Advice on buying a boat?

[MacVay]

I agree with everything earthling says.

I own a 2004 Four Winns 205 Sundowner with a 5.0GXI 270 Volvo Duo-Prop and I love it. I bought it new because I want Warranty. You can still buy used with a Warranty too, but they are hard to find.

I think though, that before you go looking at the dealers you should have all of the details that earthling had mentioned worked out. Otherwise you may end up buying a boat that is not suited to what you want out of the Experience. I would also shop the Manufacturers Websites as well before you even go look at a boat.

It comes down to this:

1. Where will you be boating? (Lakes, Rivers, etc)
2. Who will you be boating with? (Wife, Friends, Family)
3. Where are you going to keep your boat when you are not using it? (Driveway, Marina)
4. What type of boating will you be doing? (Cruising, Overnight, Fishing, Water Sports)
5. When you decide all of the above you can then work out how much $$$ this is really going to cost you.

Boats are nothing but a worthless investment in your fun. They are money pits as they offer very little in ROI when you look at numbers. One beautiful day out on the water though with the sun in you face and the wind in your hair and it will all make sense.

If you want some more help with this, the below are some of the best sites you will find on the web:

http://www.trailerboats.com
http://www.boatered.com (My favourite)
http://www.boatingabc.com

Cheers and Good Luck

 

[grunt]

Here's an idea...

Buy a 17' Thistle (www.thistleclass.com)

zero gas expense

zero Insurance expense: When hitched to my car it is covered by standard auto insurance. When not hitched to my car it is covered by standard home owners insurance policy.

4,000 boats in the US

Almost zero depreciation on used boat.

Kids love it.

Easy to maintain--almost zero maintenance.

I can pull it with my Toyota Camry--boat and trailer weigh less than 1,000#

 

[rossmon1]

Boat owner with advice

Hi, I have purchased both new and used. I would never buy new again as the boat market is crowded with used boats at great deals. I bought the searay in my sig 1997 and I learned enough about my needs to never need another for awhile.
I wanted a boat that was resonable to tow (20-21') had a cuddy cabin, decent ski and water toy pulling capability, built well with nice materials (teak not fibre board) , mercruiser or volvo I/O power, handle rough bay water in San francisco bay), galvanised trailer (rust is the enemy), dual swim ladders, room for a porta potty in the cabin, dual battery system for camping general accessory use starting reliability when in the middle of nowhere's.

As u can c there are many specifics, too many to type about. So give some good thought, ask other boat owners at the dock about boats u see that look good. Buy used, especially because you probably won't be happy completley with your 1st buy.

Also, don't buy a small boat 17-18 because u think it will b so much easier to tow or more fuel efficient! Its not and it ain't. You will appreciate the size of a 19 and up for every reason.

 

[swooopeno]

ALL RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

It's here.. finally got one. ended up buying my bosses boat

'97 21' maxum w/ 5.7L V8 Merc. - it rides like a caddy on the water!

Always garaged, used just enough to keep the engine looking brand new (80 hours)

(I'm going to have to put off-roading down the priority list a little).

Here's a couple pics

 

[swooopeno]

another

 

[beeper]

If you are buying a popular boat I would think you could find a forum where you could ask other boat owners about price. Tell them what the dealer wants and I bet you will get positive responses. Do a search to find a forum. Everything is negotional...get at least a couple of prices even if you have to travel abit.