Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

[MacPointMan]

Currently I am in Afghanistan I will be going on R&R during the first 2 weeks of July. I live in the Atlanta, Georgia area. I have been thinking long and hard about doing something special for my family. A boat has been on my list of things to purchase for quite some time now and i cant think of anything better than to use this opportunity to do so.

I know I want a Bowrider size really isn't an issue. I am not particular as long as the boat is in good shape doesn't need a ton of TLC (I can handle cleaning carpet and upholstery or replacing upholstery. It should run good and basically give me a few seasons of fun family outings on the lakes of Georgia. What I have seen listed are some promising prospects and have been in contact with a seller or two but what I have seen mostly has floor damage and such.

I am looking to spend anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 for my first setup. Does this sound reasonable for what I am looking for? If there is anyone int he Atlanta area that has what I am looking for I would most definitely be interested in giving it a look see as soon as I get home for R&R.

Thanks a lot for looking at my newbie question that I am sure gets asked a lot.

MacPointMan

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

I bought a boat in Roswell, GA. The boat, cosmetically, was in great shape but much of the deck and a large portion of the stringers needed repair. Just be VERY careful when looking at older boats in that area. I believe the high heat and humidity speeds the rot process as it sounds like you are finding.

1,500-3,000 is going to be a bit of a challenge to find something decent. Probably going to have to do slot of searching, and alot of lowballing to find the right combo of decent boat/your price.
Good luck

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

I am finding as expected that most need some TLC and have minor to major floor issues. as far as motors are concerned i understand the are relatively easy to repair and can get expensive for the major stuff but can be pretty inexpensive in comparison when getting something used or minor repaired.

I am fine with getting something that may need a bit of work if that is all I can get in that price range so long as it gives me a season or two of good family fun before absolutely needing some serious work.

From here i figure I buy a decent boat that might need a bit of work to it get a couple or three seasons out of her then either dive head first into it and fix her up (Probably less expensive than buying a newer boat) or selling her Cheap to someone who is looking at a first boating experience if it isn't too bad and upgrade to a better boat.

Just my Newbie thought process.

MacPointMan

 

[Newbie@boats]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

I paid 700$ for my Bayliner.

Its been a great boat since the day I bought it, the only thing I did to it was clean it out, change the impeller, and have the power trim and tilt pump rebuilt....

I spent 18.00$ on the impeller
I spent 100.02$ on the power trim and tilt pump
Cleaning it well....it was free but timely.

So all together I spent 818.02$

Its been great since keeping my finger crossed

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

WOW sounds like you got a heck of a deal. Hopefully I will find something. Right now I have a few boats to look at when I get home that is if they are still available.

MacPointMan

 

[eavega]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

Having been on the prowl for a boat here in N. Georgia for over a year, I can tell you that it is a long, hard process. Folks like to overprice their offerings. . My experience is that most pleasure boat owners up around here don't give a whit about its maintenance and they abuse their boats until they start falling apart, then sell them off because its cheaper to replace than to repair. Up here we get hot, humid summers, and frequent rains and freezing weather in the winter. It truly does a number on poorly maintained boats and motors. That having been said, your best bet is to arm yourself with knowledge; know how to go over a hull and motor and don't be afraid to point out the faults of a boat you may be interested in. For my current boat, I was able to take the seller down from $1200 to $400 when I pointed out the failing transom and deck (I basically bought the rig for the motor and trailer). Along those same lines, be sure you know what you are getting yourself into when you do find something you want to buy.

-E

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

I have been in contact with a guy who has an 89 Bayliner 19 foot Capri. Needs new upholstry and the floor has some issues. Supposedly the motor runs. He has told me that he will check it out and make sure that it runs for me. it has a cover and a Bimini top that the cover needs to be replaced on. the registration is good through next year and he says he had it out on the lake last summer. The hull of the boat looks like it is in great shape from the pictures that he sent me.

I figure if I can get it for a good price and if it will give me a couple or three seasons before needing major repairs then it will be worth it. I hope to take a look at it when I get home on R&R in a couple of weeks. IF the motor runs that will be good If she performs on the water that will be Great. Fun for the family while I am home and after I redeploy in September. Then I can do a good cleanup during the off-season assess to the true nature of what needs to be done and prepare for that.

Realistic? If I can get it for the right price, I think so. Hopefully no one goes out and buys the boat before I can look at it.

MacPointMan

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

My apologies for posting a quite similar message in another thread.

After doing some searching on Craig's list and around the net, talking to a couple of boat dealers, and emailing a couple of sellers it is apparent to me that I can get a decent boat within my extended price range ($4,000 - $5,000) from a reputable dealer reselling used boats.

This seems to be the best way to find something that I can get my feet wet with. Yes I might be spending a little more money than I need to but I would like my first learning experience with a boat to be one that will not end up costing me much more in the long run.

I could save $1,000 or more buying a boat from someone who is just looking to unload the one that he has. I could end up lucky and find a gem (like a previous poster), or I could end up with a Hull and a motor that was running by a shoestring that could end up costing me a crap ton of money in the end.

After I gain some experience and learn the ways of boating and learn more about boats I can explore the old "hey ill drive 75 miles to check out your Hull I mean boat" see if it is worth anything" aspect of the hobby / activity / LIFESTYLE.

If anyone knows of any reputable used boat dealers in the north / mid Georgia area I would be more than happy to know. I can even go so far as Birmingham, Al. for the right deal and boat.

I have been in contact with Lanier Marine and Halls Bridge Marine. Both have some promising boats in the $4,000 price range.

In the mean time I am going to arm myself with as much knowledge about the subject as I can so that on 1 July when I am home I can visit these two dealers and see what they have and make a decision. Both have said that we can work something out with Lake tests and seem willing to see what they can do for me to find something suitable. I will be more than willing to hear about what you others think.

BTW my primary tow machine is a Chevy Trailblazer LT EXT with a full tow package rated for up to 4,500 Lbs that is geared for towing purchased with the Idea that I may one day hopefully be towing a boat behind her. My parents whom I am sure will get some use out of my new toy once purchased have a Yukon with full tow package so I do not think Ill have any issues with pulling anything from 18 - 22 feet in a Bowrider. Buying my Trailblazer was easy lol.

MTribe08: Thanks for your incite, I loved your restoration thread. at the end there I can see what makes it all worth while. I know every time my dad would take us to the lake and we would go out on our friends boats we had a BLAST. Even if I have to put the Adult (Mommy and Daddy) vacation on hold for a little while paying a little extra for the FAMILY will be worth it.

MacPointMan

 

[eavega]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

Just want to give you a heads up. I often see warnings about Lanier Marine on CL. Mostly about people putting deposits on a boat, only to drive hundreds of miles to find out they misrepresented the boat. I personally have dealt with Lanier Marine, but I went there in person, and knew exactly what I was getting. That having been said, they tried to get me into a boat that was not in the condition they suggested it was in. I would not suggest dealing with them long-distance, and definitely would not purchase from them or anyone sight unseen.

-E

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

Just want to give you a heads up. I often see warnings about Lanier Marine on CL. Mostly about people putting deposits on a boat, only to drive hundreds of miles to find out they misrepresented the boat. I personally have dealt with Lanier Marine, but I went there in person, and knew exactly what I was getting. That having been said, they tried to get me into a boat that was not in the condition they suggested it was in. I would not suggest dealing with them long-distance, and definitely would not purchase from them or anyone sight unseen.

-E

Thank you for the heads up on Lanier Marine.

http://www.laniermarine.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=02172663X6K19K2010J1I03I24JAMQ3441R0&veh=684483&nv=y A listing like that one makes me nervous. Basic Carpentry skills. I don't know but it looks like they pulled up the carpet to check the floor. It is a contender maybe its a decent boat but I cant be sure till I get a look at her and see if they will let me take her out on the lake. Seems like they may have had this boat a while and no one bit on it.

http://www.laniermarine.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=02172663X6K19K2010J1I03I24JAMQ3441R0&veh=1673932&nv=y
This one (If it is still there) is a definite contender. especially if I can get them to slide a little on the price. There are others on their website just like this that are quite nice looking that i would like to take a look at. Pick out maybe one or two to get a lake test with and make a decision.

I fully planned on taking a trip up there when I return to look at a couple of boats. These guys seem to keep the running motors in the boats they intend to sell. IF the boat doesn't sell they will pull the motor and sell it or out it into something else.

The guy I talked to at Halls Bridge at Lake Jackson seems a bit more reputable in his advertisement at least.

I have absolutely no intention on buying or putting a deposit down on anything sight unseen. I plan on using my first day back checking boats out physically. It all depends on the inventory that is available at the time.

Now that I know to check the Transom, Floors, what to look for in the motor and the outdrive I am in a much better position to deal. The only thing that I need to be sure of is boat values.

Again I am all ears for anyone who knows of any reputable used boat dealers in the north / centeral Georgia area. Or of anyone who is selling something decent in the area.

Thanks again for your help

MacPointMan

 

[mhg]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

One item to look for is no wood no rot ads.
There are many builders that have transitioned to the no wood building
Also some builders that build this way do have older boats with wood inside
My 91 Key West is a good example, K.W. started there change about 92 or 93
If you can find one without wood, it is usually a plus as this will eleminate most of the soft spot issues. One other thing to remember is Do Not get in a hurry to purchase. Take the time to research and inspect, 2 weeks is a very short time period to find and purchase a boat. Then try to get some use before leaving.
Good luck Mike

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

Try Traderonline.com they are pretty good. And welcome home.

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

Thanks for the tips. Any idea on what manufactures make and models of boats that were or went to the no wood construction. I would imagine that would push the price and value of a boat much higher.

As states before I know whatever I buy is not going to be perfect. She wont be the shiniest and the newest the fastest or the best boat on the lake but she will be Mine. Thats all that matters. No boat payment.

When I head up to Lanier Marine I shall go with wooden mallet, rag, and checklist in hand. Though it seems that what they do sell with running motors is in pretty decent shape. I however will not know until i get to see for myself.

I am arming myself with as much knowledge as I can prior to my getting home. This has been a HUGE help. Thank you all for your tips and advise.

MacPointMan

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

Just got an E-mail from a guy I have been talking to about buying a boat from. He told me that he was going to try and start her up for me and see how she runs. I hadn't heard from him in a few days so was about to write him off, today he e-mailed and told me that he took the boat into the shop to have a new starter installed and was going to have them do a mechanical once over on her to verify her condition. He even gave me the name of the shop that he took it to.

Feeling much more confident with this guy and the boat. Obviously i wont know much more till I get a look at her but this turn of events makes me feel much better about this guy and the boat.

MacPointMan

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

There is not ONE online posting from Lanier Marine that is accurate. They have hundred of postings and many of them are from many years ago. I drove quite a few hours out of my way on a trip home to look at some boats that looked GREAT online. I got there to find many boats on blocks with a rotted EVERYTHING and others on junk trailers with rotted everything.

They usually have a very few amount of boats that are in useable condition(in their front storage lot). Everything else(the thousands of boats behind it) has rotten deck/stringers/transom and has been sitting in the rain for years, but their online postings make the boat look decent.

I was quite upset with them and their misrepresentation of ALL of their boats. Its really not one or 2, its EVERY single one they have posted online.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

If you want to get on the water cheap...with minimal fuss (and potential for financial disaster), I recommend an aluminum hull with an outboard motor. Aluminum boats have metal stringers so even if the deck is rotted out, it can be as quick as a weekend project to replace. The transoms slide in and out fairly easily as well so that's not a huge project. Inboard/outboard motors and drives can be costly if you have to catch up on a fair amount of deferred maintenance thus my outboard recommendation.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

If you want to get on the water cheap...with minimal fuss (and potential for financial disaster), I recommend an aluminum hull with an outboard motor. Aluminum boats have metal stringers so even if the deck is rotted out, it can be as quick as a weekend project to replace. The transoms slide in and out fairly easily as well so that's not a huge project. Inboard/outboard motors and drives can be costly if you have to catch up on a fair amount of deferred maintenance thus my outboard recommendation.

I would definitely 2nd this. I got in a bit over my head with mine and shortly after discovered all the aluminum boats that would've been perfect for what you and I were looking to do with a boat.

Your needs are identical to what mine were. If I could go back in time, I would shop very hard for an aluminum hull boat with a good transom.

What mos?

I was an 11b in the 82nd now I'm in flight school

Edit: I just looked at the boats you linked, both were in their yard when I looked in the end of April. So they've been sitting in the rain/uncovered since at least then.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

While I know you want to find a boat during R&R(and I probably would try silly hard too) your honest to God best bet is wait until you're back in september. You'll find a lot more boats on the market at a better price than mid season right now. Finding a boat in good condition for minimal money is a hunt that will usually take a month or two of scanning craigslist daily. The good boats usually sell in hours on there.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

Can't really help you on your quest to find a boat, just wanted to say thank you for serving!

 

[sbbamafan]

Re: Looking For My First Boat in Atlanta Georgia Area

The previous poster stole my thunder....thanks so much for your service to our country.

I too am in metro Atlanta (Roswell) and spend as much time as I can at Lake Lanier. What part of town do you live in? If you want to pm me an email address I will keep my eyes and ears open for you. I should be on the lake on Saturday (maybe tomorrow too). I may contradict some of the things that have been said in that I think you are MUCH better off buying from an individuals than a used dealer. Many people are regrettably discounting their boats due to necessity. I searched for many months to find the right boat and my patience paid off - it has been wonderful and I have owned it for 10 years next month. I saw many newer, more expensive boats that were totally abused, neglected and overpriced.

I know you are eager to get back and jump right into boating but I will make a suggestion or 2 so you can go boating but you dont rush too fast into quick (potentially bad) decision. At Lake Lanier Islands and/or Holiday Marina) they rent boats. Do this first to sort of get it out of your system. Another option is the Freedom Boat Club. I am generally not a fan but I think they are hurting for members in the current economy. You might get them to do a deal for the rest of the season or maybe 1 year while you are shopping.