Yep, it's another "1st time boater thread" *Fixed the title*

[Kyle7R]

Alright guys, I've been creeping around the forum for about a week now, even messaged a few members(thanks guys). It's time for me to make a post. I'm looking for my first boat!

I've always enjoyed being out on the water, but mainly by being a bum and riding with my friends or family. From my grandpa's Skeeter, to my buddy's Supra. In between riding on these I've found myself to be somewhere in the middle of a serious fisherman, and serious watersport guy. I just enjoy cruising around the lake and doing a little bit of both now and then. So I pretty much decided on an entry level I/O Bowrider.

I really got bit by the bug when me and the girlfriend walked into BPS and they had a bright yellow Tahoe sitting out there. Had I not bought several vehicles already in my life I might've made a mistake and left there with that boat that day.

But I've done quite a bit of research online and by talking to other owners and boaters. I'm still very torn between buying an older bowrider cash, or buying a new smaller one and financing it for about a 100 years, lol.

Lemme hear your input guys, I'm ready to learn!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

As to new v. used, I go with used.
Even a boat that is only 2-3 years old is half, maybe a third, of the cost of a new one--that's money in the bank to pay for any problems. PLus used boats usually come with toys, and it is really really expensive to rig a new boat even with basics. And while engines can be an issue, there is little that goes wrong on the boat part unless you get severe neglect or substantial age.

However it is hard to finance a used boat directly; you need other collateral. Home equity lines are great for this.

I'm not commenting on the brand or style you are looking at.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Whatever you do and whichever you buy, just make sure you enjoy the process. Its fun, its stressful, but in the end you will have so much more fun.

Good luck.

 

[convergent]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Welcome to the forum... and congrats on buying a boat. I just recently bought a used boat after being out of boating for many years. As for new vs. used, I personally don't want to borrow money for anything, last of all a boat. I went into this with a budget that would only get me a used boat, and after some searching on craiglist, I found one that was in great shape and had been well taken care of. The bottom line is that you are going to have things to wrong with any boat and a good well maintained boat to me is as good as a new one. The new boat I had years ago had more problems than the used boat I have now.

You said you wanted a bowrider. I kind of had the same needs as you... half semi-serious fisherman, and half water sports. I went with a Fish and Ski boat and couldn't be happier. It handles pretty much like a bass boat for fishing, and its lots of fun for going out tubing and skiing too. I think the only thing that might have pushed me to a bowrider would have been if I wanted to carry a lot more passengers, but thus far I've been pretty happy with my new-used boat.

 

[Kyle7R]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

As to new v. used, I go with used.
Even a boat that is only 2-3 years old is half, maybe a third, of the cost of a new one--that's money in the bank to pay for any problems. PLus used boats usually come with toys, and it is really really expensive to rig a new boat even with basics. And while engines can be an issue, there is little that goes wrong on the boat part unless you get severe neglect or substantial age.

However it is hard to finance a used boat directly; you need other collateral. Home equity lines are great for this.

I'm not commenting on the brand or style you are looking at.

Well I'd hate to take out a home equity loan on a house I've only been in for about 6 months.
I have noticed that alot of the used boats come with nearly everything, even down to the lifejackets and tubes/skis and stuff. Which is a plus.

 

[bjennings79]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

In the process of buying my first boat as well, and I am pretty much going to use it the same as you. I went with a deck boat. I really like the front casting deck with pedestal seats (not installed here)

 

[solar7647]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Alright guys, I've been creeping around the forum for about a week now, even messaged a few members(thanks guys). It's time for me to make a post. I'm looking for my first boat!

I've always enjoyed being out on the water, but mainly by being a bum and riding with my friends or family. From my grandpa's Skeeter, to my buddy's Supra. In between riding on these I've found myself to be somewhere in the middle of a serious fisherman, and serious watersport guy. I just enjoy cruising around the lake and doing a little bit of both now and then. So I pretty much decided on an entry level I/O Bowrider.

I really got bit by the bug when me and the girlfriend walked into BPS and they had a bright yellow Tahoe sitting out there. Had I not bought several vehicles already in my life I might've made a mistake and left there with that boat that day.

But I've done quite a bit of research online and by talking to other owners and boaters. I'm still very torn between buying an older bowrider cash, or buying a new smaller one and financing it for about a 100 years, lol.

Lemme hear your input guys, I'm ready to learn!

Go with a older one in a 10-15 year rang. That way it should be solid considering the PO care. It also allows you the peice of mind that since your a first time owner you are going to make some mistakes and it wont feel so heart breaking the first time you thump a dock. Plus if it turns out that owning a boat isnt your thing and you prefer to ride and enjoy other with out all the up keep it will be easyer to get ride of.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

For a first boat, used is a pretty good way to go. You might go through two or three boats until you find the type of rig that's right for you. Either way, you'll have fun doing it and learn plenty along the way. It's also better not to buy anything on an impulse. Take your time.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Here's what I did: I hunted for quite awhile for a bowrider, I knew that's what I wanted from the start. I basically had -0- budget & the wife kept saying "some day". Well, "some day" was coming this summer, I'm lucky enough that my job has the bennie of doing some work on the side,(Saturday's), I traded service's (no out of pocket $), for a 1985 Bayliner bowrider w/ 85hp O/B. The guy just got a brand new Crown Line cuddy & really didn't care about the Bayliner anymore & was just going to let it sit. Not exactly what I wanted, but it got me on the water right now. It runs perfect, I fish, Tube, & Cruz with it. The plan for me is to re-do the floor & entire interior over the off season & sell it & move up a little. I love that Deck Boat, that really a great duel purpose boat. Don't let some of the people on here Bla-Bla-Bla about Bayliner being junk, there an "entry level" boat & you & I are "entry level" boaters. If I had more $$$ I would have bought a better boat, but it's all in the maintenance the old owner did. Like I said mine's a 1985 & it runs perfect. Good luck

 

[hubbard53]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

glad you're ready to take the plunge and buy a boat. I was in your shoes just two years ago. I was also told to buy used but after shopping the used market, I ended up buying new. I didnt want someone elses polished mess and hidden problems. Frankly, I dont have time to do heavy maintenance and would rather use what time i have to be on the water with a reliable and fun boat.

It all comes down to your budget. You said you have bought several cars - would you buy a 15 yr old car that needs new exhaust, a carb rebuild, and tranny overhaul?

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

glad you're ready to take the plunge and buy a boat. I was in your shoes just two years ago. I was also told to buy used but after shopping the used market, I ended up buying new. I didnt want someone elses polished mess and hidden problems. Frankly, I dont have time to do heavy maintenance and would rather use what time i have to be on the water with a reliable and fun boat.

It all comes down to your budget. You said you have bought several cars - would you buy a 15 yr old car that needs new exhaust, a carb rebuild, and tranny overhaul?

I have to agree with Hubbart here and did the same. But it does depend on your budget.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

I have not been impressed with what I've seen quality wise from Tahoe boats or the service after the sale from BPS. I think even Bayliners are a better value. I've heard very good things about Stingray's also as far as value and all the member's on here who have them, love them.

 

[CHAWK46]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Back in '84 I decided to treat myself to a brand new boat. Hadn't had a boat for 3 years, got my first when I was 14. Bought an Imperial cuddy with a 470 merc. Some would say a deadly combo. It was a low end boat, thin gelcoat, kinda shoddy workmanship. First 2 years it was either in a slip or out on the St Lawerance or Lake Ontario. Got constant use. I maintained it and it served me well for 22 years. Six years later I got married and we built a home on an Adirondack lake. After we bought the toon boat we decided we didn't need the big cuddy. Sold it and bought a couple skis.

Well this year my daughter decided we needed a tubing boat. I didn't need a new boat with paying for her college. Soooo, what I looked for was a high end boat maintained by a reputable marina. Thus my Century. This was a private sale brokered by the marina that had maintained the boat since new.

 

[Kyle7R]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Man, I go to bed and miss all the posting! Haha. Thanks for all the input guys, it's great to get a good feel around the forums of how helpful everybody is willing to be.

I also have heard all the Bayliner and Tahoe horror stories, at first it scared me, but after more research and asking questions I've figured out they're not the norm. Most of them are from the boat not being cared for properly, or buying from BPS and them having terrible rep as a dealer.

I'm thinking used more and more, something thats got a little "character" and I can learn on and not be out 15-20k if it sinks! Lol. I'm not gonna buy anything on impulse, I'll have it checked out(any input on who/where to take it to have this done is great!)

My first truck was a 10 year old Chevy pickup that my dad had since it was new, and it was well maintained and babied the entire time. Heck, the man I sold it to is still driving it and the truck still looks/runs fantastic.

So I have a feeling that there are people out there who treat their boats just the same as this truck was treated and are just looking to upgrade to a bigger/different boat. I'll do some more craigslisting today and get some input from you fellas!

 

[hubbard53]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

I have to agree with Hubbart here and did the same. But it does depend on your budget.

yeah, i just dont plan on buying another boat anytime soon so wantedto start fresh and know the exact history of hte boat

 

[Kyle7R]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

yeah, i just dont plan on buying another boat anytime soon so wantedto start fresh and know the exact history of hte boat

I thought about that same exact thing, and my budget would be about the same per month. But I'm just not quite certain that I'm gonna be serious about it to jump into a 10 year note on the first whack. But who knows, I could change my mind tomorrow lol.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

I thought about that same exact thing, and my budget would be about the same per month. But I'm just not quite certain that I'm gonna be serious about it to jump into a 10 year note on the first whack. But who knows, I could change my mind tomorrow lol.

Just because you have a 10 year note doesn't mean it will take that long to pay off. I plan on paying mine off Quickly. Its more of a 10 year cushion if needed.

 

[QC]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

I think the title is probably more accurate with the typo . . .

 

[Kyle7R]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

I think the title is probably more accurate with the typo . . .

Dang it! How did I miss that?! Oh man...haha.

 

[Kyle7R]

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

Re: Yep, it's another "1st time boater threat"

this one popped up on craigslist, and wanted to see if anybody had input on it. There's a couple more but we'll start here.

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/1818084071.html