I am new to boats, and would like to purchase a motor boat for my family of four. I would like to primarily use if for (USA) freshwater lake water-skiing and cruising. I looked at some adds for used boats, just to get an idea for what I might want; I just got more confused with all the new terms that I had no reference point for. I learn quickly, but I don't currently have a boat owning friend available to ask (e.g. what is a cuddy?).
I am looking for used, 5k-10k in the midwest. I am not expcting to buy now, but after I've done some homework on what's available. Any ideas would be appreciated.
2007-03-21 20:34:54 · 9 answers · asked by MeepMeep 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Well there's a lot to answer here so I'll do my best to cover all the ground.
I've been a boater since I was an infant. I'm now 30 years old and have owned 3 boats. Growing up we had 4 different ones. In my past experience, let me first say boats are great, however they are a lot of work and that work can get costly. We are into the water skiing and tubing, etc on rivers and lakes too.
So getting to the point a cuddy cabin boat is one that doesn't have an open bow. the bow is the front of the boat. Anyway, a cuddy cabin boat has an enclosed bow where you or someone else can crawl up inside the cuddy cabin and nap or do whatever. Some cuddy cabins have small "toilets" in them too, which can be convienet if you don't like getting in the water to go number 1.
As i said earlier, boats are awesome yet can be a lot of work. So if you're only looking to spend $5000-$10000, expect some problems to come with that boat. However, if you look hard enough i'm sure you can find a diamond in the rough. Personally for a family of 4 you'd probably want something atleast 16-17 feet long, anything less would be extremely cramped for your family. Also, if you go with an open bow boat rather than a cuddy, you'll have more places to sit, etc feeling like more room.
When you do buy, make sure you extensively check the haul for any damage, especially the keel of the boat (thats the V part of the boat towards the front), thats where most of the damage occurs. Check the prop for damage, and the outdrive for any cracks or brakes, it will tell you how well the previous owner took care of the boat. Then check the engine out, have the person selling the boat hook up the water system and start it so you can hear the engine, if the engine sounds a bit off stay away from that boat. engine work is very expensive.
You also need to decide what amount of horsepower in a boat you want. depending on your weight and other peoples weight it really will matter if you are trying to get a skiier out of the water with a small horsepowered boat. I wouldn't go any lower than 120-130 horsepower, that should be sufficient for the body count and additional weight from coolers, and trying to pull a tuber or skiier.
2007-03-22 02:04:55 · answer #1 · answered by Greg O 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Boating in the Midwest? It's a short season, that's for sure. You can get some fairly nice used boats if you're patient. I bought my first used boat as a consignment sale from a dealer. I wish I still had the boat, although I'd never go to the dealer again!
If you see a boat you really like, and can afford, make sure you get a test ride in it! You can see it in it's natural element. Check to see if it floats level with no one aboard, and look for leaks wherever you can. Have the seller start the motor, and listen to not only how well it runs, but also how it sounds shifting into gear. If it's an inboard\outboard (or IO motor) ask when the lower unit bellows were replaced. Try all the accessories (especially the bilge pump) to make sure they work. If you are buying a boat on a trailer, check the condition of the trailer, and make sure you know how to handle it while driving to the launch ramp, and launching. Take a Safe Boating course if one is offered in your area too. If you really want a brand new boat, check out Bayliner's 17' bowrider. It retails for about $10K. Some folks hate Bayliners, but they're a good first boat, and I've had two with no complaints to speak of. I hate the Mercury engines, but love the boats!
Good luck to you, and happy boating!
2007-03-23 20:54:15 · answer #2 · answered by Capn Jon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Another good source of information is magazines devoted to the type of boating you plan to do. Lakeland Boating would be a good one. There are plenty of others that are geared for any number of particular boating niches.
Get a Chapman's Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling book - it's like the bible for boaters.
Take a Power Squadron course.
If you do find a used boat you want to buy, get it surveyed by an accredited marine surveyor. It's worth the money especially if you don't have a lot of knowledge and experience.
2007-03-22 10:38:43 · answer #3 · answered by Wally T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am new at boating too (i have no idea what a cuddy is)....... but maybe this site will help you some it is www.brokboats.com. it helped me. you can ask qusteans and get useful answers on new boaters safety and stuff like that. thy told me to get a cheep used boat first because you will scratch and scuff the boat as you learn to pout the boat in and out of water...check out the website.
2007-03-26 00:48:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My boating articles and resources website provides a ton of information about boating. In addition, you will find extensive information on boating to help you on your way to success.
Most importantly, learn the difference between port, starboard, bow and stern. Thats left, right, front end and back end of the boat.
2007-03-22 09:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by Danno Soprano 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not going to find much to your liking at 5 to 10K anywhere. I would rethink your price to, maybe, 18K at least because you need to keep your family's safety in mind. You will need at least a 21 footer for safety also.
2007-03-23 11:46:21 · answer #6 · answered by Bruce T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey man check out this site, It will probably help ya. You could get the boat of your Dreams on this site for very little money, I got mine, anyway here's the link
2007-03-22 20:40:10 · answer #7 · answered by YesYes 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I prefer "Boston Whaler", THEY DON'T SINK ! even if cut in half, that's some mighty important information you got RIGHT THERE !
http://www.whaler.com/Rec/default4.asp?content=whywhaler
RESALE VALUE IS LARGE ! (think about that)
2007-03-23 03:49:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure it floats
2007-03-22 06:38:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋