Cat purchase exerience.
 

Just thought I'd share my recent experience, purchasing a cat. In case other dreamers, like myself, think the hoops and hurdles are not worth the trouble. I found some aspects eye opening, compared to what I had in my mind. Especially cost. Bottom line, every aspect was way easier, and less expensive than I had anticipated.

I was really concerned because of my age (37) only two boats owned (25 outlaw and Cig 42 Tiger) and zero cat experience, insurance costs would make a cat unattainable. I was pleasantly surprised.

Since Key West 04, seeing my first Nor-Tech 36, I knew that was the rig for me. When I was ready to buy and finally found one I liked, and was within my budget, I contacted Sy Goldberg. He contacted me back within a couple of hours. I asked for two quotes, one with the Tres Martin course, and one without. He told me the Tres Martin course was mandatory. The rough quote was around 3K. I almost fell over. Couldn't believe how reasonable. He called back with the firm, final quote, $3300.00. I was ecstatic. I've heard horror stories over the years of 8 to 10+ thousand. I reviewed the policy and opted to raise the liability to 1 million rather than the 300K he had quoted. It raised my rate only $300.00. I just couldn't believe it. This amount was way less thank I expected.

The next step was contacting Tres. Because there is really no class offering near me, I asked if he'd come to me. I had no idea that was an option. He said yes. He scheduled me, and just asked that I pay his flight, rental car, and hotel. He stayed with a friend so the hotel portion was saved. And Karen found him a flight that was incredibly reasonable. Again, I was so please to know how easy that part was. He came to my home, with Karen (Karen covered her own flight). In the family living room I took the course, prior to hitting the Lake in my boat with him. It was fantastic. I learned so much. He was super knowledgeable, super patient. I recommend the course to anyone, even the most seasoned boaters.

Anyhow, it seems some are under the impression the average guy can't make this type of thing work. I'm an average guy. And it worked. Was as affordable as it could be. And I'm in my dream cat and couldn't be happier.

Huge thank you to Sy, Tres, and Karen, and also Chris (cowisl) for scoping out the rig for me.

Neil


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That's a good thread.

I hope to be in a CAT before I'm 40 but have always said to myself that there is no way I would spend 10k/year on Insurance to boat 6-10 weekends a year (let's face it, life get's in the way).

I wouldn't have done 8 to 10K a year. I was pleasantly surprised.

Great story. I hope to be there myself in the next few years.

yes great post, there is large Skater in my (hopefully near) future!

oh yeah post some pics of the new ride!

Great story. I'm new to the game as well. Tres Martin course is great.

I'm curious how your rate was so inexpensive. What power? What is estimated top speed?

If you think your rate is a bit high, call Sy.

cool story...........now lets see more pics of the boat! :D

Oh, I see the big picture now!!!
Good luck with the new rig. Hope to see you on a Poker Run somewhere.

Good luck with the new boat......

Great story :)

Congrats!!

Sy is awesome he just insured my skater cat reasonable considering size value and my age .... great coverage no bs and best price ...... I do have have prior car experience so that helps but still impressed with him and what he bought to the table

Congrats on the transition

What company is Sy with and what's his contact information?

Sy Goldberg
Total Dollar
856-767-8134

And email... [email protected]

How are you Chris?

docked...

You have 525 in your 36 for power, that helps out, but still a good deal.
Good looking boat.

Ateco power...

Similar paint jobs... Neil has a #6 boat, the other that looks similar has 525's and Bravo's that Randy has for sale.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o50283-en.html

Congrats Neil, looks like a great package. Enjoy it, be safe and good luck with it!!!
Pat

O
Hi Pat, I thought he bought the boat from Fast Boats, guess I was mistaken, he got a great deal on insurance,
Great to hear. Living in Fl they just bang you over the head.

I switched over with Sy (Total Dollar) a couple years ago and couldn't be happier with his coverage's and ultimately the price... Mine was climbing towards the $8K range with 6 mos. of layup when I upgraded the power in mine and he was able to provide a much welcomed relief from the rate creep that was going on... . We did Tres' course back in 07' and it was well worth the time and money and highly recommend it.

Congrat's on your new boat you will enjoy the Nor-Tech.... Jim

I just jumped into my first cat last year and Sy got me insured and the Tres Martin course helped me as well. Mine had 850's and was under 130 so the insurance wasn't in that 8-10k range either and I have upgraded to 1075 power and it really didn't go up that much other than the deductible went from 5%-10%. I love the boat and will be a cat guy as long as I am going fast! Once you go cat... you never go back!!

wow Neil! I was thinking about you lately! I was actually telling myself you were really patient not having bought a boat since those 2-3 or maybe 4 years? seems like waiting has paid off!!! Happy for you to be back, and back in a big league!!!

any detail? year? power, drives? speed?

Congrats Neil.

"Average Guy" you're 6'6" for chr!st sake!

DPT,
Congrats on the new Cat, awesome looking rig! :) Aint that the truth, I'm 54 have tons of cats experience, owned 15 boats in my life time, and the insurance in FL for our Hustler 388 with 600SCI's is the same as Drypipetiger's !

I am good Neil. Congrats on the new boat. I just picked up a Hustler 388.

Congrats Neil. Its a beautiful ride! Glad it all worked out.

Started out with 525's and 6's.
GLH, thank you for the advise for the tolls on the way up to lake. It was pretty smooth sailing according to my friend.

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how do you get a hold of Sy for a quote?

845 356 7251

My new phone number is 856 767 8134 due to relocation.

Sy goldberg

Neil's insurance premium
 

His premium was low because he gave me a gift certificate from his business he thought that his gift was age appropriate.

Lol! Thank you for not "cashing it in" yet! I still need your service. :)

Great story to bolster cat ownership, its not that expensive as people think, and beautiful boat. What hp are the Ateco's and what top speed have you been? Are the bravo's holding up?

So what's the speed number that does make cat insurance jump through the roof?

My boat is equipped wih #6's. The Ateco motors are 850 HP each.