1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

[rlb2252]

I?m currently shopping for my first boat. I?m leaning toward a short Cuddy or perhaps a full Cabin Cruiser.

This weekend I?m supposed to go on the water with a guy with a 1986 19 foot Bayliner Cuddy for a couple grand. Says it?s been in storage for a few years. The boat, cosmetically, could use much TLC. It?s sitting out in his yard, facing the elements.

This cheap boat comes with a trailer?and being a Cuddy, I could likely tow it with my current vehicle. And be on the water on the cheap?for now, anyway. Question is, how many years can a boat hibernate?after it?s been winterized?without the whole thing beginning to deteriorate and dry rot?

The other boat I?m considering is a sharp looking 1990 26 foot SeaSprite. For less then 5 grand, no trailer. Would require a trailer and larger vehicle to drag this monster around.

Problem, the SeaSprite has a crack in the block. Apparently this has been epoxied by the previous owner and used for years in that condition.

Would you even consider a boat with a cracked block?

Financially, I?m in a position to spend up to ten grand on a boat purchase. Or for the purchase and rehabbing of a cheaper boat. What would you do?

 

[redone4x4]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

i would find a boat that has been better cared for than either of those boats. Extremely easy with a 10k budget. heck, 5 or 6k would get you an awesome boat right now.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

I would have to tell you to keep looking around. If you can afford $10k, then you got plenty of leeway. Have you checked on Craigslist or Boattrader? For $8k, you could get a very nice, newer cuddy in the 21' range, and have some money left to spare. I just bought my first boat, been around boats all my life, but just bought my first. I was acting like a spoiled kid, and jumped on the first boat that passed my visual inspection and I took it for a sea trial. I mean, I like the boat and all, but it seems to be broken down more than running. Mainly because the previous owner did not know what the word maintenance meant. Take your time, and DO NOT jump on the first boat you find. Take it from my first hand experience, it will help you out in the long run.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

Ditto. Keep looking. Stay away from Bayliner cuddy cabins with Force engines. Stay away from boats that have been in storage or sitting for a few seasons unless you get it dirt cheap and want a project to take up a large majority of your time the next few months. You'll find a good deal eventually.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

In this market you are in the driver's seat.

First boat sounds like a project and the second could be a time bomb.

Keep looking...............

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

1986 Bayliners specially with (no)force outboards have earned the name "bilge Liners" on this board by people who tore these boats apart only to find that they were totally rotten under the floor.Stay away from bilge liners.
If anybody would offer to sell you a car with a cracked block would you consider buying it????????? Same with a boat.
There are about a gazillion good boats with owners who are in deep doodoo.
10K should buy you a real nice boat without any "issues".

 

[freelancer]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

Do yourself a favor,Keep Looking.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

KEEP LOOKING- you can find a very nice boat without issues $6-10,000.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

I agree with all of the Above, 10K would buy you a beautiful ready to go boat!!!!!!

 

[jetter2]

Re: 1st Time Boat Buying Dilemma!!!!

I too will be snatching up my first boat here in the next 8 months or so...as I said earlier I've been around and on boats my entire life, so a sub 22' boat doesn't scare me in the least.

What do you guys think about something like this?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1993-CORRECT-CRAFT-Ski-Nautique-(SNOB)-95406366

My reqs are.

(1) Be a Bow Rider
(2) Preferably have a tower already installed on it
(3) Be in good shape..I want a "nice" boat
(4) be a good wakeboard boat.

My budget is $10-$15k..based on what I've seen people have suggested I stick with MC, 'Bu, or a Correct Craft. Dad has 1996 18' Four Winns bow rider I'm taking out tomorrow...I want something just a little bit nicer, and something more geared towards wakeboarding.