Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

[capt sam]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

I think your best bet is to do a ton more homework before pulling the trigger, boats ain't like cars, all boats have issues, older boats have more issues. Find a reputable surveyor who can supply references, explain what you're trying to do, the cost will be/should be less than 10% of what you want to spend.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

you really need to find someone to help you who knows about older boats. Not being sexist, I just helped a (male) friend who had never had anything but a jet ski, and I was amazed at his questions - boy you forget how much you have learned, you know?

So anyway I helped him find this 25 yr old bowrider in good overall shape, but it needed a bunch of little things, and the first time out (just me and him, no kids) it stalled several times (needed to adjust cables) and we discovered a few quirky electrical things etc. This after a good mechanic gave it a tune up.

Bottom line, if he had gone out alone that first time he would have brought the kids, and not been able to get it into gear without stalling, and given up on the day, and been frustrated.

I had forgotten what it is like getting a new/old boat ready for service....harder than buying a used car for sure.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Nobody has mentioned yet that you should perhaps look at the same time for a reputable place that you are comfortable with for repairs (they are like death and taxes ~ unavoidable). Single moms with 3 kids are not high on the list of people with lots of free time!!!!
If you can find a god marine shop in your area, they can also give you a hand with pre-purchase checks.

 

[Arabian180]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

You have picked out some really nice looking boats. Besides the Bayliner (flamesuit on)
The only other advise I can offer is about the little jet. While they are fun little boats and probably the safest ,not the best but safest for skiing (no spinning prop to sever arms and legs) They can also be one of the most dangerous boats for an inexperienced boater. No power no turny. and will turn on a dime in an instant. Kinda fun until one of the kids gets hurled overboard.
They also seem to require twice as much maintenance and not as efficient as a prop driven boat.

Although a little underpowered in some opinions, the Wellcraft and the Imperial look to be worth looking into.

Best of Luck.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Of the boats you mentioned, the Imperial is the best buy, IMO. When looking for boats, know what you can spend, but look at some higher priced boats also. I am doing a sea trial and compression test on a 19 foot open bow with a 115 Johnson tomorrow. The asking price was $7500. He already bought another boat and needed to get out of this payment. I am purchasing it (provided it passes the 4 criteria I established (compression, sea trial, wife likes, and most importantly - it will fit in the garage) for $5800, what he owes. The local dealer, and friend of mine, put a value of about $8000 on the boat complete with all the options.

That said, find the right boat under the right conditions, and you can negotiate. Good luck!

 

[jkust]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

I didn't see anyone ask what type of tow vehicle will you use. Some of those boats look like they will need something substantial. Also congratulations for saving the money to buy a boat...that is more than many folks can accomplish and you did it single with kids.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

I've got to ask a question in regards to some of your earlier comments. You said there aren't that many boats to choose from in your area but a later post said you live near Cleveland. The last time I visited Lake Erie, every boat out there was from Cleveland so one would have to assume there are numerous places to shop for boats within an hour or so. I recommend "in-person" visits at local dealerships first, then search the internet for comparisons and such. Just watch-out for desperate sales pitches... Best of luck!