Thinking of buying 1ST boat

[scott015]

Hey guys,

this is my first post. I have always wanted a boat but never had one. To be honest, havent really even been on many in my life. But im now 24, married with a 3 year old son. I have most the toys and stuff I want in life except a boat.

I dont know much about them, except some can get really really expensive. Im looking to be pretty cheap. I was kinda hoping to get one for around or under $10,000. What is the average finance terms on a used boat? someone told me 10 years... is that correct?

Ok, since I dont know much, I dont even know where or how to start.. or even what to look for. All I know is I would like it to fit 5-6 people and be able to ski/wake/tube, etc behind...

a buddy told me to look at an 1980's style Mastercraft with a 351 in it... they are pretty cheap and usually always under $8k

im not looking for anything TOO fancy, but would like something thats not a piece of crap ya know...

what do you guys recommend? also, any other tips for other issues like insurance, etc??? thanks

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[Jim44]

Welcome

Quick reply, Master Craft only good for very flat waters and if you intend to ski alot. Look at Bayliner, Maxium,Searay etc for good cheap boats.

There are alot of other things to consider and better people on here that me to advise you of them all.

Only other thing, book yourself on a Powerboat Level 1 & 2 course, including an ICC should be the training you require.

Good Luck!!!!!

P.S. With kids look for a small cuddy for when it rains.


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[adarcy]

Re: Hmmm

NB he/she is talking in dollars ? american and I'm not sure that the training regs re the same in the USA.

It might be helpful if he filled in a bit of his/her bio (via User Options) hint hint and then might get a bit more specific response.

Cue our own board correspondent ArthurWood

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[scott015]

Re: Hmmm

thanks for reply... yes im in USA, Texas to be exact... is there another good board like this thats in USA u guys know about??


anyway... i would like a boat that will fit 5 or so people COMFORTABLY... i dont want to be cramped up too much and in 30mins want out.... i would like to be able to fit a cooler and not have to put it on my lap...

basically something I can take friends and family out on to just hang out... but at the same time... I want something that I can wakeboard and maybe even barefoot behind....

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[Divemaster1]

Re: Hmmm

Texas ... big place that ...

If in the Houston area, I would have taken a trip down to the Clear Lake area and chartered a boat for a couple of days....
You could try Clear Lake Powerboat Rentals, League City and Nassau Bay ...................(281) 334-4858 or 335-4858...
before looking at buying...

also plenty of brokers in that area as well, so have a walkabout at the brokers to see what is there to ba had...

If you haven't done any boating in Clear Lake before, it is worth noting that it gets quite busy, specialy down in Kemah on the waterfront during the week-ends(see and be seen), where a Mastercraft, wiith its low freeboard would be bounced about quite a bit (read wet for its passengers). Not mocking the Mastercraft, great for waterskiing etc, but not sure if it would be right for day out's.

Agree with others about the other boats: Bayliner, Rinker, Glastron, Regal etc., definetly worth a look before buying...

Have fun ....

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[Alistairr]

Hi Scott And welcome to the mad house.

Being in the States You are in the right place to buy a sportsboat anyway, As people have already said there are plenty of American SportsBoats for you too look at.
But i am Biased,,, I say look at Rinker, I went through the same as you, looking for our first boat 2 years ago. And out of all the American makes i thought Rinker had the better build quality. But that is my own opinion.

This 18' Bowrider, And with it being a bowrider there is space up front for passangers, I'd say no more than 6 on board, as to keep the weight down.

But basically there are loads of boats out there for you to chose from, The search site on here <A target="_blank" HREF=http://arweb.co.uk/argallery/alistair?&page=1> My Pictures, Look if you want.