Any good books on buying a boat ???

[RatFish]

I'm looking for your recommendations on good books that address buying a boat. Specifically new or used power boats under 25'. <br /><br />There has to be some good advice out there in print with some good tips. Like how to get a good deal, inspection tips, etc. Thanks for your help!

 

[Scott-14]

Re: Any good books on buying a boat ???

I recently found a very good book called "Insider's Guide to Buying a Powerboat." by J.P. Lamy. I got it on Amazon.com for $10.00 it is a great read. I haven't pulled off a wholesale deal yet but i'm working on it. The only negative I can think of about the book is that it is kind of written for year round boat shopping. As it gets tough to find many boats for sale in the N.E. in January. I would highly suggestthe book, $10 may save you thousands.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Any good books on buying a boat ???

Thanks Scott, for $10, I'll definitely check it out. Thanks again.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Any good books on buying a boat ???

Hello<br /> I dont know of any good books and I deal with a lot of dead boats. I can give you some advice though. 1 is get a competent marine surveyor. and 2 is get a competent technician to go over the mechanicals. 3 is believe very little of what you are told about the boat. ask for maintenace records.look for electrical connections that are not sealed.I rerig brand new boats once a week]<br />some of the low end boats have very shoddy rigging. some boats use a digital switchpanel assy. wow at the cost of repairing the running lights.<br /> keep it simple rocker switches work and they are easy to replace. remember I am not the maytag man. your boat will break sooner or later. look at the cost of service and repairs to engine, hull and trailer. some dealers will give service on new boats and some will sell it to you then your on your own.be careful buying a motor from a blowout shop. we have a dealer about 5 hours away that blows them out the door still in the box for peanuts. most shops wont do any warrenty service on them. yes the franchise aggreement says I will. if you live in town and bought a very cheap in the box motor 6 hours away I am not interested in losing money doing warrenty work on it.most factories only pay part of the dealers hourly wage. I will tell you that I am booked for 3 months and recommend the selling dealer take care of it.good luck and keep posting. if your new to boating then hang out at some marina clubs and ask about nightmare dealer stories.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Any good books on buying a boat ???

Thanks rodbolt, nothing beats real life experience. I've heard that a lot of marine surveyors don't want to bother with boats under 25' because inspections on small boats are not profitable for them?<br /><br />I was considering buying a boat without a motor or a blown motor and was a little leery for the reasons you stated but now I'm very leery! I can get a much better deal over the internet rather than a local dealer but if you can't get it serviced then its obviously not worth the initial savings. I sure wish the boat industry was more like the auto industry. Wishful thinking I guess... I'm assuming buying a motor from iboats would also be problematic for the reasons you stated?<br /><br />I've been boating since the early 80's albeit with only boats 16' or less. My family is getting big (4 kids and a wife) and they want to go boating and fishing with me. I currently own a 12' aluminum boat with a ultra reliable 1985 Evinrude 9.9 but the old gal just doesn't cut it any more. I hate leaving some of my kids behind. I have family and friends that take me and the kids out on their boats but that's getting old. I need to bite the bullet and get another rig. The family bonding and quality time is well worth the investment.<br /><br />Thanks again rodbolt, I will certainly heed your advice.<br /><br />Mark