New Boat?

[DonHof]

Thinking of up grading from a 14 aluminum boat, to a 17 foot Bayliner or Larson. Any pros and cons?
I'm 73 years old is this a mistake?

Thanks
Don

 

[garbageguy]

aaahh, 3-foot-itis...

what kind of water will you be on, and for what do you intend to use the boat? will you have help if trailering, loading/unloading, etc? how many hours have you used that boat and any smaller/bigger boats? plan to work on the boat and trailer yourself, or pay others to do that?

 

[JimS123]

Sounds doable to me! In fact, I did almost the same thing. But then again, I'm only 70 and still ride my jetski like I stole it.....LOL. (except when the DW is on the back and then i limit the speed to only 50).

Its all a matter of how much money you are willing to spend and how old you feel, not what the calendar says.

Also, at my age I don't feel like having to putter when the sun is out, so I limit my daily toys to new ones, not oldies that need constant repair. Of course, I own oldies too, but they are for amusement and winter activities, so that's another story.

 

[DonHof]

what kind of water will you be on, Some lakes around home,

and for what do you intend to use the boat, Riding around, maybe pull a tube.

will you have help if trailering, loading/unloading, etc, I can do that myself,

how many hours have you used that boat and any smaller/bigger boats, been boating off and on since I was 10,

plan to work on the boat and trailer yourself, yes,

 

[tpenfield]

73 years old . . . . or 73 years young :noidea: that is the question.

 

[Oldbro]

Whats your budget, upper limit on new ride?

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

You give me hope or faith at least. In my mid fifties been boating since I was twelve. Boat a bigger boat two years ago knowing I was still a few years from really using it. Nothings changed there but it’s sat so much I alway hear that voice in my head asking me if I’ll be boating long enough to see any value to my purchase. I’m close to pulling the plug and fleeing to warmer water but holding out a couple more years could really improve my lifestyle.

I think a 17 foot boats probably the right size 16 feet and under are often unstable in many wakes waves or there just to small 18 plus and you’ll probably not launch it by yourself harder to deal with docking by yourself etc. Personally I’d buy as deep and as new a boat as you can afford or justify if money isn’t a primary factor for you.

 

[Chris1956]

Don, Do yourself a favor and get something in good shape. I would also recommend something simple that will hold up with less maintenance. So a not-so-fancy boat.

My neighbor (in your age group) has a 4 year old deckboat. He hates to crawl around in the boat to fix stuff. And the threads holding the cushions together are starting to go, some of the fittings need some maintenance. The hydraulic steering is leaking a bit. The boat was also apparently rigged before the two molded halves were assembled, as there is no way to get to some of the fittings, without taking the top cap off.

So, in summary, a newer outboard boat, with a self draining cockpit and only gas, tach and water pressure gauges, is the way to go, IMHO. Get an 18 footer. You will appreciate the extra room.

 

[ahicks]

Don, for me this would be about the increased difficulty in loading, unloading, and handling of the heavier boat. If your up for giving it a try, go for it! You can always go back, but you'll never know about the bigger boat if you don't try.

 

[DonHof]

Well a new boat is off! Can't find anything I like that will fit in the garage. I guess I'll stick with my 14 footer and 30 hp.

 

[tpenfield]

Not much fits in a typical garage . . .