Thinking of Buying my 1st boat

[Purecarnagge]

Recently after getting established in our new home, been there for 2 years now I've recently gotten the itch to buy a boat. We have a lake 5 minutes from our house of some reasonable sized. While busy on weekends, its still large enough to go cruising around.

You see I grew up on a lake every other weekend (divorced parents, dads side had the cabin) going boating. At 7 I was wakeboarding through waves taller than I was doing 360's. While I can't do that now, some of my fondest memories are out on the water.

We no longer own said cabin and for me it I think it would just be fun relaxing and a good way to enjoy the outdoors/lake while still being able to come home. Just something I think the wife and I would enjoy, no kids atm, but hopefully in our future. (still taking night classes)


Anyways, I'm just thinking of either 1. Getting a jetski thing to go screw around on for a while and see if I'm serious about this or b. going all in and buying a nice boat by my standards, something older in reasonable shape that I can enjoy. This website had a 1995 in our price range

Year: 1995 Make: Bayliner Model: 2050 SS
Motor: MerCruiser 5.0 Color: Red Trailer: Escort
AM/FM/CD, Depth Finder, Dual Batteries, Spare Prop
Priced At $7,500
SOLD!
http://coralvillelakemarina.com/
I mention this just because apparently it fit the bill, but then again i don't know anything about boats. This is just an example of what I think I'm looking for.

Its local never been there before. Not sure what to expect on this search. Would want to spend 8k to do this, the whole reason for the budget, is I would have to trade my maxima in to do this, so I would be finding a SUV and getting a boat at the same time. I'm not all that picky on cars and prefer not having the newest and greatest thing, as I hate loans. So this is what I can afford.

Should I try a wave runner out for the rest of the year or just avoid it and buy this fall/winter?

Also, is storing in a marina's yard outdoor acceptable if covered? This would be through an Iowa winter, lots of snow??? I'm guessing this would be bad? I like this idea as we don't live on the lake, but we could get in/out outdoor storage for about 1k a year. unless I'm missing something on the sites for local marina's.

Anyways, just looking for some friendly advice/opinions so I don't make some mistakes that I'm sure others have made at some point in time.

Thank you for your time in posting and reading this thread.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Thinking of Buying my 1st boat

That used searay 180 sport they have is nice.

 

[Purecarnagge]

Re: Thinking of Buying my 1st boat

i can't really justify spending 10k on a boat though. at most 8k. Its one of those thing I don't want to get into this and just lose a ton of money on it. I understand its not a profitable investment its a hobby, but If I buy something then get stuck trying to sell it and I'm out 1500 bucks. That would suck.

that 7500 seemed perfect, prob not too many of those around though I definately think the 10k range has a ton of good boats available though.

Then again though I don't know much about boating. Just cruising around, occasionally pulling a person on a tube. That would be about it.

 

[starcraft1982]

Re: Thinking of Buying my 1st boat

there are lots of good boats around in your price range.maybe not the newest,or the biggest,or the fastest.but good solid boats,nontheless.youre biggest obstacle will be to find one mechanically sound.i mean only that you arent knowledgable about boats and there are MANY things that need checked before you write a check!if not,you better have a full checkbook!before you start really looking at boats,find a friend,neighbor,someone who knows boats.there are things easily missed by "virgin eyes"that can and will set you back thousands of dollars!i dont,in any way,mean to scare you.just dont want to see yet another "newbie"on here in motor forum or asking about water rushing in their boat,or needing advice on redoing a transom.just saying be excited,but be cautious.i would hate to see someone excited about boating get quickly turned off by buying a lemon!TAKE SOMEONE W/YOU WHO KNOWS BOATS INSIDE AND OUT!it will make your life and newfound hobby MUCH more enjoyable.best of luck.happy boating.

 

[saumon]

Re: Thinking of Buying my 1st boat

First of all, please take the time to read this "classic" post on finding the perfect boat:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=300510

If it were me, i'd forgot the PWC idea, unless what you really want is a PWC. It is not in any way a substitute to a boat or even something that will get you accustomed to boats.

Then, for one of your question: yes, storage outside, in a marina or in your yard, when covered is totally acceptable. I live in Canada (we also have a bit of snow!) and almost everyone there let their boats outside during winter. Just have to be winterized properly and well covered (shrink wrapped or covers with tent-style poles).

And, if you make your mind and choose a boat that you're about to buy, please have it checked by an independant marine surveyor. Even if if seems a bit costly, that will probably be your best investment.

 

[Purecarnagge]

Re: Thinking of Buying my 1st boat

Yeah the PWC is kind of a 1 foot in 1 foot out kind of deal. Not sure what to do. Seems like a temporary solution until I find what I want??

Thanks for the answer on the storage question.

Also would a Jeep Cherokee or Blazer/Explorer be sufficent to tow a 21ft boat? ( i think this would be the largest boat I would want to get). Or would I need something larger? Keep in mind this wouldn't be extended trips just a 20 minute trip if that to the marina... More like 10 I would bet.

I guess a better phrasing of the question is what SUVs tend to do better hauling boats?

 

[saumon]

Re: Thinking of Buying my 1st boat

Take some time to browse around in the forum. There are a lots of different sections, one of them being related to the towing questions. It's like a encyclopedia of knowledge. Also try the search function; almost any questions you could have are probably already answered somewhere.