New to boating

[Wheel-man]

I will be getting my Boat Safety Certificate next week, afterward I'll be looking for a good used boat.

I will be the first one in my family to own a boat (that I am aware of), and I'm looking into getting a cuddy.

These in peticular caught my interest:
2003 Maxum Sport Cuddy 2400 SC
http://www.irwinmarinenj.com/searche...sortDir=DESC&#

2002 Sea Ray Cruiser 225 Weekender
http://www.irwinmarinenj.com/searche...r=DESC&page=1&

*SIGNATURE CHAPARRAL 240 2000*
http://www.thesaltydog.com/search/viewListing51718.aspx

SEA RAY 215 EC 2000
http://www.thesaltydog.com/search/viewListing51923.aspx


My uses will vary from entertaining guests and short trips to possibly overnighting.
Is there anything I need to know before pursuing these boats?

[trapit]

Congrats on being the newest member of the boating family. Make sure you get these boats checked out by a professional before you buy them. Plus make sure you pick the one you like best. It's worth it to wait a few more months and get what you want than grab the cheapest one in a hurry!!

[KCook]

For overnighting the Chaparral 240 would be at the top of my list. However the smaller Sea Rays will have a slight advantage for water sports. What waters will you be running your boat on? Do you plan to trailer it or keep it at a marina? Most of us started out with smaller boats than these, but the overnighting requirement rules small boats out.

[Wheel-man]

Thanks for the replies!
I do have a couple more questions...

Do I hire such a professional at a marina or look through the phone book?

I doubt I will be doing any watersports any time soon. As for storing, trailering seems the most economical, but my house does not have a garage. the rates at the two closest marinas to me are as follows:
-http://www.libertylandingmarina.com/marina/rates.php
-http://www.libertyharbormarina.com/rates.htm

I think I'll need some help interpreting what is meant on these pages...

[KCook]

Those boats are big enough to need a good sized truck/SUV for the tow. Here is another thread on that topic -

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...=63303&start=1

[trapit]

Put a thread on here and someone can point you in the direction of a good surveyor in your area.

Keep it on a trailer...boats left in water is an even greater cost. Between maintanance to the hull and marina fees, it aint worth it

[Lazy_Iguana]

This is just me, but I would look for boats that I can get to the bow on. Sea Rays are nice (I know someone with one) but anchoring in a PITA. You have to crawl up on the bow to throw the anchor overboard. There is not a good place for a windlass.

Since you have not bought anything yet, why not expand your search to include walkarounds? Much easier to get to the bow when you need to.

The nice thing about those boats you have listed is the fully enclosed deck! That is nice. Gets everyone out of the sun when they want to.

Whatever you get, the important thing is to enjoy your boat! And I think you will. You picked out some nice things.

[Themis Sal]

My boat is used for cruising mainly, with some fishing thrown in. The cuddy is a blessing in the summer, as the pilothouse with the windows open is much cooler than outside. I like the simpler nature of my Parker, as well as many other of the same genre/style, even though she doesn't have the cupholders and glitz. I also like outboard power in this size range.

When I entertain in Barnegat Bay, I have very comfortable deck chairs and bench seating that just goes in the boat. My boat is for sale by the way: http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...154865&posts=4


Whatever used boat you get, get it surveyed. There are many surveyors that come recommended here on THT, with Dunk topping the list.

[pugnacious33]

Have you considered a cuddy with outboard power?

[Wheel-man]

parkersal: That is a nice boat you have there.

Is outboard powered boats easier to maintain? I honestly chose the boats listed above because I like their style and they got fair reviews.

[KCook]

OB powered fishing boats can be pretty stylish -

http://www.scoutboats.com/models/242abaco.html

Unfortunately, they are also higher priced than the I/O pleasure boat types.

[Themis Sal]

I think they are easier to maintain, and I don't like worrying about an engine in my deck. Well... to be truthful I don't know if it is easier to maintain; I pay a marina to do the oil changes, etc.

At the risk of offending some boat owners on site here, I was told to stay away from inboard/outboard powered boats (I/O) in salt water, and that they get real nasty after just a few years. Is it true? Others will chime in. For coastal salt water use I will not own an I/O.

[mb_24]

Wheel-Man. boat choice has a lot to do with what you intend to do. If you're thinking you'd like to fish, then the ones you've chosen might not be the right fit, since they typically are for people who cruise.

I've owned OBs and I/Os. I like OBs more. The engine is more accessible for maintenance. Engines in a hold on the size boat you're looking for is asking for more maintenance than you want to have as a newbie. You've got water laying in the bilge under the engine, you've got to be vigilant for gas fumes accumulating, you've got risers and manifolds to periodically replace, you've got gimble bearings and bellows to replace every now and then, etc. A lot to do for a clean transom and perhaps more torque and grunt (but more weight.)

OBs are more expensive to replace when they blow, but they are also typically more appealing to buyers -- and you will sell, because this is your learner boat.

Get whatever you decide on surveyed as parkersal suggested. He recommends Dunk who's got a great reputation. I used Bob Duane out of Pt. Pleasant who did right by me and a friend of mine. Figure it'll run $25 a foot (24' boat = $600) including compression test on engines and potentially and oil analysis.

Hope that helps.

[Wheel-man]

Alright, I looked at some outboard powered boats from the same dealership. This one looks good:
2000 Trophy Walkaround 2002 DX/LX
http://www.irwinmarinenj.com/searche...=DESC&page=1&#

I'm not familiar with the brand though, is it any good?
Note: I've never gone fishing...I might try it but the boat will mainly be for cruising.

[troutpioneer]

someone on this site has a nice kew west walkaround for sale, pretty new, an 05 i think, check the classifieds.

scout's abaco is very nice as well, but will cost more. scout and key west build some very fine coastal boats.

steps above trophy.

[mb_24]

Wheel-man, think about how long you might own the boat, and that'll lead you towards what to buy (not only style but brand.) If you're the kind of person that subscribes to the "starter boat" concept, then you can consider making an investment in something you won't mind dinging up a little bit. You see teenagers driving around in beaters for a reason. It's how they cut their teeth. Boating's not different.

I believe your first boat should be something you can scratch up a little and not have it rip your heart out -- because you will scratch it up. You'll run it aground. You'll hit a piling while docking. Then once you've honed your skills, then go for the boat you really want and can afford.

For that purpose, there are boat brands that fit that bill. I'm not gonna frag any particular one, but a Trophy in good shape could be a boat to start with depending upon your needs.

Knowing your budget will help us guide you towards the right brand.

[Cousin Eddie]

The Sea Ray 215 Express is a great starter boat. There's a lot of room below for a 21' boat. A friend bought one about 5 years ago and it's now on it's third owner within our circle of friends (due to babies and lack of boating time). Great combination of a good ride, ease to drive, plenty of room and also works for watersports.

[Wheel-man]

I'd say by budget caps off at about $27,000. Not a lot for a good boat...I know.

As for getting a starter boat, that seems like a good idea. Right now, I'm looking for something that is low cost, low maintanance, and has a cabin.

Not counting insurance, storage, equipment, etc. the boats listed above (from that dealer) might run about $220 to $400 a month for 10 years.

[Cousin Eddie]

.

[Cousin Eddie]

You should be able to get a pretty nice boat for $27,000. It's not like a car, 5 or 6 years is nothing on a boat which has been taken care of. Just make sure to either have it surveyed or at the very least, have a marine mech check it out for you. And not the one who works at the place selling the boat.