New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

[mikel33]

Hello, this is long but hopefully someone can help <br /><br />I am brand new to boating. I have always had the dream of having a big fishing boat. I've taken two boat safety courses for the hell of it. I have recently stumbled upon an amazing deal that could make my dream a reality, but I need advice on what to do. I also understand that these estimates are extremely rough. <br /><br />Boat: Winner 28' 1976 Sportfisher with an inboard Chrysler 360 engine<br /><br />1. The boat is at a great price and it's 28' long. However, I'm new to boating and somebody told me that it's to big to start with. I'll never be able to afford another boat if I pass up this deal and it happens to be the boat of my dreams. Is it do-able? Can someone learn on 28 feet?<br /><br />2. The boat was last tested in 2001, and ran fine. Since then it has been untouched and I can not get any info other than everything worked fine last time it was ran. I looked at the engine and it had some orange sluge and a little water in the engine area. Is this ok? I've done some research and a rebuilt engine cost $2000<br /><br />3. The boat has no trailer and I can not afford one. How much would a hauler cost to move the boat 70 miles to a boat slip?<br /><br />4. What could happen to a boat that has been sitting outside for 4 years that might need repairs? I've heard something about the gas<br /><br /><br />5. Given the limited info about the boat (worked when last ran in 2001), how much can I estimate the boat to cost in repairs and maintinence? Aside from how much the boat cost, how much should I add into the boat loan?<br /><br />Does it sound like this boat is going to cost an extreme amount of money in repairs or should I jump on the opportunity and try to learn with a 28' boat. Please give any advice you can even if I never mentioned I needed it.. I may be forgetting something

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Hi Mike, welcome to i-boats!<br /><br />This is just my opinion, please don't take it as gospel.<br /><br />1. 28ft is about 12ft too long to learn in. A 28fter is definetly a handful in inexperienced hands. <br /><br />2. "Everything worked fine last time it was ran". That was 4 years ago. You would need to get it checked over before handing over hard earned cash. Having a figure in mind in case of a rebuild is a good idea but you need to add labor costs, FWC system repairs/maintenance, old wiring repairs, outdrive/gearbox/stuffing box repairs. If the bilge has been full of water the sump may have rust.<br /><br />3. Don't know, yellow pages to the rescue!<br /><br />4. They can fill with water and cause rot. If the motor was exposed you may have rust, wiring problems and water in the intake manifold (that's a whole different can of worms).<br /><br />5. Get it surveyed first then you'll know how much needs to be spent, otherwise it's a guessing game.<br /><br />6. Yes, but for your sake I hope not.<br /><br />Get a survey first, then decide.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Get a survey it will be one of the best things spent money on.

 

[JRJ]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Welcome to iboats. Very good advice from Dunaruna.<br />I can relate to your dream,however,my guess is the boat is in need of a lot of work before it will be ready to go fishing. Systems on boats and RV's that worked "last time", have a bad habit of not working today. If you have to finance this boat, you can't afford it. Sorry

 

[mattttt25]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

i disagree with the size issue. a jet ski can be 10 times more dangerous than a slow 28 footer, yet we give them to our kids to play with. if you truly want to learn, and you take your time, you can learn with that boat.<br /><br />as for condition, you really need to take it in steps. find a few friends that know boats and have them come look it over with you. you may decide to pass on it at that moment, which then saves you time and the hassle. if it's still something you're interested in, start pricing it on nadaguides and buc. also check out iboats and boattraderonline for comps.<br /><br />depending on the cost you're putting into it, you probably need a professional survey performed. could cost anywhere from $200-700 for that boat. hauling cost, who knows. you mention a budget for repairs and such, but do you really want to buy a boat knowing you're putting $5k into it? spending that money = less time on the water.<br /><br />my biggest concern would be you. you mentioned something about never being able to own a boat again if you passed on this one. truth? i doubt it. you want to own this boat so bad that you're lying to yourself. don't go into this believing this, or you're going to get hurt. don't be in a rush and understand a better boat will come by if you pass on this one. they always do.<br /><br />good luck-

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Well...where to start? First, what is your idea of a great price? A thirty year old boat that has been sitting outside 4 years uncovered is not worth much. It is a fact that this boat has issues that even a survey will not turn up.<br /><br />It is larger than I would recommend for a first boat. Single screw inboards have handling characteristics that are quite different from other drive types. Anyone can handle it in open water, but the men are separated from the boys rather quickly at the dock, in close quarters, low speed manuvering. I have operated boats of all types for over 40 years, and my current 28' single screw inboard still presents a challenge at times.<br /><br />Hauling costs will be minimal. With a little asking around you should be able to find someone capable of getting this thing on a trailer and moving it 70 miles for somewhere between beer money and a couple hundred bucks.<br /><br />What you may have heard about gas is the least of your concerns. When pricing this boat assume that none of the systems are operational, the engine is toast etc. If you spend half of your 10K budget on the purchase you could easily spend the other half getting her seaworthy unless you have a lot of time and good skills.<br /><br />This part is none of my business. Pay attention anyway. Even if your bank will loan you the 10K with a smile and a handshake, the boat is not a candidate for a loan. If you cannot afford to pay cash for the boat and it's needed repairs...you cannot afford the boat. This is not a comment on your financial status. What I am saying is that you need to steal the boat in order to end up where you need to be.<br /><br />FWIW...I have lost count of the number of boats that I have bought, fixed up and sold in the last 20 years. Several. Made money on every one of them. One thing I can tell you for sure is that you will never make a dime because of what you sold it for. You only make money (or end up with a boat cheaply) because of what you BOUGHT it for.<br /><br />Good luck. Post more info if you desire a longer rant......Best

 

[neumanns]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Mickel33, you don't mention what part of the country you are in. On the inland waters I am at a sesanal slip for a rig that size can run $1500 but I have been on docks in S. California Where 10k would pay your first month but not your security deposity. Make some calls on this one to check prices as well as avalibility.<br /><br />Do for your sake get someone that knows what problems such a boat can present to look it over good. someone who truly knows boats, an expirenced unbiased third party. Pay them if nessacary.<br /><br />Good luck and follow your dream until you have good reason not to.

 

[rwidman]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Let me just add that you may find it difficult to insure a boat this old. You may decide you don't need insurance on the value of the boat itself, but you don't want to go on the water without liability and fuel spill insurance. If you hurt someone you could be sued for big money. If your boat leaks fuel or sinks you will be charged for the cleanup costs. Again, big money.<br /><br />My advice for a first time boater - new boat with warranty and dealer support. And smaller than 28'.

 

[mikel33]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Thanks for the quick replies! There is a lot of good info here. If I decide to get this boat, it would PROBABLY cost me around $1000<br /><br />I like the idea of a survey and will look into that<br /><br />The reason I believe this is my only chance is because this boat was charity boat. All other boats i've seen purchased from friends around $1000 are extremely small and I am just not into bay fishing anymore.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Is the boat being sold on eBay by boatangelministries?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Where do you want to use it and for what specific purpose? Does it have to be 28 Feet? How long has this boat been for sale? (Ask yourself why has it been sitting for 4 years?) <br /><br />There are plenty of deals out there. Keep your spring enthusiasm under control and be rational when you purchase. Your "dream boat" could be your personal nightmare. There are endless problems that can crop up in a boat that age... more than you can throw cash at. <br /><br />A buddy of mine wanted a 20 year old 23 ft boat he saw last fall. He was "taken" by it's "beauty" and dreams of cruising the local waters with his wife in a bikini and going at it in the cabin. Fact was he has never owned a boat, didn't have much cash to fix or buy or insure or to run it. Top it off, he only had a small Suzuki 4x4 to pull it! As soon as I saw the boat, I new it wasn't for him. My message is: be practical and decide what you want to do with a boat first. Be very conscious what the gas costs will be...many moocho denarios the bigger you go!

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

I like the idea of a survey and will look into that<br /><br />The reason I believe this is my only chance is because this boat was charity boat. All other boats i've seen purchased from friends around $1000 are extremely small and I am just not into bay fishing anymore. [/QB][/quote]<br /><br />1. Get the survey. It doesn't just sound like a good idea...........IT IS. This will be money well spent. Get the survey, Get the Survey.<br /><br />Maybe you are setting your sights a little high. I know tons of people who started with a smaller boat in good condition and within a year or two moved on up to larger boats. <br /><br />Good deals come and go on a daily basis. Don't fool yourself into thinking this is the only one you will ever get. If you do, you could wind up buying a lemon.<br /><br />One last thing............... GET THE SURVEY!

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

GOOD SURVEY STORY HERE.....<br /><br />My friend at work was about to buy a 1978 Carver with a new engine and a new generator. The surveyor was under the boat tapping away and on the bottom, about the engine area the sound of the tapping changed. I caught something about glass over foam or balsa or something this morning. Anyways the surveyor said do not buy, cost $500, but guy was about to write a much bigger check!!!!!!!!!!! Saved himself over $10,000 hiring a surveyor. Would/could have ended up with a lemon!<br /><br />Oh ya, dry rot was the term used............

 

[neumanns]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

A thought...Do not buy it based on it is only 1000 dollers and if it turns into a lemon i'll just dump it. The disposal would cost ya more than that not to mention the interm storage fees. Many a marina has old boats being "stored there" they would gladly get rid of for storage fees whilst the owner just waits hoping it would just go away. Boatyard's are full of them.

 

[salty87]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

there's probably a reason no one else is touching that boat. at $1k from a charity, its safe to assume that nothing works on it. all of the electronics, if there are any will need to be replaced if you want to go offshore. get the engine replaced or running and some underwater gear, new cables and controls, get the hull fixed (assuming its not shot) and bottom painted and you've done the bare minimum. rig it for fishing, vests, the usual gear, fill the tanks, insurance....i think you ran out of cash ahwile ago and you still need a slip.<br /><br />i, personally, wouldn't throw money at it. not even with some boating experience and wide open eyes. that boat is more if a captain ron story.<br /><br />if you can get it running, can you afford to operate it? how big are the gas tanks? do they leak?<br /><br />it can be done but will your budget hold out?

 

[mikel33]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

dunno.. for some odd reason I've wanted a fix-er upper. I really like the idea of taking a piece of crap, fixing it up and taking it out. I'm not looking for a boat in mint condition.. I sort of want to hear the creaks lol <br /><br />I think i'm just being extremely stubborn here and I am probably would be getting myself in too deep (no pun intended)

 

[mattttt25]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

you're hearing a lot of people tell you want you don't want to hear.<br /><br />my final suggestion is to still find a few good friends or someone that knows boats to look it over with you. get an idea of exactly what you'll need to do to it. if the hull is in good shape (it may very well be), it has some decent internals (seats, gear, etc that can be used for a few years), and an engine that can at least start, it may be worth the grand.<br /><br />then you can put some sweat equity into it with the 10K or so. do all the work needed yourself.<br /><br />don't be discouraged by what people are saying, but just make smart choices. good luck-

 

[JRJ]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

mikel33, have you looked at the boat restoration and building forum here? You'll be there a lot if you buy this thing. It may not float real well, so do you have room to park it at home? If you do, buy it, and have fun For only $1,000 buy in, you'll be ammused for a long time Best of luck.

 

[mikel33]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

nah, no room in my yard.. I could pop it in a marina lot though

 

[roscoe]

Re: New to boating, getting big boat and need advice!

Forget about it if its the one on ebay, by that "ministries" seller.<br />Really gotta wonder about this guy. <br /><br />It looks like it needs alot more than $8000 to get her seaworthy.<br />And only exterior pictures? Read his feedbacks and all the comments.<br /><br />No way would I ever think about doing business with this guy.<br /><br />Gonna need a big rig and crane/hoist to load and and haul that thing. Plus os permits and such, ain't gonna be cheap, certainly not beer money.