Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

[Babio]

Ok..I'm real naive I admit, but ya gotta start somewhere...<br />When buying a boat what othere things will I need to consider?...such as boat title, registration, insurance...Trailer title, registration, insurance etc...and how much generally are we talking ($)? I just want to be prepared. I'll be looking to buy something 12' - 14' ish. <br />thanks for any help!<br />-Babio the Novice

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

Personally I would start with the cost of the boat.First decide what you are buying and then be concerned with the rest.The boat could cost you hundreds or it can cost you thousands.Charlie

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

Ah, boats...the never-ending checkbook thief. OK, let's say you buy a used 14' aluminum boat, with a trailer and a small outboard. If you look for the cheapest one that suits your needs, you may well have to double the money before you get it on the lake. New bearings for the trailer, a major service on the outboard, replacing the trailer lights and wiring, since the old ones no longer work. Then there are the extras...life jackets, etc.<br /><br />On the other hand, if you up the ante a little bit, and buy a boat from someone who has obviously taken care of it, and who will give you a test run IN THE WATER, and who is throwing in all those accessories that seem to add up to a ton when you have to buy them new, you'll be able to start using your boat as soon as you buy it.<br /><br />Yes, you'll have to transfer the title for boat and trailer, but that's a relatively minor expense for a small boat.<br /><br />Look for what you want, and make sure that what you buy is in good shape and comes with the accessories you need. I highly recommend a test of the whole package on the water. A guy with a nice boat to sell probably won't mind, since he'll be asking top dollar for his boat.<br /><br />How much? Well, that's tough to say. It depends on the boat and motor and trailer and on the market in your area.<br /><br />Around here in MN, you can find a pretty nice 12-14' aluminum boat with all the trimmings, and in good condition from between $1500 to $2000. You can get a crummy one, though, for about $600, but by the time you get that engine running and fix the trailer, you'll have about as much in it as if you had bought the nice one.<br /><br />Buy smart, not cheap.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

As far as insurance goes, your auto insurance should cover you for liability while you are towing it.<br />If you have a home or apartment insurance, see if it is covered under that policy, most do, or will, for a small fee, $40-$100.<br />If you don't have a home or apartment insurance policy, ask your auto insurance agent for a quote.<br /><br />Theft insurance for a small boat is usually not worth the cost, but liability insurance is vital.

 

[BUBBLES II]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

web page Here you go. This site lists the only outside auto tag places that can also do boats. Each has their own little service charge in addition to the standard state fees and 6% sales tax. My boat/trailer transfer, tax, tags and insurance cost me over $1000 a few months ago. Check with your auto insurer (Allstate, Progressive) or BoatUS for a quote. It's not cheap for gasoline motors due to environmental liabilities. The bigger the fuel tank, the bigger the premium.

 

[Cranky18]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

CATranplant you are right on about doubling the price if you buy a cheap one. I found a 14' aluminum V-hull with a 15hp motor and trailer for $600. I budgeted $1000 and right now I am up to around $900 with repairs and title transfer. My biggest problem was that there was no title for the boat, motor or trailer. The old guy I bought it from said he thought it was none of the govt bidness He let me take it out on the lake and it ran well, didnt have any leaks and the trailer was in good condition. I wasn't going to buy it because of the title issues, but Texas Parks and Wildlife was able to locate the original owner. It doesn't cost a lot for taxes and title, but I have spent a lot of time chasing it down. I replaced the wood and floatation and a propeller and the boat is lake ready now. I had a 16' ski boat before (money pit) and this is much cheaper. I like projects so I don't mind buying fixer uppers (within reason).

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

Being a begginer, and I am not sure of your mechanical expertice, sometimes buying something that needs a little work is benefitial, if you have the patience. I was lucky and got a boat for free that mechanically was pretty sound, but needed a lot of work and some engine parts since it had been sitting a while. It ended up costing me about $1000 or less over the coarse of the winter getting it back into shape, and during the whole process I learned a ton about boat systems and maintainance. A good manual, some patience, and some expendible income will make you a much better boater in the long run.<br /><br />Its also very satisfying to get a boat you put a lot of time in working like new.<br /><br />Once you get a boat, new or not, the licencing, title, etc will be the least of your costs. Keep up on the maintanance and do most of the basic service yourself and you will save a bit of money for sure.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

Add this:<br />A rule of thumb on a well maintained boat (not one that has a history of neglect and/or sitting for years) is you need to spend 10% of the value on repairs/maintanence yearly.

 

[Babio]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

Woderful!<br />this helps a ton...thanks guys

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

Originally posted by roscoe:<br /> As far as insurance goes, your auto insurance should cover you for liability while you are towing it.<br />If you have a home or apartment insurance, see if it is covered under that policy, most do, or will, for a small fee, $40-$100.<br />If you don't have a home or apartment insurance policy, ask your auto insurance agent for a quote.<br /><br />Theft insurance for a small boat is usually not worth the cost, but liability insurance is vital.

I have State Farm,been pulling boats behine my trucks for over 25 years,last Jan/05,I was rear ended.The guy that hit me had State Farm,guess what?They don't want to pay!After talking to my agent,My truck ins,doesn't cover my boat or trailer,my home doesn't cover my boat or trailer.I was told years back that it did,so I just had liability insurance on my boat.Funny thing,if I was to be towing somebodys boat and trailer,my insurance would cover there trailer up to $2500,NOT there boat!What it comes down to,more money for more insurance

 

[jtexas]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

prockvoan you gotta be kiddin me! Your state farm agent told you you were covered but you're not? The guy who rear-ended you is obviously liable - aren't you going to court?<br /><br />Babio, I got my boat ins from Allstate who has my car & home already - about $60/yr for liability. The agent "said" my auto ins covers towing but I'm taking another look at it now! I checked some internet boat insurance sites - nobody wants to write a comprehensive policy for a 1980 boat. It might be different if it was a restored classic or something, but it's not.<br /><br />Title transfer - you'll probably have to pay sales tax, just like when buying a car. License & registration, here it's $35 every 2 years for under 16footer, trailer tags are real cheap. You'll have to look it up in whatever your PA Parks & Wildlife or Fish & Game calls itself.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Question from a beginner (and I mean beginner)

Insurance for that size of boat is cheap. I have a 15ft runabout and it is only $36 a year for liability and full coverage, boat motor and trailer. American Family is the carrier, but I get a little discount since I have everything else under the sun insured there.