Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

[Matt 020906]

Hey Everyone!

I am so happy I found this forum. I want to get a boat anytime between now and spring time. I live in a lake community with a lake less than a mile from my house. The only problem is they dont alow anything over a 9.9HP. I am looking for a boat where me and my friends and family can sit and relax on. I am open to pontoons, bowriders ect. I dont think I can get what I want accomplished and have a motor under a 9.9 HP. If that is the case I am 15 miles away from another lake where anything goes. I will be honest and say I dont know much about boats. So any info you guys can give me is much appreciated!

Thanks!

Matt

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

there are lots of pontoon boats out there with 9.9 outboards, that would be my suggestion. Lots of room, perfect for entertaining.

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

Re: The lake 15 miles away.

What kind of tow vehicle would you have? That changes everything as far as your comment "anything goes".

Budget?

 

[Matt 020906]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

my wife has a mazda tribute. I might have a someone who lives ont he lake that will let me keep it in there dock though.

PS, i am trying to stay around 5k tops.

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

Tribute with factory upgrade/tow-package = 3500 lbs.

If you add your own hitch, the tow rating is only 1500.

Does something like this interest you? http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1999-KEY-LARGO-160-cc-95461990

Just trying to get a feel for your expectations.

If you do searches, and your budget is 5k, search up to 7500 or 8000 bucks. In this market, a listing of 7500 can be had for 5k or less.


http://images.traderonline.com//img/6/dealer/2136248/95461990_1thumb_550x410.jpg

 

[Matt 020906]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

That boat is pretty nice, I am in NJ too, Rockaway, Morris County. I just wish that boat had a back row bench instead of that seat.

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

I am just working around the plate right now, trying to find the strike zone, so to speak.

The trick is balancing everything out:

Price, age, size, AND mechanicals. Believe me... you are gonna find a bunch of stuff YOU like, then come in here and get killed because the boat is RIDDLED with issues.

I'd opt for something that actually runs via a mass-produced engine with low hours. I would say to shoot for a 2-stroke outboard. Find a well-known boat builder that is still around. Get a good trailer with it.

See, a boat like the one attached has credentials, now you need to work off that baseline and get just the right style. I say to find three boats you think you like, come back in here and let everyone beat you up (but in a nice, helpful way), then go back and learn that there are engines to avoid, and problems that scream, "RUN!".

Then you will be able to revise your searches and scroll past hundreds of pieces of junk.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

I know the idea of a boat is exciting but if we are not talking about monster sized lakes you will quickly get bored. Without quite a few fun destinations all that's really left is fishing, skiing, wakeboarding etc. So unless you are really into those things you will get bored after the first season. Point being is don't spend a lot of money.

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-Glastron-17-Bowrider-363053

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2000-MAXUM-1800-XR-Bowrider-95275936

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1990-searay-180-195328

 

[Matt 020906]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

That first boat the Glastron is sweet.

 

[toocanshan]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

the glastron would be my pick for someone else to buy me too. but considering your budget is 5k then stay away from max. you can prob. get that searay for 4k and still have some money to play with. the outboard would be what sold me on it. 135 will take you right along. do yourself a favor and either buy a canoe or forget about the local lake and drive the 15 miles. you will be much more content. TOOCAN

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

Who the he-l pays list price for a boat in a crashing market?

The Glastron is worth a shot.

Find boats listed for 6-8 grand if you have a 5,000 dollar budget and start making offers on ones that fit your criteria.

Save 300 bucks for a surveyor.

 

[lprizman]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

Philster,,great advice!!

 

[toocanshan]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

whats he going to do when he gets home and the outdrive doesnt pump water or the tach dont work?? i know this is when the probs start with the lady!! well i can only speak for myself. my grandfather told me to never buy a boat because of the money you have to dump into a "hobby". that was not followed direction but half the comment was right. hope you the best!! happy boating TOOCAN

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

We should tell him to expect to pay X am't of dollars into repairs for a used boat at that price (5k).

He either says, "ok, my budget is 5k and I have 2k for immediate repairs", or he says "Oops, I have 5k total, including repairs."

It's a funny range he is in. I think he makes a huge leap in quality if he shops for boats around 7k and gets them lowered as much as possible.

Once at or below 5k list price, what you get drops off immensely. I like what shows up in the searches up to 7-8k. We all know how this works. We start out with a budget and then like everything that is part of boating, it is really 15-20% more expensive to get what will satisfy us! He might as well get used to real boating issues right off the bat!

 

[toocanshan]

Re: Newbie could use some help in finding a boat.

you got me there....i just wish i would have known the half of it before i ventured. well.......i dont know if that would have changed anything anyway, but for some people it might help them. dont believe in luck but i hope all works out!! TOOCAN