Ownership Reevaluated

[rlb2252]

More on my continuing saga to buy a boat this season: To rehash, I?m completely new to boats, having gone out just once, a few weeks ago on a 19 foot 1985 Bayliner Cuddy.

I went out today, my 2nd time on a small boat. This boat was a seventies era Cuddy. This time on the Chain O? Lakes, Illinois.

Funny. I hated it. I hated it so much it makes me question whether I really want a boat.

On the boating enjoyment quotient I?m batting 50/50. I loved my first outing on the Rock River. But hated it on the much bigger Chain O? lakes. True it was choppy today. True the boat was an old, mushy-floor wreck. True the trim was stuck in a position where the bow stayed near fifty five degrees, an uncomfortably steep angle for me.

Still, I wasn?t prepared for my negative reaction to this boating adventure. Quite frankly, I was stunned. After just twenty minutes I was thankful to be heading back in.

I spent the car ride home trying to analyze my reactions. I don?t really have the answers. I?ve invested a lot of time and research into acquiring a boat. Now what?

I think I really need to get more boat time before I even consider purchasing.
Ever go through this? Ever question whether you enjoy boating enough to be a boat owner at all?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Ownership Reevaluated

I agree you need to spend more good time on a good boat.

I would highly suggest that you find a boat to rent for a day. Pick you day to be a calm, fair weather day. Rent a boat from a reputable business and just have fun.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Ownership Reevaluated

The best thing you could do is take that second trip. Not because you might hate boating, but because you now know some of what you DON'T want.
I had a small old runabout and thought I would upgrade in time to a fast newer cruiser. I am now the proud, delightful owner of an '08 pontoon boat. Definitely not fast, or anything close to what I envisioned a few years ago.
All I can suggest is try out as much as possible. You will fall in love with a certain type. That's why some people like sailboats, others kayaks, and others fast power boats.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Ownership Reevaluated

i understand your situation. i have been boating for over 50 years, there are some boats i get on that i am just not comfortable, and desire to get off ASAP.

i suggest taking the safe boaters course, then renting several different types of boats. cuddy, pontoon, bow riders, deck boats. or joining one of the boating associations that own the boats, and you pay a monthly fee, and use the association boats, with out charge other than gas. this will get you into different boats.

purchasing a boat is a big deal, you have to be happy with it.

personally, i have never been 100% happy with any boat, there is always something that i add, or delete from it.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: Ownership Reevaluated

hang in there you will find one you like or may find you really dont want one--either way you need to be happy

 

[Thad]

Re: Ownership Reevaluated

personally, i have never been 100% happy with any boat, there is always something that i add, or delete from it.

I could not agree more! I am on my third runabout. Each one showed me what I liked and did not like. Thought I had all the answers when looking for my new boat. I had it narrowed down to two makes. Until I saw the one I ended up buying. And after the first time out, I found things I wanted to change.

So, rlb, keep taking rides, keep looking, and take note of all the likes and dislikes. The boat itself has quite a bit to do with the ride or experience that you will have. But I personally believe that the captain of the boat has even more to do with it. An inexperienced skipper can take my boat out and make me want to give it up. On the other hand, an experienced skipper can take an old, worn out, rough riding boat and make a wonderful trip.

Besides, it sounds like the last vessel you were on should have never left the driveway, let alone be put on the Chain. That's some big water with some big boats. And to have maintenance issues BEFORE going there...