New Virginia Boater
06-24-2008, 12:29 PM
#1
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New Virginia Boater
Hello folks,
I'm in the market for my first used powerboat and I'll be the first to say that I have little to no experience boating. Most of my boating will take place on Lake Anna and Smith Mountain Lake. However, as I gain more experience behind the wheel I would like to travel to the Bahamas from Florida and from Norfolk, Virginia up to Atlantic City.
I realize that boating on a lake does not compare to traveling on the open ocean, but I am hoping there is a boat that can handle both while being friendly to a new owner. I have no preference to inboards or outboards. A cabin would be a nice addition, but it is not something that I have to have.
I apologize in advance if I am not providing enough information. Price wise, I am not sure of because I do not know the financing terms on used powerboats.
Thank you
I'm in the market for my first used powerboat and I'll be the first to say that I have little to no experience boating. Most of my boating will take place on Lake Anna and Smith Mountain Lake. However, as I gain more experience behind the wheel I would like to travel to the Bahamas from Florida and from Norfolk, Virginia up to Atlantic City.
I realize that boating on a lake does not compare to traveling on the open ocean, but I am hoping there is a boat that can handle both while being friendly to a new owner. I have no preference to inboards or outboards. A cabin would be a nice addition, but it is not something that I have to have.
I apologize in advance if I am not providing enough information. Price wise, I am not sure of because I do not know the financing terms on used powerboats.
Thank you
06-24-2008, 12:45 PM
#2
Registered User
Welcome!
You picked a good time to get into the sport- there are many, many used boat bargains out there right now. A couple of thoughts- first, you're going to have to move it. What are your towing capabilities? You probably don't want to invest in a $30K truck and a boat at the same time so your ability to move it will have some bearing. For new boaters, I always try to recomment a reasonably new 24' to 28' deep vee with a single big block. Baja makes a great first boat. Fountain does too but you'll spend a little more. One of two things will happen- you'll either love the sport or you won't. Either way, you'll be looking to part with whatever you end up buying in a year or two. You will want a recognized brand that's easy to resell or for a dealer to take in trade. On boats- condition is everything. Lots of people think they'll get something 20 years old for low bucks and fix it up. Thet's a great way to make a pile of cash disappear. A 20-year-old boat you pay $10 grand for ans put another 10 into isn't a $20K boat- not even close. Many people use their boats right up to that point where they still look and run OK but major work is right around the corner. if you're going to drop $20K, you might as well have a boat that's at least close to worth that much.
For any of us to make a decent recommendation, we'll need to know how you'll use it and more on what your expectations are. As far as the offshore running you reference, that's something you're probably a few years away from. Open ocean boating can be great fun but it can also be incredibly perilous and is only for an experienced operator. You're also going to need alot of boat on all but the best days. Go buy a book called Chapman's Seamanship and start reading.
You picked a good time to get into the sport- there are many, many used boat bargains out there right now. A couple of thoughts- first, you're going to have to move it. What are your towing capabilities? You probably don't want to invest in a $30K truck and a boat at the same time so your ability to move it will have some bearing. For new boaters, I always try to recomment a reasonably new 24' to 28' deep vee with a single big block. Baja makes a great first boat. Fountain does too but you'll spend a little more. One of two things will happen- you'll either love the sport or you won't. Either way, you'll be looking to part with whatever you end up buying in a year or two. You will want a recognized brand that's easy to resell or for a dealer to take in trade. On boats- condition is everything. Lots of people think they'll get something 20 years old for low bucks and fix it up. Thet's a great way to make a pile of cash disappear. A 20-year-old boat you pay $10 grand for ans put another 10 into isn't a $20K boat- not even close. Many people use their boats right up to that point where they still look and run OK but major work is right around the corner. if you're going to drop $20K, you might as well have a boat that's at least close to worth that much.
For any of us to make a decent recommendation, we'll need to know how you'll use it and more on what your expectations are. As far as the offshore running you reference, that's something you're probably a few years away from. Open ocean boating can be great fun but it can also be incredibly perilous and is only for an experienced operator. You're also going to need alot of boat on all but the best days. Go buy a book called Chapman's Seamanship and start reading.
06-24-2008, 12:53 PM
#3
Gold Member
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I would say that if you truely see a trip from Norfolk to AC in your future than you definitely need something with 2 engines which will probably put you in the 30+ foot range, which will also be nice because it will give you a decent cabin - something I would HIGHLY recommend.
Just something to keep in mind, that will also, most likely, require a full 1 ton truck, dually or otherwise. An Expedition/F150 isn't going to cut mustard from a safety standpoint or from an insurance standpoint. On that note - you might want to do some reasearch first because Insurance could be prohibitive depending on the size of the boat since this is your first powerboat. On that note - often times the progressives, statefarms, allstates, of the world say no problem, give you a low quote and then drop coverage when you get to the underwriter so you might want to also call a specialist to check a worst case scenario.
Finance wise - in general - assume about 100 bucks for every 10k you finance on a 15 year note. Older boats are often times harder to finance especially 100%.
As far as brands - this site has supporters and detractors of EVERY brand. If you can, go and physically take a look at all different brands.
Some will give you more speed (fountain), some will give you more comfort in the rough water (cig), some will give you a nice compromise that is probably best for your first boat.
Whatever you do make sure it is in good mechanical shape because that is what keeps you on the water instead of on the side of theh house with the engines torn apart....
Just something to keep in mind, that will also, most likely, require a full 1 ton truck, dually or otherwise. An Expedition/F150 isn't going to cut mustard from a safety standpoint or from an insurance standpoint. On that note - you might want to do some reasearch first because Insurance could be prohibitive depending on the size of the boat since this is your first powerboat. On that note - often times the progressives, statefarms, allstates, of the world say no problem, give you a low quote and then drop coverage when you get to the underwriter so you might want to also call a specialist to check a worst case scenario.
Finance wise - in general - assume about 100 bucks for every 10k you finance on a 15 year note. Older boats are often times harder to finance especially 100%.
As far as brands - this site has supporters and detractors of EVERY brand. If you can, go and physically take a look at all different brands.
Some will give you more speed (fountain), some will give you more comfort in the rough water (cig), some will give you a nice compromise that is probably best for your first boat.
Whatever you do make sure it is in good mechanical shape because that is what keeps you on the water instead of on the side of theh house with the engines torn apart....
06-24-2008, 12:57 PM
#4
VIP Member
Welcome. Where in VA are you? We have a large contingent that hangs out at SML. (www.smlpba.com) and the Jammin' on the James Poker run is in a couple weeks which will bring out a host of folks in the Virginia area. (http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=164030)
You are probably going to want at least 36-38 feet of boat for most of what you described. The trip crossing to the Bahamas is always a fun thought, but the weather can make the ocean awful in an instant, and you need plenty of boat to be able to handle that. Once you start talking about 36+ feet of boat, you also have to factor in at least a 1 ton Dually as your tow vehicle, and storage logistics as well.
You can often finance a used boat 15-20 years and likely it will be classified as a second/vacation home; and your loan will fit mortgage rules so you can write off the interest.
I invite you give me a shout. My email address is ActiveThunderAVH(a)aol.com . I am in Richmond, and have several Active Thunders and even a Sunsation that may fit your bill.
You are probably going to want at least 36-38 feet of boat for most of what you described. The trip crossing to the Bahamas is always a fun thought, but the weather can make the ocean awful in an instant, and you need plenty of boat to be able to handle that. Once you start talking about 36+ feet of boat, you also have to factor in at least a 1 ton Dually as your tow vehicle, and storage logistics as well.
You can often finance a used boat 15-20 years and likely it will be classified as a second/vacation home; and your loan will fit mortgage rules so you can write off the interest.
I invite you give me a shout. My email address is ActiveThunderAVH(a)aol.com . I am in Richmond, and have several Active Thunders and even a Sunsation that may fit your bill.
06-24-2008, 01:23 PM
#6
21 and 42 footers
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06-24-2008, 04:59 PM
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WOW,
Guys, come on this is his first powerboat, he doesn't need to start with a 38' boat and dually truck. Chit thats a good way to get in over his head. 25-30' boat is plenty for Lake Anna or SML. As stated before stick with a name brand so if you don't like it or want to move into something else once you know more of what you want it can be easily traded or sold. I would say a 26 Baja or similar boat is what you want to start with.
If you do want a Baja let me know we have new and used inventory.
BTW welcome to the madness
Sincerely,
WILL
Guys, come on this is his first powerboat, he doesn't need to start with a 38' boat and dually truck. Chit thats a good way to get in over his head. 25-30' boat is plenty for Lake Anna or SML. As stated before stick with a name brand so if you don't like it or want to move into something else once you know more of what you want it can be easily traded or sold. I would say a 26 Baja or similar boat is what you want to start with.
If you do want a Baja let me know we have new and used inventory.
BTW welcome to the madness
Sincerely,
WILL
06-24-2008, 05:05 PM
#8
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I'm considering listing mine. '08 37 Active Thunder with 525's. A little over 60 hours now. Stored inside 24/7.
Love the boat, but would love a house on the water more.
Love the boat, but would love a house on the water more.
06-24-2008, 05:23 PM
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If you come up to SML look us up we can show you several boats in different sizes that might help you with your decision, our website is www.smlpba.com.
Will
Will
06-24-2008, 05:29 PM
#10
WOW,
Guys, come on this is his first powerboat, he doesn't need to start with a 38' boat and dually truck. Chit thats a good way to get in over his head. 25-30' boat is plenty for Lake Anna or SML. As stated before stick with a name brand so if you don't like it or want to move into something else once you know more of what you want it can be easily traded or sold. I would say a 26 Baja or similar boat is what you want to start with.
If you do want a Baja let me know we have new and used inventory.
BTW welcome to the madness
Sincerely,
WILL
Guys, come on this is his first powerboat, he doesn't need to start with a 38' boat and dually truck. Chit thats a good way to get in over his head. 25-30' boat is plenty for Lake Anna or SML. As stated before stick with a name brand so if you don't like it or want to move into something else once you know more of what you want it can be easily traded or sold. I would say a 26 Baja or similar boat is what you want to start with.
If you do want a Baja let me know we have new and used inventory.
BTW welcome to the madness
Sincerely,
WILL
