Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

[RatFish]

I've been boating for many years and enjoy introducing boating to family and friends. My problem is that my 12' aluminum boat just doesn't cut it anymore. I have 4 children (ages 4 to 11) and a wife that all enjoy boating, fishing and water sports (We occasionally do water sports on my brother in-laws 24' Maxum but maybe only 1 or 2 times a season.). When I take out my boat, I can usually only accommodate 2 passengers. It tares me apart to tell any of my family that they "can't go this time" because there "isn't enough room" so I finally decided to upgrade to a new or late model used boat.<br /><br />Most of my boating is in fresh water (Delaware River, NJ) with occasional "near shore" saltwater trips and cruising on the inter-coastal waterway. When I first started looking at boats, I decided on a Dual Console in the 20' range because they generally had ample seating for 6 and at my wife's insistence, a potti. We could fish, cruise and do water sports. The perfect boat! Then reality set in. The price of a new Dual Console in the 20' range with a 200HP outboard ranged from the low $30000's to the mid $40000's range. I most likely would not be using the boat every weekend. I couldn't justify (or afford) the high cost and I did not want a 10+ year loan. Late model used Dual Consoles in good condition are few and far between (I’ve been look for about 8 months) with the most affordable being underpowered (115HP to 150HP) in my eyes.<br /><br />Here's my dilemma. I figured that a boat the whole family could enjoy now would be better than no boat at all. Kids grow up and now is the time I want to leave them with a positive impression of family and boating. You can fish, cruise and do water sports from just about any boat. So I have compromised and decided to get a Bowrider or small cuddy in the 20' range. The most affordable boats in the 20' size are I/O's, so that is probably what I would buy. My target price range is $18,000 to $20,000. If I get a Bowrider, I'm hoping that I could figure out some kind of arrangement for a potti for the kids (Any suggestions?).<br /><br />I feel my window of opportunity won't be open for long. I see some big bills coming my way in a few years (braces for the kids teeth, new/used car for wifey, college, etc). Has anybody out there been in a similar position? Do you think I'm making the right decision? Should I continue to wait and save more cash and pray my wife's van doesn't die? It kills me to compromise on a boat but I have learned you can't have everything you want.<br /><br />Any advice is appreciated. Thanks for putting up with my ramblings.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

Been there myself. Started with a 14' alum v-hull utility boat with 9.8 merc on it for fishing small local reservoirs. Soon found ourselves wanting to do bigger lakes so I bought an older fish and ski Procraft. Quickly discoverd that I loved it for fishing some larger lakes but it still wasn't the family boat we wanted. So, I set out to find a boat that would meet family water sports demands (tuning/skiing/etc) for at least 8 persons, let me continue to use it for fishing larger lakes, and I had hoped to take it to Ga coast now and then. So, I too was looking at some of the dual consoles. Wife didn't really like them - still an outboard, not as "plush", etc. We settled on a 20' Glastron bowrider. Even though I/O, I guess we could take it to shore but haven't, its OK for simple fishing but wouldn't want to use it lots for that. BUT, it has been a big time family enjoyment!!! Although we've only had it 1-1/2 summers, I wouldn't trade memories of my family in it for nothing. If you are as family oriented as you sound, go for it! You won't regret the memories you'll be creating. You can check some of mine out at my website http://www.mindspring.com/~blifsey Good luck with your search!<br /><br />PS - I kept my little 14' alum boat for fishing when the bug hits me.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

well, here's my story...maybe you can take something from it. i was in the same boat in a way. loved boating, wanted to get my own that would accomodate my needs, didn't want to spend a lot of money. i thought an 18-20' center console would fit me. but i was in no rush, didn't have to buy today. so i started looking- picked up every newspaper i could. grabbed all the free boating newsletters and mags i could find. and spent a lot of time on the web. just type in "boats for sale" in google and see what you find. there has to be a 100 sites out there, some good, some bad. but i started to learn prices. after a few months, i could just read an ad and know exactly what the price should be. i started spotting deals. a few looked great, but i was a day late and missed them. finally, i found my gem 330 miles away. after many conversations with the seller, i made my trip and came home with my boat. i don't think there is a person out there that has gotten a better deal than what i did. i won't bore you with those details unless you really want them.<br /><br />point to all this is i spent approx $12K for a loaded 20' center console that was only 4 years old. one owner that took care of it. i've had it for two years with zero problems. i love it. it gets me on the water and i can always bring people with me.<br /><br />i'd get away from the new boats for a little bit. try what i said and i think you'll find that $20K can get you a lot of boat. keep your options open- search for anything out there btw $18-$22K, 1998-2004. check out dc's, cc's, bow riders, and walkarounds. i think you'll be surprised with what you find.<br /><br />as for buying a boat- just do it. life is way too short to second guess yourself. i bought my boat when i was 5 months from having my first child. a few people thought it was dumb, but if not then, when? you're kids will think you're the best dad in the world. and you'll enjoy every minute you spend on the water with them.<br /><br />good luck-

 

[mercrewser]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

I too boat on the Delaware. Hopefully we'll see you out there! Where do you put in? We're on the PA side across from Burlington.

 

[KCook]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

Late model used Dual Consoles in good condition are few and far between (I’ve been look for about 8 months) with the most affordable being underpowered (115HP to 150HP) in my eyes.

Tough luck on the used boat search. Shopping for a used boat certainly can be a trial. I would expand this search beyond Dual Consoles. To include bowriders, WalkArounds, and the bigger deckboats. For a $20k budget, there really otta be something out there.<br />

Should I continue to wait and save more cash

Only if you have just a short distance to go to your target. IMHO saving for years for the perfect boat is perfect folly. You will be surprised how enjoyable that "compromise" boat is.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[19'Rinker]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

I would look into used boats, I started out with a 17' open bow but found out when the water gets rough I loose alot of space when I have to put the bow cover on. So I picked up a 19' Rinker cuddy cabin for under $5000.00. It only has a 3.0 merc I/O in it, but I will be useing it for fishing the Great Lakes for Salmon, it is great on fuel and this year I plan on doing some skiing and tubing with it. The only problem I have found with it is the previous owner had the timing way off when we first got it. Only ran it maybe 5 times before winter came in but ran it out 30 miles and runs great. Can't wait to get back out there.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

Yo Rat - First piece of advice is to reread mattttt25's post three or fout times. The underlining message is research, research and then throw in a dash of research. When you feel comfortable be prepared to strike but beware of "buyer's fever." If you get that disease you will end up turning your wallet upside down and shaking it for far longer than you intended.<br /><br />With a wife + four your are going to be hard pressed to do what you would like to in a 20'er. Kids have friends and they always want to go. I would shoot for 21-23' outboard powered center console. You can fit a Porta Potty in them and add canvas as you like - even to the point of a completely enclosed space like a cabin (I have a dodger for mine).<br /><br />My story - I have had a boat of one kind or another since my oldest was 2 years old - he is now 34. His two sisters joined us before they could walk - now 30 & 32. For 15 of the early years we had a 19' bowrider and went everwhere with it. Then I got stupid and went to a 27' and finally got smart with the 23' I have now. Our first grandkid is due in May and I hope to have him out before the years end.<br /><br />Give some thought on getting an older boat with a newer outboard on it. They are out there. Look in Boat Trader Magazine and Traderonline. Spend hours here reading about other folks experiences.<br />You should be able to get a dreamboat with your budget.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

alot of good advice here..<br /><br />look,,, all you have now is a 12 footer..<br /><br />anything else would be a marked improvement.. from 300 bucs to 30 thousand bucs is alota 'potty'........<br /><br />this is hard times .. there's major deals to be had.. people outta work/hard times ..first thing to go is the boat.. steal it for a song..<br /><br />2 years ago,, my buddy in the town of northeast maryland bought a nice 24 ft cris craft cuddy for 5,000 bucs.. <br /><br />nows the time.. look around.. best,, go to marinas an ask/look.. <br /><br />by-the-way,, a pee bucket with a camp seat is all that's needed.. anything else,, go swimmin'................<br /><br />A L O N E ..

 

[RatFish]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

HotByte: I checked out your website. Nice boat. Looks like you and your family know how to have a good time! I’ll be there with ya… Soon, I hope. I was leaning towards the dual console with an outboard because of the “no frills” nature of the beast. I figured it would be easier to keep clean and maintain. <br /><br />PS. I also intend on keeping my 12’ with a 9.9 Evinrude. I could never get rid of the old gal. I’ve had her for 19 years.<br /><br />Mattttt25: Your experience is very similar to the steps I have taken. I pick up just about every boating magazine and classified ad I can get my hands on. I spend way too much time on the Internet looking for that “perfect deal”. I occasionally hear about a story like yours but I am missing the apparent “good deals”. That’s kind of why I gravitated towards a new boat. I’m still looking for that “great deal” on a used boat. I would like something in the 3 to 4 year old range. Let the original owner take the depreciation hit and still get a boat that’s almost new!<br /><br />Mercrewser: I have been putting it in on the Rancocas Creek and heading out to the river. I can usually be found between the Burlington-Bristol Bridge and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Just look for a small aluminum semi-vee with a bunch of fishing poles over the side!<br /><br />KCook: I think I will try to expand my possible choices in a boat. I suspect I may have passed up some good deals by limiting myself. I’m close to my target of $18k - $20K. I’m not quite there yet but I could come up with the difference in a pinch.<br /><br />19’Rinker: I think a small used cuddy in good condition would be a great find. Almost got a Wellcraft cuddy a few months ago but I let her get away. Next time… <br /><br />SoLittle: You are absolutely correct about mattttt25. There is a ton of advice to glean from his post. I already read the post a couple of times. I probably will not have a full load all of the time but your point is well taken. The advice I have gotten from people on this board has been very valuable and helpful.<br /><br />Crab bait: Your right. Anything would be a huge improvement over my 12’er. How could that be a compromise? It’s not. Some people are coming off of some tough times. There has to be some pretty strained budgets out there. I have not paid much attention to the marinas but I will now. Gotchya on that bucket with camp seat. ;-)<br /><br />Everybody: Well the general consensus is to “go for it” and concentrate on used. That is how I felt but I wanted too see what others thought. Everybody came through with some great advice! I will steer myself away from the new boats and focus on a good used one. I will not rule out an exceptional deal on a new or leftover boat though. Thank you for your time and help. I appreciate your opinions and advice.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

keep with it my friend. you'll find that gem. i wouldn't steer a fellow jersey boy wrong!<br /><br />(glassboro)

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

To some extent I am going to repeat what others have said...just to make sure There is no such thing as an exceptional deal on a new boat. It is difficult to find a worse investment. You should not have any problem finding a good used boat in the 18'to 22' range for less than 15K...they are everywhere. Especially in todays economy. Stick with a bowrider or cuddy with an inboard.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

Ratfish - what is your timeframe for this boat? And do you want to work on it to save a bundle of $$$ or would you prefer to hop in and enjoy it from the get-go?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

I was in the same position as you. Find a nicely kept used boat. Get a trial run with it. If you are still unsure, ask if you can get it inspected by your local boat dealer/repair shop.<br /><br />Stay away from anything that looks unkept or used/abused even if everything was "redone". A boat bought from a slob is just waiting for more repairs. <br /><br />I found a real gem. It looked like new even though it was 18 years old. I paid about $1000.00 more than others of the same age, but I could see very easily that it was in far better shape and was well taken care of.<br /><br />I settled for a 16ft bowrider with a 3.0 I/O. Maybe I'll trade it in one day for something bigger, but for now it's still affordable (gas-wise) and I can trailer it around with my van without having to buy a truck. I use it on the lakes around here and it's all I need for now.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

Thanks to everyone for your reassurances. Your advice helps me “keep a stiff upper lip” and keep my goal in focus. I almost bought a 21’er(?) back in 1989 but I didn’t because I was getting married. That was a mistake. I should have bought the boat. It’s now 15 years later and I’m still puttering around in my now old 12’er (Thank God for that little boat!). I must be patient. I have waited this long what’s another couple of months.<br /><br />18Rabbit: I was hoping to get something for the 2004 season. I started looking last year. I’m not looking for a project boat. I had my share of those in my younger years. I’ve also had my share of break downs, not fun to say the least. Ideally, I’m hoping to get something in the 3-4 year old range. No major repairs (some minor ok).

 

[Lou C]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

Just for a comparison, check out Key West Boats. I went to the boat show here in Long Island, and I looked at their 20' walkaround fishing style boat, with the 150 Yamaha 2 cycle it was about $25000, brand new with a 10 year hull warrantee, no wood to rot, etc. Nicely made boat esp for the price.<br />For now I'll keep the old 88 20'Four Winns with 4.3 Cobra power, but when the time comes....

 

[blifsey]

Re: Dilemma..... Should I compromise?

Thanks and good luck with the search!!!