How long did you wait before buying?

[freelancer]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

About 4 months for me mainly during the winter months (didn't want to lose the season shopping), already knew what I didn't want, just had to find what I did.

Kept an eye out on the internet and the salty dog magazine, then one day it hit on Yachtworld. The first day the ad posted, I was all over it.

I got it surveyed, did sea trials and closed the deal in about a week. In the water by April 15th, I'm an early in boater...season?s too short in my region. Knowing what you want gives you an advantage when "Your boat" comes along.

BTW, I liked the idea of buying new but my wallet said buy used. Good Luck.

 

[partskenn]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

Researched over the winter, (about 3 months), than picked the largest dealer I could find, climbed up an down on about 20 boats and bought one. We closed the deal, leaving a percentage unpaid awaiting a sea trial. It worked out ok, but next time I think I would water test before signing anything.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

About 8 months. Bought a near new boat just after Christmas for half the price it would be in the spring.

 

[ziggy]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

been 4 or 5 years since i got my boat. but if i remember right. i sold my pwc in aug. and got the speed boat in sept... so only a month round abouts. what i ended up with just kinda fell in my lap. the 'ol lady is the one who spotted it. found the new (used) in iboats classifieds too....

 

[mvn]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

It depends on how many boats you have owned... The first one shouldn't take more than an hour! Reason is you don't really know what to look for, what is a good deal, or what you really need. Every boat choice after that becomes a little more focused. (my last boat took 2 years to find!)

First - 1 day
Second - 1 week
Third - 1 month
Fourth - 1 year

(I'm not kidding).

 

[Smuggler's Blues]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

Not sure how long, still looking...........I'll let ya know.

 

[sschefer]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

I don't know of anyone that bought their first boat right. I certainly didn't. I bought too small then too big then too much work and now I think I've figured it out and bought brand spanking new. Boats are not unlike cars in that when your young you buy a hot rod them you get married and by a mini van. The kids get tired of it and you get a fish and ski and finally you get yourself another hot rod then you realize what a pain in the rear they are and you buy something very practical that you can just enjoy. Size does matter especially on the last boat make sure it's big enough for you and your wife/girlfriend and maybe a close friend but no more. Any bigger and you won't have an excuse to tell others when they want to come along uninvited.

Of course you can always borrow my line when a guy calls you up and say's let's go fishing. My first response is always. Wow, I didn't know you bought a boat!. Stops them cold.

 

[jcupo6]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

First boat - 1 day.
Second boat - about 3 days.
Third boat - 1 day.
Fourth boat - about 2 months, but ended up buying the very first boat I circled on day one of my search.
I wouldn't recommend buying boats like this, but I've been pretty lucky so far... Knock on wood...

 

[Jayb123]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

Well it seems most have been patient... so thats what im gonna take from it.. I wanted to have found one by now but i also dont wanna make any mistakes.... and learn from others. I might even wait until this fall and see it anything goes on sale. I will just have to keep fishing from the banks for now

 

[mommicked]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

I started looking for a dual pupose boat,Hunting/fishing as development has taken almost all the places I once hunted and there are alot of public lands bordering lakes and rivers here.I decided a large Jon boat would suit me.I then started comparing the many companies and models.I spent 3 yrs. (to get my wife on board):redface: and find what I wanted.I wanted a CC 18 or 20 to haul friends,gear and deer safetly and at night after afternoon hunts.I also wanted a 4 stroke for quiteness and no smoke stinkin up my hunting clothes and gear.I finally settled on a 4 yr old 1860 side console that im satisfied w 4 yrs later.Its not perfect, but its as close as I could get w a 4 stroke and Its camo too!If I ever replace it, Ill get a tunnel hull so I can run the rivers and shallows w less worry about hitting logs and such.

 

[calvinator]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

2.5 yrs. I wanted a specific boat in a specific color in a specific condition at a certain time (Wellcraft Eclipse, red, diamond in rough, buy end of boat season).... I was tempted by a lot of other boats, specifically a 1978 Formula, but I stuck to my plan. Finally, craigslist had the boat... I was all over it, and told the person I am motivated with cash. I got to the boat and bought it immediately. Glad I did not settle and no regrets!

Would up with
Wellcraft Eclipse.
old man owned, but cherry condition
V8 351 motor
Red in color.
Bought in October...
price was right.

Couldn't ask for more, except another 9 ft and dual 502 motors... but that is the next purchase !

 

[produceguy]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

2 WEEKS!!!

Then i came across iboats and found out that the soft floor and rotten transom is not normal.

I get somthing in my head and I have to do it or it drives me nuts but I'm learning to take my time.

 

[raymondpickens]

Re: How long did you wait before buying?

At first glance of this thread I saw the picture in your sig and wondered why AZLO was posting that. Or in this section for that matter lol. I have personally been looking seriously since last august. I have been on various boats that I found off craigslist since then and my search quickly narrowed to a specific brand, model, engine/outdrive. Only torn between length now. Some day I will pull the trigger, that cash is burning a hole in my pocket! Oh and I was very very clear with the seller before we went out that I was not trying to waste his time nor mine. I am a serious buyer with money In hand but not going to settle and was trying to get a feel for what boat would be right for me. I dont know if anybody else does this but I offered them all plenty of money for their gas and time, none accepted but became alot more friendly about it and even had a few talk me out of their boat because I would end up with two footitus just like they did. Im sure there are a few snakes out there but I have had great luck with craigslist people being very helpful. "Maybe its just Chaparral Owners" lol j/k