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

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.

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....

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.

I got the boat for you.

A 1998 42 Sonic with new paint. engines, drives, interior, and trailer all for under $100K.

Your not talking about Terry's are you????

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:D

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.

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

He spoke of some long range trips like Atlantic City and Bahamas. Those are not doable in 25-30 foot boats. Now is a great time to buy a nice used 'bigger' offshore boat. As long as one knows what they are in for, now it a great time to go for it. I've got a 42 Sonic, 3 - 37' ATs, one 33' AT, and a 32' Sunsation that are all for sale, and each of them will come with a Tres Martin Performance Boat School to the buyer.

Well, as an inexperienced boater - just because he wants to do those kind of offshore trips doesn't mean he should. At this point, a 25-28' boat will probably be all that he can handle...especially when he's around the docks...next to your boat. :D

Mav, if MOST of your boating will be on lakes - get a boat that makes sense for that...there will be plenty of time later to move to a bigger boat. I could have bought a larger [first] boat, and now I'm glad I didn't...easy to trailer, reasonable on fuel, and manageable in terms of control. Chris Sunkin gave you some good advice to start.

:eek:

:eek:

Not his.

Have a friend (who just passed away) that was/still is looking to unload his boat before is health got worse. Now it needs to go.

I am not going down this road, if you sincerely think it is responsible advice to give someone, to jump into a 7000-12000lbs boat with 850-1400HP as their first Performance boat go for it, I hope you have your VA Dealer License # ready when, Cindy (DGIF) in Richmond calls you when their is a problem.

Sorry MAV,

WILL:eek:

I guess we will agree to disagree. I'm not saying its the right move for everyone, but a responsible individual can handle it; especially if trained well.

I know of a very nice Warlock 25 with 454 FEI Mag that can be bought very very right. The boat is super clean and low time. They are asking 40 but I know 35 would take it.

I was recently in the same situation as you.

I looked at 28 Apaches with twins, Cigarette Bullets, Fountains, etc......

I bought a single engine Pantera 28. 750hp Bischoff Racing Engines motor (roughly) put to an IMCO drive.

Cool enough to have respect from big boys, fast enough to scare you a bit, old school looks and rough water capability. I know there was one for sale with a single 500EFI Merc when I was lookin. Thats nice reliable power. Not sure if it sold or not. I think it was a 2000.

Chris Sunkin gave you the best advice in my humble opinion. Dont buy one with twins. Start off with something cool that you will love. Buying anything with over 500hp under 30 ft (like a Fountain or Pantera) is going to be way over your head already especially for no experience. You dont want to kill yourself or worse someone else...... If you need to have it (like I did) at least respect you own limits and move up to a big boat in a couple of years once you understand what it is all about. hell, you might just decide that a smaller single high perf machine is perfect for your purposes.

As far as cabin is concerned.....I dont have one in mine and I dont think I am missing out but I just like running the damn thing, I would never sleep on a boat unless it was a boat truly meant for that. Unless I am drunk, in which case just find your nearest ditch/park bench and you should be fine...


Again I am by no means an expert but I did my homework and this was how I decided to spend my life savings!

Good Luck.

I concur - My first boat was my CAFE (went from a 20' 1974 Wellcraft V-20 with an OB) I have done nothing irresponsible, haven't so much as bumped a dock or anything. As long as you take your time - no problem.

These are his own words.

A 25' boat is going to be a free-fall experience for this gentleman. A 35' performance boat is probably going to be an overwhelming experience that will drive him out of the sport within the season. Just the launch-ramp alone is going to have him scratching his head and wondering how he dumped all this money out and how he's going to get himself out. The complexity of operation, the expense and the dramatically steep learning curve are all against him. Hell, they're against me after 30 years- I'm just too stupid to give up and take my ass-whipping and go home.

What most of us take for granted, he's still blissfully unaware of. One of the biggest problems with our sport is that 80% of it is fun & games. The other 20% consists of things that can be very expensive and/or lethal. Many experienced boaters have yet to dip into some of the really bad parts of that 20%, but there's time yet for everyone. Venturing into the open ocean without skill, preparedness and lots of boating experience is a good way to see that last percent or two. And it's an ugly way to go.

You need baby steps here- make friends with other performance boaters and start doing trips with them. If Mav were my friend, I'd sneak into his storage and steal parts off of his boat to keep him from trying outside running.

The 35 Cafe was your first boat, but you had boating experience in family owned boats........

MAV stated "He has NO boating experience"!!!! IMO that makes a BIG difference.

Don't forget - being responsible isn't quite the same as being skilled. You can be careful and responsible from the outset, but it still may take a while to learn the skills required to smoothly operate and navigate a high performance boat. That will come in time - hopefully. :cool:

The right training he could get a F16 off a aircraft carrier, doesn't mean he should start with one, ?!?%$

Oh yea wear your Lanyard At least we agree on that:evilb::evilb::evilb:

Love ya Brian, but we disagree on this one.:drink:

WILL

Thanks everyone for responding. I've decided to go with a 25 to 30ft boat with a single engine. I'll keep that for maybe two years and then sell it for something larger with two engines.

Sounds like a good plan. Enjoy the H*ll out of it!! :cool::ernaehrung004:

Mav,

Very good decision, we are located at SML and VA Beach, if we can help in anyway please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

WILL MURRAY