Newbie Wants to Understand A Few Things!
07-22-2020 | 06:10 AM
#42
Member #154
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,003
Likes: 1,081
From: SW CT & Long Island Sound
Between the Bridges Marina for question #7
For a first boat you're picking a handful and the 1500/half ton pickup question tells me you've never towed anything of any consequence. I have a F150 currently and it's pretty much incapable of anything, if I get a gallon of milk with the groceries my front wheels pop off the ground. My wife thinks it's a ***** truck and she's ready to trade me in for a more rugged model. I pulled into the gas station the other day and this old lady asked how I liked my Smart Car. I ran over a squirrel the other day and it's in the shop for a new suspension. Jokes aside trailering a 38 is a whole 'nother aspect of boating that takes just as much research into vehicles, routes, storage, trailer maintenance up upkeep, et al.
And while some of the comments seem snarky they're rooting in real life happenings of owning a newer boat let alone a model with some years on it. Just a serious question, have you ever owned ANY boat? If not maybe something more manageable would be a better first time purchase, and trust me, newer, more updated, better, reliable will give you PLENTY of issues to learn from. Boats are a giant PitA and if you're not passionate and obsessed like most of us here you'll be in for a long ride. I'm not here to crush your dream as most of us have been dreaming of these beautiful crafts forever, just some things to consider.
If you're all in then welcome, you'll get plenty of support here and good luck. Maybe I'll see you bombing around the Sound some year, it's a great body of water and the east end of CT, Long Island, Block Island, Nantucket, Martha's, Newport, is some of the best boating in the country.
For a first boat you're picking a handful and the 1500/half ton pickup question tells me you've never towed anything of any consequence. I have a F150 currently and it's pretty much incapable of anything, if I get a gallon of milk with the groceries my front wheels pop off the ground. My wife thinks it's a ***** truck and she's ready to trade me in for a more rugged model. I pulled into the gas station the other day and this old lady asked how I liked my Smart Car. I ran over a squirrel the other day and it's in the shop for a new suspension. Jokes aside trailering a 38 is a whole 'nother aspect of boating that takes just as much research into vehicles, routes, storage, trailer maintenance up upkeep, et al.
And while some of the comments seem snarky they're rooting in real life happenings of owning a newer boat let alone a model with some years on it. Just a serious question, have you ever owned ANY boat? If not maybe something more manageable would be a better first time purchase, and trust me, newer, more updated, better, reliable will give you PLENTY of issues to learn from. Boats are a giant PitA and if you're not passionate and obsessed like most of us here you'll be in for a long ride. I'm not here to crush your dream as most of us have been dreaming of these beautiful crafts forever, just some things to consider.
If you're all in then welcome, you'll get plenty of support here and good luck. Maybe I'll see you bombing around the Sound some year, it's a great body of water and the east end of CT, Long Island, Block Island, Nantucket, Martha's, Newport, is some of the best boating in the country.
Last edited by Indy; 07-22-2020 at 06:14 AM.
09-14-2020 | 09:32 AM
#43
Thread Starter
Registered
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
Hi All - is any one on this thread familiar with the 38 Top Gun for sale at Marine Max in West Brook CT (this site wont allow me to post a link). The boat has newer 500s EFI engines, outdrives are old and will need to be replaced. Hull is in good shape no cracking and only a few minor bruises. Interior is reasonably good although the cabin door is not moving, and a few of the cushions need to be replaced. I was told a couple of gauges do not work which concerns me, although I have a family member in the marine electronics business and I think he would help. I am calling over to Ocean Performance today to se if they know the boat and I am doing a sea trail this weekend. I can buy the boat for way less than asking so that leaves room for repairs without getting really buried financially - LOL i think. I have seen a 2019 survey and there is no water issues , but i would have resurveyed before any purchase.
09-14-2020 | 09:49 AM
#44
Platinum Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,427
Likes: 3,953
From: Midwest & T-Rock
this one, looks like a pretty big gouge at the left side bow stop
https://www.marinemax.com/boats-for-...tbrook/7517164
https://www.marinemax.com/boats-for-...tbrook/7517164
09-15-2020 | 06:40 AM
#46
Registered
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 50
From: Glastonbury, CT
Remember its a 20 year old boat, but it was in the water a few weeks ago saw it cursing by. As for rack storage I know of a two places Between the Bridges and Port Niantic, I think some marines also offer it outside as well.
And I would not tow with a 1500 remember Towing is easy its the Stopping thatch important.
And I would not tow with a 1500 remember Towing is easy its the Stopping thatch important.
Last edited by boomer; 09-15-2020 at 06:44 AM.
09-15-2020 | 09:16 AM
#47
Registered
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 565
Between the Bridges Marina for question #7
For a first boat you're picking a handful and the 1500/half ton pickup question tells me you've never towed anything of any consequence. I have a F150 currently and it's pretty much incapable of anything, if I get a gallon of milk with the groceries my front wheels pop off the ground. My wife thinks it's a ***** truck and she's ready to trade me in for a more rugged model. I pulled into the gas station the other day and this old lady asked how I liked my Smart Car. I ran over a squirrel the other day and it's in the shop for a new suspension. Jokes aside trailering a 38 is a whole 'nother aspect of boating that takes just as much research into vehicles, routes, storage, trailer maintenance up upkeep, et al.
And while some of the comments seem snarky they're rooting in real life happenings of owning a newer boat let alone a model with some years on it. Just a serious question, have you ever owned ANY boat? If not maybe something more manageable would be a better first time purchase, and trust me, newer, more updated, better, reliable will give you PLENTY of issues to learn from. Boats are a giant PitA and if you're not passionate and obsessed like most of us here you'll be in for a long ride. I'm not here to crush your dream as most of us have been dreaming of these beautiful crafts forever, just some things to consider.
If you're all in then welcome, you'll get plenty of support here and good luck. Maybe I'll see you bombing around the Sound some year, it's a great body of water and the east end of CT, Long Island, Block Island, Nantucket, Martha's, Newport, is some of the best boating in the country.
For a first boat you're picking a handful and the 1500/half ton pickup question tells me you've never towed anything of any consequence. I have a F150 currently and it's pretty much incapable of anything, if I get a gallon of milk with the groceries my front wheels pop off the ground. My wife thinks it's a ***** truck and she's ready to trade me in for a more rugged model. I pulled into the gas station the other day and this old lady asked how I liked my Smart Car. I ran over a squirrel the other day and it's in the shop for a new suspension. Jokes aside trailering a 38 is a whole 'nother aspect of boating that takes just as much research into vehicles, routes, storage, trailer maintenance up upkeep, et al.
And while some of the comments seem snarky they're rooting in real life happenings of owning a newer boat let alone a model with some years on it. Just a serious question, have you ever owned ANY boat? If not maybe something more manageable would be a better first time purchase, and trust me, newer, more updated, better, reliable will give you PLENTY of issues to learn from. Boats are a giant PitA and if you're not passionate and obsessed like most of us here you'll be in for a long ride. I'm not here to crush your dream as most of us have been dreaming of these beautiful crafts forever, just some things to consider.
If you're all in then welcome, you'll get plenty of support here and good luck. Maybe I'll see you bombing around the Sound some year, it's a great body of water and the east end of CT, Long Island, Block Island, Nantucket, Martha's, Newport, is some of the best boating in the country.
You may take a bow. Post of the year regarding half ton trucks.
09-15-2020 | 09:47 AM
#48
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Registered
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
Thanks for the advice. I grew up around boats as has my wife. Me on the Long Island Sound her on Candlewood Lake. So we both have an idea of the various issues. The boat I inquired about can be bought at a very significant discount from the asking. My thought is that at the price I can purchase the boat for it leaves a whole lot of money for fix up including new out drives, paint, gauges etc. My hop would be to a little at a time, but my expectation is that anything can break at anytime. But more to your point, the reason I posted was for the input and to see if any one has any experience or knowledge with this particular boat.
The plan is to leave it on the eastern end of CT so I am close to Block Island, Newport, Montauk etc. Thats about an hours drive from my house but the boatng is way better at that end of the state.
The plan is to leave it on the eastern end of CT so I am close to Block Island, Newport, Montauk etc. Thats about an hours drive from my house but the boatng is way better at that end of the state.
