How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

[Navy Jr.]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

I decided my boat would be a retirement gift to self. New to boat ownership, but knew enough about boating and maritime rules from days when Dad was in the Navy.

Researched for months to decide which one to buy. Determined it to be a Lund Fisherman on a trailer with swing-away tongue. Looked and looked for used. Only found one that was close, but it was old and had no records.

Not getting any younger. Visited dealer and priced out new. Good discounts and a number of additional things thrown in (extended warranties, some electronics, etc). Decided to wait until the following spring. Went to Minneapolis boat show that winter and found same dealer and salesman. Deal got even better. Ordered one in color scheme my wife picked out. Took safe-boating course just before taking delivery of said boat.

Yep, paid too much. Brother-in-law the tournament fisherman says I done good. Get lots of comments at the ramp. I baby the thing and have all of the service records. Soon after getting it I wondered to myself just what the h*ll I had done, but after almost 50 outings and lots of fish, have no regrets. "Sweetheart" is part of the family. Love it; have had a blast. So far, so good!

 

[91whitestang]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

craigslist here

Went to see it, couldn't get it started when we got there so figuring it was a starter or soleniod or something, so right away he knocked off $700. Then I noticed a loose wire, that was the problem, so we then took it out for a test drive. Asked him how much now that it does run, he says well I'll still take that price that he offered me before and was throwing in the lifevests, ski's, tube, rope, cover, anchor, ropes, oar, pretty much everything I would need and says I'll take less but I can't go much lower. I felt to bad for the guy already as he told me he was unemployed and wanted to buy another boat and this and that for excuses, that I couldn't get enough balls to try to ask for even less than what he agreed on when it didn't run and didn't come with all the extras. Got a good deal, and just had to buff it out a little, looking good now!

 

[robert graham]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

decide what you intend to do with the boat, what you want, need, can afford and can maintain, do you want the boat to look good or just be functional, where will you use it, how often, where will you store it, are you a natural "mechanical type" who likes to work on motors. I have a large green aluminum jon boat, not pretty, but very functional, almost no wear/tear/maintenance, sits in the weather, touch it up with a can of camouflage paint...now to me that's pretty! my wife ran it into the dock, no big deal! think what you want before you reach for your checkbook! Good Luck!

 

[marlboro180]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

Well, my Dad is a great bargain hunter! He haunts all sorts of back roads and re-sale shops like Goodwill, etc. On one of his outings he calls me and asks what I thought of a 16' glass boat with a Merc 650 on it for a couple hundred bucks. From Goodwill!! Not being much of an outboard guy, I said sure, buy it anyway. I'll help fix it up..
Turned out to be a lesson in how to repair an outboard and still get along together.. Had a lot of fun with it but Dad had probs. with the manual trim of the motor. He can't lift much anymore.
Anyway, we spent a year with it and really had a lot of fun together, mostly wrenching on the thing. We decided to upgrade to something a little easier for him to run solo if he chose to, so began my search...

Ended up with a 18 footer with an i/o off CL. Test drive on the water included. Too big for his minivan to trailer, so we just go together. Its had its share of problems, but that's ok with me and Dad.

I guess I get to blame him for owning a boat again!

 

[freelancer]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

Well after spending a little over a decade working on boats ranging from those that you can live on for weeks at a time to day boats, I finally finished night school at the university and it was time for a new line of work. Together as a family we discussed that when I got out of the business of working on boats we would buy something for recreation. Well my idea was something like a runabout that I could tow around and store in the driveway but when the wife was finished with her input, we wound up with a cruiser...hey I happy if she's happy. Did the research on the internet and wound up finding the boat on Yacht World. We took a day trip to NC to look at the boat, had it surveyed, purchased it and then had it trucked to Jersey. We ended up with a 2001 Larson 270 in great shape. And that's how I came to own my boat. ​

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

Always wanted a boat but wasnt always in a financial situation to own one. I bought my first boat on a whim and the condition of the boat was not that great. I fixed up everything but the deck and sold it to a guy for what i paid for it. Then after becoming more wise my other boats I searched for a few months for deals on the internet(mostly craigslist) my latest I found a boat for a great price. On the sea trial it wasn't running correctly and I could tell it was the carbs(guy didnt know). Threw a lowball and he reluctantly accepted(already had another boat and didnt seem to care). 88 18' winner fish ski with a merc xr4 150hp for 1,700 came home with me carbs cleaned/lines changed and runs like a champ.

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

I didn't find my current boat, IT found ME!

A few years ago I had a '69 Grew runabout, 16', that my dad bought used when I was a kid. It had a 65hp Evenrude o/b on it about the same vintage. My dad passed away when I was 15, and the boat sat in my mom's yard for several years until I settled down in a place with enough room store it myself and started using it. Although it was better than nothing, it was old, tired, and in need of a complete resto that I just couldn't afford.

Fast forward to about 5 years ago, and I was with my father-in-law doing some work for a friend of his (who also had known my parents for years) that had a stroke and had a hard time getting around. We did some yard work, cut some firewood, etc. etc. While having a frosty beverage at the end of the day, the conversation turned to boating. He mentioned he had a boat sitting in his shed that he had put there 10+ years ago because it had a leaking fuel tank that was built-in under the floor.

He had originaly planned to cut out the tank and repair/replace it fairly quickly, however he just couldn't seem to find one of those 'round-tuit' things and the project was OBE. (Overtaken by events) A few years passed by and then he had his stroke. Afterwards he was not able to do much serious work due to strength and co-ordination issues so the boat continued to gather dust.

Knowing I am mechanicaly inclined and loved boating (and broke!) he then made me an offer I couldn't refuse. He said; "You get the boat out of the shed and take it to your place. If you think you can fix the tank and get it running again, I will pay for all the parts/materials and you can keep the boat at your house to use whenever you want. All I want is that it's kept ready to go and my wife and I can take it out when we want to." I almost knocked the table over in my haste to shake his hand and seal the deal!

I then found iboats, posted on here about the 'resurection' of the boat (fuel tank, dry-siezed engine, etc. etc.) Got her going again and it's been a great boat to use. About a year ago my friend (who had only used the boat maybe 2 times over the last 3 years) was continuing to have health issues and could no longer drive or operate the boat. I took him and his wife out for a couple of trips as I knew he liked just being out on the water, and on the last trip he said; "I don't think we're gong to be using the boat anymore. Tell you what, give me a dollar and it's yours."

I still can't thank him enough for his generosity. I did manage to get him a great deal on a new furnace through work and donated my labour for the install and my wife (who is a nail tech) gives them free manicures/pedicures.



Wow, that was alot longer than I thought! Sorry for the wall-o-text!

 

[OldePharte]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

While my old boat was on Craigslist, I searched many online sources for a newer pontoon. I could never find what I was looking for, so I went to most of the local marine dealers around the lake area. After narrowing down the choices to three, I took the Bosslady to see them. The one we really wanted was somewhat pricey but the dealer said he was willing to work with us. As, after a while, we felt that he was jerking us around, and not budging on the price, we went with a dealer who really lowered the price as they needed the $$ for the 2010's coming in. I did have to lower my expectations on the power as I wanted a 225, but settled on a 150.

Can't complain about the purchase as it is the only one like it on the lake.

 

[PowerAddict]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

got my first boat when I wasn't even looking for one. Found the 16' trihull with trailer, skis, vests, ropes, tube, for 250 bucks. Said it needed a lower unit. Turns out it needed a manifold. I picked up an entire outdrive for 140 bucks. picked up a manifold for 50 (scouring the web) Sold the upper for 300 and the lower for 200. Ran the boat for a summer, had tons of fun, but needed something bigger, so I sold it for 1500.

Scoured the web used Ebay and craigshelper to search within 1000 miles. found my current boat in atlanta, GA. Called the guy in the morning, asked him tons of questions, and we left Minnesota that night to go get it, it was risky cause even if it were a heap, I was buying it regardless. He was asking 2000 with the trailer, Got it for 1700, I probably have another 600-700 in it and have a nice 26' boat! It needs some stuff still, but I've been using her and she's running great! Can't go wrong with that.

I sure love this site, because none of that would have been possible with out it!

 

[nitsuj]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

I had been looking for a boat for the last few years. Not looking hard, just sort of looking. I buy things by being patient and waiting until a really good deal comes along. Plus, I like old sort of odd stuff. Cars, motorcycles, whatever. So this friend of mine has been calling me once a month for a year or so. He knows a guy with a neat old boat for sale. The guy with the boat is an old friend of my dad's from the old days. I kept not having enough time to go look. Then I got laid off and told the gentleman I wasn't in a position to buy a boat. He told me he wasn't interested in money as much as he was getting the boat out of his garage and knowing it went to someone that would appreciate it.

I did a drive by and saw it with the cover on. I was convinced I didn't want it. It looked ugly to me. Weird teal color. Funny shaped hull. After a few more calls asking me to come take a look, I finally decided to humor the guy. I took my dad, and the friend who'd been calling me on the boat owners behalf. I knew the crusty old coots would enjoy shooting the breeze. I told them on the way over that I was just looking so the guy would stop bugging me. No way I wanted that ugly old thing.

So we got there and removed the cover. Under is sat an extremely clean 67 Johnson Surfer. Unrestored, all original, and in need of nothing but a clean and wax. I've posted pics in another thread. Hooked to the hose the old Buick V8 fired to life and purred smooth as can be. Sat on the OEM Johnson trailer that had been converted to a tandem axle. Seats not cracked or torn. Floor solid. All the lights worked, the horn, blower, pump, everything worked. Never been left over night uncovered. Never been stored outside. Kept in climate controlled mine in the winters. I'm talking clean here. Price was more than right. Thia happened this past Monday. So now it sits in my yard awaiting weather and time for me to take it down the river to check it out.

I still think it's ugly, but ugly in a sort of cool retro way. Like a big old Caddy of the same vintage. I've always wanted one. I don't like the lines really. I just think they're sort of funky cool. If that makes sense.

 

[mddubya]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

I found my boat either here at iboats, or boattrader? I was looking at almost identical boats on both and can't recall which one I saw it on.

I had wanted a boat forever, having grown up on the water with my Dad in his boats. But SWMBO would never agree. Finally one of my best friends bought one and a lake house and invited us out. SWMBO agreed to go to the lake house, but not out on the boat, She doesn't swim very well. After a few frozen strawberry daiquiris she finally agreed to get out in the boat. We hadn't been out 15 minutes and she looked at me and said, "we gotta get one of these".

Sunday night when we got home I jumped on the computer and began my search. I found the one I bought on Lake Sinclair, south of Atlanta. Numerous emails and phone calls later and we were headed to check her out. Turns out the couple we bought it from had purchased it brand new and it had always been kept stored indoors. He had meticulously maintained it and it only had 105 hours on it. Even the Teak wood trim looked brand new in the pictures, (over 50) he sent me.

They took us out on the lake for over 2 hours telling us how they had loved the boat, but once their kids had grown they had upgraded to an off shore fishing boat. They decided we would give their baby a good home and agreed to sell it to us. When I asked what it would take to take the boat home he asked me if I'd give him $2000.00? He had initially asked $4500.00 but said they liked us and wanted us to adopt their baby. I almost ripped the pocket off my jeans trying to get the money out before he changed his mind.

We've had it over 5 years now and still love it, now if I can just get this stern drive fixed and the floor replaced.

 

[another toy]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

found it in neighbors yard. begged me to take it free. 16ft mitchel with 70 evinrude needed new floor that he removed. brought it home when the wife was working within 2 hrs had the motor running. then googled redecking boat found I-boats website researched fiberglass fourms. thanks to all the info on here redid deck last week now all I need is some seats.taking out for a trial run tommorow. Wife still doesnt take to me which gives me plenty of time to work on the boat

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

I was given a boat by a guy who owed me money. I think he bought it for $1000. It was a 1975 Cuddy.

One day, I was towing my Jeep home from the park when my friend in the Jeep behind me called to tell me I lost a bearing cap from the trailer. Knowing that there is a Cabelas and a RV dealer at the next exit, I pull off for a replacement bearing cap. Go in for a $3 part and left with a 2008 Maxum 1800mx. Oh, and a bearing cap... I traded in the Cuddy and was given $2000 for it towards the new boat.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

Boats #1-4 where gifts from my Grandfather.

Boat #5 bought from a yard with a sign on it. (main highway)
Boat #6 bought from a yard with a sign on it. (was a side street I used as a cut through).
Boat #7 - bought from Sports Authority new in 95' (just a jon boat)
Boat #8 - bought from my neighbor (was sitting in her yard and asked her if she wanted to sell it).

I have never bought a boat advertised on ebay, craiglist, boat trader or newspaper...

All of mine have been drive bys except for the jon boat! LOL

Current boats owned are #7 and 8

 

[MRS]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

My wifes Grandma lives in Havasu Az. and we always stop in and see her when we are there. Our old boat 1969 clean 17ft. Her neighbours were selling a boat she called and said you guys need a better boat I bought this one if you want it for what I bought it for you can buy it. I went and looked at it and it was just what I always wanted in a boat Thank God for Grandma'sP.S. we gave our old boat to our kids and they love it......

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

It was my dads boat but my family and i had so much memories on it that when he offered it to me and my wife we grabbed it. Its all the boat we need for now.

One memory was my wife bailing over board when we ran out of gas and pulling us into shore. Lets just say the Italian made paddles were not what they were cracked up to be.

 

[madurodave]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

lost a 1993 19' Chris Craft! I was sick. Guy was asking 8500.00, I offered 6k cash right then. He said 6500 was his lowest. Called the next morning, it was sold!

Later that weekend, I had been drinking and low balled a craigslist ad and the guy bit. got a hellva price fpr a helluva boat! THATS CL!

 

[jash1178]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

I knew what I wanted and only had $1,500 to work with from the start. Then some unexpected expenses came up and brought my budget down to $1,000. I had lost all hope at this point. I wanted something smaller that was not to bad on gas and wanted a semi flat bottom at least as I go out on the coastal sounds in NC where there is alot of shallows. I looked on ebay and craigslist and found alot of junk for $500-1,000. Then on Craigslist I found my boat but had not yet gotton my tax return (was expecting it in a week or so). So i contacted the PO and went out on a limb and asked him if he would take a deposit and hold it and he agreed to a $100 deposit. The boat was 4.5 hours away so a friend and I who is very knowledgable in motors and boats went with me to see it. The PO was a wealthy guy and had outgrown the boat and just parked it there and it sat for 1.5 yrs. He paid cash for a brand new 25' boat and this one had to go and he said that the Evinrude 48hp on it runs but he wouldn't depend on it as it is 20 yrs. old. The boat was immaculant, a 15' center console with winsheild and all. Brand new controls and had been serviced and maintained proffessionally every season. A week later I picked it up, had my mechanic break the carbs down and I put new springs on the trailer, it runs like a dream for $1,000.

 

[erie_guy]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

Found the boat we wanted at the Cedar Point Ohio, in-the-water, boat show and fell in love with the boat's size and style. Because we could not afford a new boat, I searched for a similiar boat on the internet. After a couple of weeks, I found a "sister ship" on sale in Texas that was a "repo. boat". The asking price ($50K) was right so after some negoation, we secured services of a Texas surveyer to inspect the boat. It was located at the American Yacht Sales Repo Boat Super Center just south of Houston,Texas.

After receiving a satisfactory survey, (just a few issues with accessories), we arranged payment and transportation to Lake Erie. The boat had been repossessed in Minnesota and shipped to Texas for repo sale. The boat was delivered for $2400. using a 3-axle trailer and a Dodge P.U. with a diesel engine. Delivery driver said the boat trailered well at 60+ mph. That was 5 years ago and we have been happy with the boat ever since. We had to replace batteries immediately, but since have added windlass, A/C, full canvas, GPS plotter, and a marine radio. Previous owner had installed a 2000+ watt sound system that is still operational but used infrequently. He apparently was a party guy that rafted up and did not use the boat for anything but a "chick magnet". The microwave and coffee pot were unopened and new.

Three years ago we took an 800 mile cruise from Port Clinton, OH to the thousand island area of St. Lawrence sea way - returning via the NY canal system. Boat ran great for all three weeks of the vacation and at a 30 mph cruise we got 1.4 mpg. Two years ago we cruised up to Lake Huron via the Detroit river overnighting at Port Huron and observed the Sailboat race to Macinac Island - some party !!

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: How Did You Come to Own Your Boat?

in 1990 my boss was trading in the 1957 LoneStar Eldorado with 1964 Evinrude 90hp StarFlight and original trailer. he was buying a new ski boat for his kids. The dealer offered him $500. trade in for the LoneStar. My boss told him "F...You, I would rather give the boat to someone who appreciates it than sell it to you for $500."
He knew I loved to fish and told me I could have it. I called my brother and we drove up to Lake Texoma that night and brought it home to Grapevine. Took it out the next day after work and drove it all over the lake.
In 1994 I purchased a brand new 1994 Evinrude 115hp = steering , tach, controls. I had spent more time and money trying to keep the old motor running than enjoying the boat. I was trying to sell the old motor for $450. and had a young guy come look at it who really liked it but was short on funds, He was restoring an old 1960s wooden Chris Craft. After a two weeks and several lookers and no takers I had to get rid of it and called the guy back and told him he could have it for free. good karma. Still enjoy the boat.