first time buyer...need advice

[PE777]

I am looking to buy a used cuddy cabin boat. This will be my first boat, and i need to be educated (not the hard way). What are some danger signs I should look out for? After you buy a boat, what are some other costs associated with it? Any and all advice would be appreicated. Thanks. You can email or post a reply. pastor-eric@juno.com

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: first time buyer...need advice

Being a neophyte to boating, I would suggest you have a marine survey company take a look at the boat before you buy it. The money in YOUR case would be worth it and they would tell you all the little incidentals of the boat. You should also sign up for a coast guard boating course also. If your going to do your own maint., I would suggest you buy or accuire the manuals for the drive system(outboard, stearn drive ect...) and hull.

 

[Solittle]

Re: first time buyer...need advice

PE - Spend a few hours (or more) going through the posts on this site. A wealth of info right here - use the search function also.

 

[jamessloan]

Re: first time buyer...need advice

Ditto on getting a qualified marine surveyor to give the boat a once over before purchase. With spring coming on, its tempting to buy in a hurry. Don't be afraid to walk away from a boat with "issues"...there are plenty of good boats and good buys out there.<br /><br />Consider Powerboat Reports Magazine as a source for articles and evaluations of the brands and models you're looking at.<br /><br />The type of boating you plan to do, the environment you'll be in, the type of powerplant, and how you'll store the boat can make big differences in how much your costs will run. Can you post with some more details about these areas?

 

[magster65]

Re: first time buyer...need advice

I agree with these guys. Check everything out thoroughly before you lay out any cash, and if you can't, get someone who can (surveyer). <br />C.Y.A.!