Welcome to OSO, as you can see you will have many knowledgeable members who are willing to help you out here.

Keep in mind the cheapest part about boating is buying the boat. One may be able to afford a 100k boat but the 500-1000 if not more every spring to get ready, 400-$1000 gas fill ups, launch fees, decreased milage towing, repairs, etc. All things to keep in mind.

I factor in 1-2 grand incidentals every year thats things like new life jackets, getting a new stereo, new trailer tires etc. I have about a 2 grand fuel allowance per year which is probably moddest to a lot of people. But here in NY we basically have 12 weekends, 2 grand gives me 4-5 tanks a tank last two weekends so it covers me for the summer. I know there are guys out there that dump 5-1000 bucks a week in fuel. But I love it and dont let it scare you away it is manageable if you for one have money to piss or like most of us budget, do repairs on our own. Good luck. Like I said earlier and others have said start smaller and cheaper. You buy that that 100k boat this year and doesnt work out youll be selling it next year for 80

I live in San Francisco and keep my boat at work in Alameda. 14 miles door to for me. I do keep mine on the trailer inside the warehouse as I mostly go to Berryessa and other local lakes. The current boat is 28' and will handle the bay with ease. However, we're just into warmer climates so we tend to stick with the lakes. I may drop it in the bay this year once or twice.

Storage: My last boat used to be stored at Mariner Square Dry Stack in Alameda. $10 per foot, indoors in a new facility (8 years ago), on a rack. They use a Marina Bull forklift to drop the boat in the water for you. Great service and people. Call and ask for Savio when you're ready. Tell him Marcel sent you.

http://www.marinersquaremarina.com/drystack.html

Here's my old boat, first customer, before they opened officially:

a couple of great starter boats would be Donzi 28 ZX, Formula 292, and a few others in that size range. you get twin small blocks, modern hull, fun ride, big enough to get out but small enough to not be overwhelming. They also get decent fuel mileage (for a boat) so you won't get totally killed by CA gas prices.

They will come in well under 100k and you can spend the rest on using it.

Maintaining a performance boat Vs. Sail boat are just different so I wouldn't suggest going all in budget wise until you try it out. Generally people's first performance boat is a screw up boat unless you grew up around them. I have seen a lot of guys buy brand new performance boats as their 'first'... trash it in the first 3 years while they figure out what is going on... then they trade it for something else and manage to maintain the second one properly because they made all the mistakes the first time around.

agreed 27 fountain in that last. I would really go 25-27 feet.

Here's a good starter boat that's local:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/boa/2964126538.html

This one has been for sale for years. I'd make an offer on it. Can't beat the quality of a Hallett. With these motors, however, you may want some good instruction on operation.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/boa/2941650791.html

Thanks for all of the responses. My parents' boat had a plack on it that said "A boat is a hole in the water you pour money into," so I'm well aware the costs don't end with the boat purchase

The main dealbreaker at this point might be owning a truck to haul it around. I really don't want to own second vehicle since I'd have to find somewhere to park it.

Mariner Square Dry Stack looks perfect. Is it much of a hassle to bring it in/out or is it pretty frictionless? Do they charge you each time? What are their hours?

Would it be reasonable to rent a truck for the occasional times I need to take it places for maintenance or a trip to a lake, etc? If I really get into going to lakes I could get a truck, but for now I plan on staying in the bay/delta.

Edit: also, how much do they charge for storage of the trailer?

Other questions:

• Recommendations for performance boating instructors in the bay area?
• Do you recommend having a marine surveyor take a look at the boat before purchasing? Any recommendations in bay area?
• I'm a sucker for solid dark colored (navy/black) boats. Can you paint these boats, and if so what would it typically cost?

It's pretty easy in/out on the water side end of the deal. Getting to their parking lot with a trailer is just a tad tight as you have to go through an adjacent parking lot full of cars. You get used to it.

Their fee includes unlimited launches. Hours I believe are 8-5 daily, however, we used to simply tie it off at the dock and let them take it inside and wash it the next morning. Same idea when it was on the trailer - we would simply park it in the lot and they would take inside in the AM. Trailer storage was nominal as they usually store them up top and rarely have to bring them down.

Instructors would be hard to come by in these parts. I know that Tres Martin held a class here but that was years ago. Depending on what you purchase and if you're keeping it in Alameda, I'd be happy to go over the basics with you. I'm messing around with my boat half the day anyhow.

Marine Surveyor is a must if you're not familiar with the boat. With that said, a sea trial will tell you the rest.

Depending on the builder, it's either paint or gelcoat. Sure you can change it up, but it does get spendy.

Oh yea, don't sweat the "hole in the water", thing. Your ready to step up to the next level, B.O.A.T. Break Out Another Thousand.
Next is "two-foot-itis", as you keep selling and buying boats two feet bigger each time.


Absolutely, surveyor! If your not very well familiar with power boats a survey can make or break a deal to keep you with no buyers remorse.

I dream of running on the Delta some day.

Happy Boating to you.