Which Boat?

[mikesborner]

Hello there, everybody. This is my first post on this forum. I’m sure you’ve all heard this question a million times but I’m currently looking to purchase my first boat. I live in Fort Lauderdale and feel that part of the lifestyle here is to own a boat. Plus, I’ve always dreamed of owning a boat. <br /><br />I’m looking for a cruiser between 30 and 32 feet. I was recently at the boat show here and it is just too confusing. I want a good quality boat from a manufacturer that offers first class customer service. I see a lot of SeaRay boats in operation in the area so it would lead me to believe that SeaRay is the best? It’s a substantial purchase so I want to make sure I do it right from the start. At the boat show I also saw names like Monterey, Maxum, Regal, Rinker, Doral, Bayliner, Chaparral, Formula, and Crownline. How do all these brands rank? Are they Hyundai quality or Lexus quality?<br /><br />The boat will be used primarily for cruising the Intracoastal Waterways with friends and family and an occasional weekend trip to the Bahamas. <br /><br />Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Which Boat?

Monterey - chevy<br />Maxum- chevy<br />Regal,Crownline - volvo<br />Rinker, Doral, Bayliner - chevy<br />Chaparral - buick<br />Formula - jaguar

 

[JB]

Re: Which Boat?

Howdy, Luckster.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />Most popular does not translate to best, but it may translate to best value.<br /><br />The best quality boats are also the most expensive. They would be boats like Boston Whaler, Parker, Formula and others. They would run you over a hundred grand for a well equipped 30-32' cruiser.<br /><br />You should decide what you want to do with it before you even shop. If you want to go out into the Gulfstream and fish, be sure you get a boat designed and built for offshore use. If you merely want to cruise the ICW and canals, most makes will fill the bill. You will usually get what you pay for. Smaller is more nimble and much easier for a new boater to handle safely. It might be a good idea to start with a temporary smaller boat until you have "sea legs" and gain experience.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Which Boat?

I agree with JB. I've been boating for a couple of years and I'd be be a little afraid of a 30 footer if I didn't have someone watching over my shoulder the first couple of times to make sure I was on top of everything.<br /><br />Let us know what you end up with - and we all love to see pictures! <br /><br />Welcome aboard!

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Which Boat?

In my opinion, 30 ft is way too much boat to learn on, especially if you're only going to be cruising the intra-coastal. Take the Coast Guard boater safety coarse, and look for a much smaller boat like a 23 - 25 ft deck boat for the ICW. Trips to the Bahamas are not as much fun since the new Homeland Security rules are in effect. Also, a trip to the Bahamas should be in a twin engine diesel, which would be overkill for most of what you want to do.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Which Boat?

Well, I have a slightly different opinion. If you have your heart set on a 32 foot boat, then buy a 32 foot boat, anything less will drive you crazy.<br />With that said, take a boater safety course. Then hire a captain to teach you how to handle your new boat. I am not talking about the dealer taking you out once or twice. You are going to have to learn how to boat, you might as well learn on the type of boat you want, rather than developing in-apropriate habits on a much smaller boat. Hire a captain/instructor to go with you untill you are comfortable cruising, docking, turning, backing, etc. As a side note, if you are buying anything over a 25 ft, don't even think about a single engine.<br />Now to your question : I don't think you could go wrong with a Sea Ray, great boats, lots of dealer support, and a high resale value. In my opinion, none of the other names you posted are on the same level as Sea Ray, one question to ask yourself is of all of those names, who has been building big (over 45 ft) cruisers the longest. As for Quality, one possible exception would be Formula, although they are better known for their "go-fast" boats. I don't think they were building larger cruisers untill the last five years or so.<br />As they say, "just my two cents worth".

 

[mikesborner]

Re: Which Boat?

Thanks for the response guys! You all brought up a good point. I do plan on taking extensive boating, safety, and navigation courses. I think anybody would be a fool not to. The reason I want something over 30 feet is, well, doesn't everybody want the biggest boat they can afford? Plus, they have twins and are more capable out in the Gulf Stream. <br /><br />What kind of mark-up do most dealers have? In other words, what kind of price can be negotiated if the boat is purchased "off season" I've heard some people claim that there is an incredible mark-up on new boats and that dealers have been known to negotiate prices 20, 30, even 40% off of MSRP. Is this true? <br /><br />Thanks again for all your help.