Can anyone help a novice buyer?

[kell909]

Hi, I am looking to buy an older cabin cruiser....I am pretty much clueless about how to make a wise decision...and I'm also concerned that I wont spot problems with the boat/engine when I'm looking at it. Being female, I'm a little worried about being taken "for a ride". <br /><br />Can anyone suggest any reading material I can study up on? Or would it just be more simple to have my local boat service people help me out?<br /><br />Thanks, Kelly

 

[JB]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

Ahoy, Kelly.<br /><br />Can someone help you? <br /><br />There are just over 20,000 members here, from every corner of the globe. Every one of us knows something, including you (you were smart enough to ask for help). Together we know nearly everything.<br /><br />Take it slow. Go to your local marina or launch ramp and watch. Sooner or later you will see a couple or a lone boater who clearly knows the score.<br /><br />One thing that experienced boaters share is willingness to help new boaters. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help/advice. Do not ask someone who works for a dealer. . . (conflict of interest).<br /><br />Do not buy a used boat from a dealer. Buy from a private party. iboats classifieds can guide you to hundreds of boats in private hands.<br /><br />Tell us about the boat and its power before you buy. You will get more advice than President Bush. <br /><br />Good luck.

 

[magster65]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

Confirmed. This site is a wealth of info.! 99% of what you read here will be the straight goods, if not someone will correct it. When you find something you like, post the specs and see. After months of questions and chat it helped us pick our new boat and we couldn't be happier! <br />

<br />And yes, get a survey!

 

[KCook]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

There is a heck of a lot to learn. And it is tough for us kibitzers to see and feel the boat you are considering. IMHO this is better done by somebody on the spot, not via a message board. There are 2 ways you can do this and keep it simple. <br /><br />1) Find a good local surveyor. These guys normally limit their business to evaluating the boat, not offering buying advice. However with the right charm .....<br /><br />2) Find a good local marina(s). Most marinas work with an agent of some sort for used boats for sale that are already kept at that marina.<br /><br />In both cases the trick part is "Find a good local ..." Ask local boaters, where ever you can find them. The ones that have been burned will tell you about it in a heartbeat <br /><br />the other Kelly

 

[seabuddy7]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

Lots of help is around.<br /><br />Do you want the boat to live on all year, in the summer, weekend condo, cruise locally, overnight, weeklong, travel within protected waters, cruise in exposed waterways?

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

John, you've got to stop posting pics of your Tolly. It brings up all kinds of "want it, need it, got to have it" feelings.....

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

All good advice, the most important of which is to hire a marine surveyor to inspect the boat before you buy. He will be working for you, not someone else. This is particularly important if you are uncomfortable about your own ability to spot problems. Your own idea about reading and learning is an excellent one. The more you know about it, the more you will enjoy your boat. Good luck.

 

[jprasisto]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

Call me paranoid but.... when hiring a surveyor, find one that is not associated with the people/broker/marina you're buying the boat from. Talk to some boat owners at other marinas and get a few names/recomendations. It's the same reason I didn't have my house inspected by the people the realtor referred! It was the best couple hundred $$ I spent. Also gave me a list of projects to start right off the bat!

 

[kell909]

Re: Can anyone help a novice buyer?

Wow! Thanks everyone!!! Lots of good advice...I appreciate it so much.<br /><br />It'll be a couple of years before I'll be able to start seriously looking, but I want to do as much research as I can till then..and I wanted to get an idea how I can protect myself from making a sad purchase...thanks again so much! I also want to take a Boaters 101 class too...since I've only done a little lake fishing with an small older outboarder (forget the make)... and that was several years ago. I want to do some river and delta boating, so I figure I need to learn some more stuff. <br /><br />You all are wonderful people, and you'll be sure to hear from me again! I'll keep my eye on the boards too, for I'm sure I'll learn something from them.<br /><br />Kelly<br /><br />p.s....nice pic!!