Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

[Boat Tyro]

Hello everyone,<br /><br />The title is a bit of a give away but I am looking for some advice for the sort of boat I should buy. To put you in the picture, I am planning to retire shortly, probably to Florida or South Carolina. I haven't yet finally decided where but I am working on it.<br /><br />Anyway enough about me. I am looking to get a boat that I can use either in the open sea (on a calm day) or up the inter-coastal waterway to visit friends and maybe even commute to my office (when I find it). It might be useful to be able to Ski with the grand kids but that is not a number one priority.<br /><br />So the questions. <br /><br />1. Am I mad?<br />2. What sort of boat should I get? 15' or 200'(only kidding); Inboard or outboard etc.<br />3. Cabin or no cabin?<br />4. What questions should I be looking to ask the vendor?<br /><br />Sorry to be such a dummy but any help would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />BT

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

the skiing part is where you'll have to comprimise, in my opinion. you don't mention fishing, so i'll assume that's out. i think you want something between a 24-28' cruiser. but in florida, i'd rather have an outboard to help fight corrosion. for some reason a power cat comes to mind, especially when you said commuting. a cat will offer you the best ride possible. you could get a 26-28' cat with twin outboards and be set for the ocean, cruising, and commuting.

 

[danie]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

In the boating world it is essential to do ones homework before a purchase as a wrong decision can cause endless frustration and expense instead of bringing happiness and a taste of the good life.<br />In my opinion first decide what the budget can accommodate, add 50% for unforeseen expenses within the first year, decide on a new or a used rig and then have a look at what is on the market in the different categories (skiing, fishing, commuting, speeding, showing off-ing etc.) in that price range.<br />Get the feeling of the rig, is it towable, liveable, manoeuvrable etc. and speak to owners of similar rigs.<br />Decide and stick to your guns.<br />Good luck!!<br />D

 

[KCook]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

If you're not going to overnight in the boat I would think you could forget the cabin. Wait til you are settled into your new locale to start looking.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Straightup]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

Damdan, Your first sentence is very true and profound, well said.<br /><br />I agree with Mattt.. on the outboard.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[QC]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

I was going to say the same thing as Captain Cook on the cabin, but then rememebred the Florida thing. Isn't AC pretty common there? If you need to get somebody out of the heat, you may actually want the cabin. Is there a Grandma in the picture?<br /><br />BTW, I really like matteee's quick jump to the Cat. Seems to fit your list well.

 

[Boat Tyro]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

Thanx guys keep it coming. Years ago I was gonna buy a Pitts Special and went to a friend with 3 airplanes of his own for advice. He said 'If it flies, floats or f**ks, rent it!' I guess thats where Damdan gets his add 50% from.<br /><br />BT

 

[QC]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

Originally posted by Boat Tyro:<br /> 'If it flies, floats or f**ks, rent it!'

Damn, where were you 20 years ago. I already bought two out of the three. Maybe I can rent an Airplane.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

By all means rent a few to get a sense of what is a good fit for your interests before you turn your wallet upside down and shake vigerously in buying one.

 

[KCook]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

I've rented a few myself (boats that is ). The h**l of it is, the rental outfits usually offer the cheapest boats they can find that still float. Rental boats will not be anywhere near as nice as what you can buy. Though chartering should get you into a better class of boats than renting.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[cuzner]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

How much you looking to spend? and do you plan on spending alot of time on it.Also may be a consideration, your mobility, and general health (you said you where retiring).<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[ae708]

Re: Just Suppose I know Nothing About Boats

Boat Tyro... retire to Florida. If you come to SC you'll have to pay a yearly property tax on every car, boat, motorcycle you own. Not so in Florida.. and no state income tax there either. SC will tax you to death. I am going back to Florida just as soon as circumstances allow it. I lived there for 18 years.... love it!!