your list will result in a boat that isn't so fast, is not so live-able, is not so friendly to diving, isn't great for fishing, doesn't make the best use of storage, etc.

Given approximately 1 million U.S. Dollars, you'd have a 50/50 shot, provided you were an experienced captain or could hire one.

With this you get into the ballpark and fulfill about 75% of the requirements:

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

First, welcome to the forum Don!
I suggest you spend time on this forum and visit boatyards in your area.
Ask more questions and narrow down your prospects.
The boat you ultimately buy will be a distillation what you now want. It won't be perfectly suited to all your needs but with proper research you'll find a good compromise.
As far as boat builders, just remember- everybody has their own opinion.
Just enjoy the ride and Keep it FUN!

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Don, whats your budget??????? Can't answer anything until we know that!

 

[Overwatcher]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

@CaptainKickback - Yes I kind of want it all minus the overpriced luxury, for example - why do I need leather covered beds or pillows??? I can understand the need for teak in a water environment...however can't see it worth the cost... perhaps a fixer upper? I actually had in mind a 30' boat now that I kind of think of it I don't really need to sleep 6 (been looking at some lay outs and such.. I think 4 would be a max number to sleep. I am looking for used as well as a reputable person to retrofit it if need be. I would like new however I am definitely NOT in that income bracket... as far as what I can afford its variable right now since it is a year off and I will be saving all year for it. But if I were to purchase right now I could afford a $300,000 boat, which will go up as I save more money to put down on it. As far as speed boat looks I like the way a either the cigarette style boat or the multi V hull Boats...I know I know those kind are expensive (from what I can see the price of new ones) I haven't been able to find a picture of an express cruiser and is a walk around like an open fishing boat or no? I have found quite a bit of fast boats but they all have very protruding bridges and I would like something more low profile.

As far as boating experience, I have none except when out with a few people about 5yrs ago. I recently moved near the river and would like to take advantage of the location. I do plan on taking boater safety courses and hopefully thru said courses I will be able to find someone to teach me even more tricks of the trade and improve my boat handling capabilities.

@lprizman - ehh no not quite it at all thank you though. Nice though... I bet that is way outside my price range lmao!

@Philster - That is exactly NOT what I want... lol I bet just the electronics in that baby would be $1mil ! No, speed functionality, outside looks, efficiency, and as far as comfort one that is functional in that area. I once came across a boat with a $30k kitchen... which I immediately crossed off my list....as well as a house boat with an "owner installed computerized electrical system" which even had its own manual drawn up by the owner... nice and everything was automated but those are two things I really don't need. I guess what I'm trying to say is compare it to buying a kit Lamborghini, used common guts and the actual engine so only things actual lambo on it were the outside shell and engine. All the seats, interior materials, guages are non lambo parts maybe out of a more common vehicle.

@FunInDuhSun - I'm hoping to narrown things down a bit within the next year! haha but yes it is fun searching for my 1st boat I've been holding back for a while as it is already. But I'm finally going to get started and get the ball rolling. I don't want people thinking I want a "Yacht Merriot" or floating Mansion... (nothing wrong with either if I win the lotto) Wish I new how to build a fiberglass or fiberglass composite boat... I mean I can do all things house remodel wise but don't know jack diddly on boats...

@chriscraft254 - Well current budget is $300k...



And I want to say thanks for all the warm welcomes and help!!

-Don

 

[Overwatcher]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

I retract my statement above about not finding any pictures of Express cruisers... I have found one... and I like the design very much!
http://boats.iboats.com/2004-fountain-boats-48-express-cruiser/587231.html

The only things I do not like about that design would be the railing on the front, the canvas top and the arch although I am sure all three have a very good purpose...

 

[Cheetah 210es]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

WOW. Think I'd be budgeting for a truck to pull that with too.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Your budget gives you lots of choices. But the terminolgy you use tells me this will be your first boat. Most people cannot handle a 30' boat without experience.

The fountain in the link you posted is meant for people who like go-fasts (cigarette boats) but want a cabin and head. They are fast, but unfortunately they don't have as much space inside as most express cruisers.

Walkaround - setup for fishing, less on ammenities the ladies like.

BTW, where will you keep the boat? In the water? Salt water? If so, stay away from I/Os. The stern drives will be a maintenance headache if kept in salt water all the time.

 

[Overwatcher]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

@Cheetah 210es - Yeah I'm either gonna buy a used work truck and trailer equipped with trailer braking system, or throw a bully dog, EBS, and upgrade my brakes of the Dodge Ram 1500 I have now (its already upgraded suspension to equal a Ram 2500) Haven't decided yet...

 

[Overwatcher]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Your budget gives you lots of choices. But the terminolgy you use tells me this will be your first boat. Most people cannot handle a 30' boat without experience.

The fountain in the link you posted is meant for people who like go-fasts (cigarette boats) but want a cabin and head. They are fast, but unfortunately they don't have as much space inside as most express cruisers.

Walkaround - setup for fishing, less on ammenities the ladies like.

BTW, where will you keep the boat? In the water? Salt water? If so, stay away from I/Os. The stern drives will be a maintenance headache if kept in salt water all the time.

Hmmm can you show me an example of what you are talking about? Also what is an I/O? The boat will be on a trailer, and will be used in both fresh and salt water.

 

[Overwatcher]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Also CaptainKickback I am assuming there are courses of instruction I can take like Private pilots and truck drivers do correct? And I definately want to "Go-Fast" lol. If I cannot find such boat within my budget maybe I can find one that at least goes 50mph and take it to a performance boat shop? But also on the link I sent ideally I would like storage compartments on the top bow....

 

[southkogs]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Hmmm can you show me an example of what you are talking about? Also what is an I/O? The boat will be on a trailer, and will be used in both fresh and salt water.

Welcome aboard Don -

Based on the above statement, can I make a suggestion? CPTKickback has an important observation - this is a LOT of boat for a novice to handle. You've got a BIG budget that would allow you to start a little smaller and build some experience up with a more forgiving craft. I would say, step down a few feet - drop a couple of bullets off the "must do" list - and look at a good used trailer boat that will be easy to handle for a season or two. Then you can trade up when you like.

Best wishes ... I'd love to be shopping in the range you are

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Ok man, 300K You showed a fountain that is in that price range, but you want to pull it with a 1500 truck, not going to happen!

I suggest you definately put a truck in that budget. So now we are down to 250K.

As said above, you have alot of budget to work with. Have you been to any boat shows? More than likely, if you go to a few boat shows you will find the kind of boat that you are comfortable with, then you can go buy a used one for half the price. The market right now is very soft, you could get 750K worth of boat for 250K.

The thing is, you sound like you have very limited knowledge of boats and even what will be required to pull such a boat. If you are looking into the footage length of 30 to 50 feet, most the beams on these boats will be to large to tow without permits. Not all, but some. If you get into a towable boat, the boat will not have a very wide beam to allow for everything that you want.

I will get a list together for you on boats I think you should start looking at and get back to you. The best way to learn on a large boat is to hire a captain to show you the ropes. Hire him for a few trips to show you how to operate all systems and how to handle the boat while docking etc.

Twins and bow thrusters are a perfect combo to allow a person to control even the largest boats with ease. But you first need to learn all the rules of the road when on the water. Take a coast gaurd safety coarse and boat handleing coarse for starters.

What river will you be running?

 

[island mike]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

THIS is what you need.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

As far as boating experience, I have none except when out with a few people about 5yrs ago. I recently moved near the river and would like to take advantage of the location. I do plan on taking boater safety courses and hopefully thru said courses I will be able to find someone to teach me even more tricks of the trade and improve my boat handling capabilities.

You are doing yourself a very serious disservice by starting with the class of boat you are looking at. You will either quickly destroy it, or will be too intimidated to use it. The EXACT same story has happened many, many times... I'd HIGHLY suggest starting with something no bigger than mid 20's or smaller. Get yourself a small pocket cruiser and play with that for a year or two. See how much you use it, and see how comfortable you are. (I'd even suggest that is far too large of a boat, but given the end goal, i'm rushing the process a little bit)

No amount of classes and safety courses can be substituted for water time.

One other thing that comes to mind... The class of boats you are looking at are not considered trailerable. They stay in their home port, usually moored all the time unless pulled out for maintenance. Anything that large isn't going to be road legal without all kinds of permits, as well as relatively limited launching locations. It won't be a standard consumer pickup pulling one either, its going to be a 1 ton or larger truck, if not a semi.

 

[Overwatcher]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

Ok man, 300K You showed a fountain that is in that price range, but you want to pull it with a 1500 truck, not going to happen!

I suggest you definately put a truck in that budget. So now we are down to 250K.

As said above, you have alot of budget to work with. Have you been to any boat shows? More than likely, if you go to a few boat shows you will find the kind of boat that you are comfortable with, then you can go buy a used one for half the price. The market right now is very soft, you could get 750K worth of boat for 250K.

The thing is, you sound like you have very limited knowledge of boats and even what will be required to pull such a boat. If you are looking into the footage length of 30 to 50 feet, most the beams on these boats will be to large to tow without permits. Not all, but some. If you get into a towable boat, the boat will not have a very wide beam to allow for everything that you want.

I will get a list together for you on boats I think you should start looking at and get back to you. The best way to learn on a large boat is to hire a captain to show you the ropes. Hire him for a few trips to show you how to operate all systems and how to handle the boat while docking etc.

Twins and bow thrusters are a perfect combo to allow a person to control even the largest boats with ease. But you first need to learn all the rules of the road when on the water. Take a coast gaurd safety coarse and boat handleing coarse for starters.

What river will you be running?

Hmm bubble popper(I know- the cold hard truth does often pop a lot of bubbles)! lmao ok ok so I was trying to avoid a new truck.. but seriously a Dodge 3500 should be able to handle a 48' boat correct? And I do agree with you on the permits (I have a commercial drivers license so I know about obtaining "Oversize" permits and what not). I want to clarify when I say live aboard I am talking for short trips of 1-2 wks max. Last time I was at a boat show was about 7yrs ago around the Pensacola area... they had more Luxurious boats then what I am looking for...and all the speed I could need but also a lot of lux I did not need, over all it was good time spent looking. I admit I do have limited knowledge but I am also very competent at things I decide to take on. I do plan on hiring a fully qualified boat captain to show me the ropes and plan on spending a lot of time under instruction before I venture out on my own. I mean after all if I am willing to throw down so much money on a boat I am just as willing to throw down a lot of money on instruction. When I learned to drive Big Rigs I had plenty of instruction, when I learned to fly aircraft I had plenty of instruction so I am willing to put money down that learning a large boat with a good instructor won't be all that hard. (Any takers by the way who would wanna instruct?) As far as to what river, I live near the TN river about 30 mins away, my house is on a truck route as well so if I did so happen to HAVE to have a Big Rig I can make it happen... (tons of logging trucks go by quite often..)

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

OK, this is the classic "more money than brains" scenario.

Fountain, Formula and maybe a few others are ones to look at . . .

Trailering a large boat? not going to happen Once you get up into the 40 foot range, those boats are handled by boat yards.

Usually we start small and work our way up. How about the ability to navigate a large boat?

 

[Overwatcher]

Re: Hello - Neub Question - Need a boat manufacturer recommendation

ok, this is the classic "more money than brains" scenario.

:facepalm: You don't know me well enough to even state that... I'm confident in my abilities, smart enough to get help when I need it as well as knowing when I need it. If I have to spend 2 seasons with an instructor before I go solo it will be well worth it (and I mean actually on the water not just classes since some people automatically assume I mean classwork). I know that when it comes to navigating a boat in the water I know next nothing... but that again is what time well spent with a Boat Captain is for...I'm not cocky enough to just think I can buy a 50ft boat, and navigate it in the water... I am confident that if I were to buy a 50ft boat and HAD to drive a Big Rig I can more then adequately get the permits, and navigate it TO the water.... find an instructor to take me out and teach me full time.

trailering a large boat? Not going to happen once you get up into the 40 foot range, those boats are handled by boat yards.

Yes you are correct as in they are handled by boat yards... with Commercial drivers licensees, and the knowledge of moving BIG things to various places... I have said CDL as well as experience moving over size things with big rigs...

usually we start small and work our way up. How about the ability to navigate a large boat?

In some cases yes, but not in all cases, I didn't start off learning on a 20' Trailer...I started out on a 53' long trailer with a Long wheel base tractor with sleep cabin. Or perhaps the ability to navigate a large Airplane...