New Boater

[v8mgbal]

Hello to all. I am new to boating as in I had a small jon boat with a trolling motor when I was younger. I thought this would be a good place to start as I will have lots of questions so bear with me. I guess my first question is where do I start looking and I don't want a big boat so like maybe 14 to 17 foot range and would I be better off with new or used and mostly I just want to ride around with my wife and another couple and do some tubeing or fishing but not a bass type boat. thanks in advance.

 

[Thad]

Re: New Boater

Welcome aboard.

There are quite a few different boats to choose from for what you are wanting to do.

Look up "fish and ski" I know 17 1/2 are pretty common around my neck of the woods. Might be right up your alley.

Good luck and don't be shy to ask anything.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: New Boater

Welcome aboard.

I was in the same exact scenario about 4 wks ago. Ended up with a 185 Bowrider in my sig. New has it's advantages and Used has it's advantages. Depends on how mechanically inclined you are as well as are you willing to fix issues that could crop up. Either way there is a plethora of information on this site. What Thad said about the Fish and Ski boat is a good start.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New Boater

Find an aluminum hull with an outboard motor. That's one of the cheapest ways to get out on the water with the least chance of financial disaster. Welcome to iboats!

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: New Boater

Thanks for the welcome and input. do they make an aluminum runabout or bowrider. also if I find a cheap fiberglass boat and outboard motor what are the bad things to look for thanks in advance.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New Boater

They sure do! Check out the Starcraft section of this forum to see some of them. Or check out the SS link in my signature below.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: New Boater

Welcome to the sickness!!!

 

[nuboat2me]

Re: New Boater

Thanks for the welcome and input. do they make an aluminum runabout or bowrider. also if I find a cheap fiberglass boat and outboard motor what are the bad things to look for thanks in advance.

HI and welcome!!!

Lots of info here.. You just have to take what you feel is important to you and chuck the rest.

As far as older fiberglass boats, unless you get a "Cream Puff" and there are some out there, you will be looking for stress cracks, spider cracks, shoddy floor repairs, soft floors, rotted stringers and potentially the transom. The restore forum guys love these older Fiberglass boats.

I have a work in progress I am goint to tackle this winter.

However, I do agree that a Tinny with an O/B may be a great starter boat. Easy to repair and work on. The Starcraft guys here love the older tin runabouts.

I am looking for a tinny now. Hope to find one soon before the season is over. I do have the boat in mysig and love it!!! Just want a Tinny to resurrect.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

J

 

[lncoop]

Re: New Boater

Welcome to the sickness!!!

Yep.

Once you're in this family, there's no gettin' out.
-Tony Soprano

 

[RobbyA]

Re: New Boater

Welcome,

I am one the fish and ski boat guys. They fit most every need for me and my family. All I can say is sit down with a cold one and start reading threads, then you will know what you want and what to look for. There is a TON of info on here.

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: New Boater

Thanks for the info guys. I really like the starcraft SS that is kinda what I had in mind and I do like the fact that there aluminum as they are easier to repair. I guess I need to do some research and kick some rudders and see what I like thanks all