Boston area - best shops, places to dock, New England Boat Show

[sergeivlad]

Hello all,

I am new to boating - planning to purchase a 22' or so deck boat this spring. I am in Boston area.

Could someone advise on the following?

1. Best storage, maintenance, winterizing shops in Boston area.
2. I will be attending https://www.newenglandboatshow.com/ next week. What are the most dependable manufacturers you would recommend from those exhibiting there?
3. How do I find a place to dock my boat during the season? Things to consider?

Thanks a lot in advance!
Sergei.

 

[briangcc]

1. Unknown - I'm in NY

2. Short answer - anything new should generally be dependable. You may find a few things that need fixing upon delivery or a couple of launches in - tis pretty much par for the course on all the boats in my signature.

Long answer - I generally stay away from anything I can find in a big box chain outdoor store. You know the ones with the big old bass as part of their logo? So Tracker, SunTracker, Nitro, Mako, Regency, Tahoe. To me, the fit and finish is horrible. The ones I've seen at boat shows and in my local big box store show no attention to detail and little pride - some of the welds on the aluminum boats look like my 2yr old son welded them. Yes they are THAT bad.

One of the pontoon boats we looked at the storage in the rear and my sons and I were greeted with a wonder smell of mildewing water - compartment was full of water. And this was INSIDE the store. Another pontoon at a different store, the console door got stuck/jammed on the flooring when it was swung out.

On one of their bowriders (deckboat) they cut one of the thru-hull fittings with a hacksaw and called it good. Didn't clean up any of the flash or make any effort to make it look good - was cut at a 45degree angle.


3. Generally, if the marina you're buying from is on a body of water they probably have dockage. Ask them and you may actually find a dealer who will tell you where you can get a better deal/better protected water/etc. If not, I'm sure some of the other marinas exhibiting do.

 

[sergeivlad]

Thanks a lot Brian - appreciate your answer!

 

[briangcc]

You're welcome. I wouldn't hesitate on any of the boats in my signature that are still in production. Bayliner gets a bad rap around here because of boats they built back in the 80's. They have changed when I bought mine and I will say that the newest ones I've looked at during shows have further improved. They do consider a good look if it fits your needs.