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New Member/Boater needs advice
First of all, nice to meet you all. Looks like a lively forum. I love it. So let me breakdown my situation. Hopefully i won't get too many mocking posts as I know my questions might seem rather amateur.. but that is exactly what they are. So for those that like to help, I ask you to read on :)
I have a family of 4 humans and 2 dogs. 3 year old, 13 year old and my wife. We also have a standard poodle and a terrier mix. I have never driven a boat. I have never owned a boat. I consider myself a pretty smart guy so I am sure I will pick up on it with the proper classes and training (which I already have setup).... My family is pretty mellow. No crazy wake boarding or skiing. Might happen once in a while but certainly not frequently. What we are looking for is a boat the family can get onto with the dogs and maybe a few more people and just cruise around the bay. We are moving to Belleair Beach, FL (33786) and are moving into a house with a seawall and dock w/ lift. We aren't looking to go 80MPH although we would like to get up and move when needed. Would like a potty on the boat if possible. Definitely want Biminis and stuff to cover the boat or most of it. I have heard where we are living it isn't practical to get an inboard type of motor and to stick with outboard only. They said some of the areas at low tide are much harder with inboards and can be a little dangerous. Any feedback on that? I just don't know what to buy. Been looking at Harris FloteBote 250 Crowne and Grand Mariner 250SL, both Pontoons. They look great and would work well for what we want to do, but talking to 3 people that live in the area they are saying that if the water gets rough at all we will hate the pontoon (although it has rough water package). and they says 25' may be too small for where I am. They each recommended 27-29" at least. I also looked at the Four Winns Horizon 290. We really liked it but it was inboard and because of what the 3 people said that concerns us. Budget is up to $130k if I have to. Would like to do less but can spend that much. I don't want a 10 year old boat.. I own 2 tech companies so I would like it fairly modern as I am a total dork techie. Preferably a 2014/2015 boat if possible. We plan on boating quite frequently and functionality is huge since the entire family will be on. We would like to be able to cook and stuff like that as well. So there ya go.. I hope that is all you need to know.If not ask me anything. Hopefully I didn't violate some policy with this post and this is the beginning of a long term mutually beneficial relationship! Thx M8's P.S. Is there a site like cars.com for boats? I went to boats.com, is that the best one for new and used? |
Originally Posted by Figjam
(Post 4298083)
First of all, nice to meet you all. Looks like a lively forum. I love it. So let me breakdown my situation. Hopefully i won't get too many mocking posts as I know my questions might seem rather amateur.. but that is exactly what they are. So for those that like to help, I ask you to read on :)
I have a family of 4 humans and 2 dogs. 3 year old, 13 year old and my wife. We also have a standard poodle and a terrier mix. I have never driven a boat. I have never owned a boat. I consider myself a pretty smart guy so I am sure I will pick up on it with the proper classes and training (which I already have setup).... My family is pretty mellow. No crazy wake boarding or skiing. Might happen once in a while but certainly not frequently. What we are looking for is a boat the family can get onto with the dogs and maybe a few more people and just cruise around the bay. We are moving to Belleair Beach, FL (33786) and are moving into a house with a seawall and dock w/ lift. We aren't looking to go 80MPH although we would like to get up and move when needed. Would like a potty on the boat if possible. Definitely want Biminis and stuff to cover the boat or most of it. I have heard where we are living it isn't practical to get an inboard type of motor and to stick with outboard only. They said some of the areas at low tide are much harder with inboards and can be a little dangerous. Any feedback on that? I just don't know what to buy. Been looking at Harris FloteBote 250 Crowne and Grand Mariner 250SL, both Pontoons. They look great and would work well for what we want to do, but talking to 3 people that live in the area they are saying that if the water gets rough at all we will hate the pontoon (although it has rough water package). and they says 25' may be too small for where I am. They each recommended 27-29" at least. I also looked at the Four Winns Horizon 290. We really liked it but it was inboard and because of what the 3 people said that concerns us. Budget is up to $130k if I have to. Would like to do less but can spend that much. I don't want a 10 year old boat.. I own 2 tech companies so I would like it fairly modern as I am a total dork techie. Preferably a 2014/2015 boat if possible. We plan on boating quite frequently and functionality is huge since the entire family will be on. We would like to be able to cook and stuff like that as well. So there ya go.. I hope that is all you need to know.If not ask me anything. Hopefully I didn't violate some policy with this post and this is the beginning of a long term mutually beneficial relationship! Thx M8's |
Lots of good info on this forum, you might find one of the pleasure boat forums more direct. Highly recommend the Chaparral Owners Forum & Chaparral boats as well, lots of good FLA members on there too.
284 Sunesta or 287SSx if you want open now in that price range. |
If you r not looking to sleep on it and can do with out the full galley I would say a cc would fit u best. A 33 or so would that the bathroom and the outboards for low tide. Also with the open walk around there is a tone of room for the family dogs and friends. And now days the cc's can get up and move.
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If you have never had a boat, I would consider keeping your budget down around 40k to 50k or less and learn how to operate the boat. You will also find out what you like and dislike about the boat. Then you can buy the next boat that will be best suited for your family.
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^^^^^^ agree with ya on that. With a couple add on's you can do a lot with a CC. I'm pretty sure all CC models are easy to find in Florida.
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http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...fx-o56956.html
know its your first boat and he is right about geting seat time be for getting something bigger and more money but something like this I think would be best |
Powerboatslisting.com is a good place to look.... Take your time, go look at as many boats as you can, get a full survey from a reputable surveyor. I think in your price range you will not have any problems finding a boat that will accommodate your boating requirements.
Best of luck in your search |
Originally Posted by sonic700
(Post 4298121)
^^^^^^ agree with ya on that. With a couple add on's you can do a lot with a CC. I'm pretty sure all CC models are easy to find in Florida.
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I would get a Protector CC. It has a rubber inter-tube all the way around it. Perfect for a first boat driver. You can run into anything a it just bounces off. Google center console boats.
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http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...-s-o54486.html
This one is even better as a starter one and is in fl |
CC= center console !
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console:ernaehrung004:
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Give the boys at Renegade a call... They should be able to fix you up with something..
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Originally Posted by sonic700
(Post 4298134)
console:ernaehrung004:
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Originally Posted by Tim G.
(Post 4298135)
Give the boys at Renegade a call... They should be able to fix you up with something..
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Figjam
Let me just say that you are approaching this process of getting a boat right on the mark. You have really characterized what you think you may want/need to have fun on the water-- that's the most important starting point. Someone posted getting in a less expensive boat and see what you like and don't like about a boat. That is somewhat of a very good suggestion. However, if you take your time you may have an opportunity to check out boats that are either being sold or boaters that are willing to show you some of the features why they like their boat. The down side is that boats like all other toys depreciate-- so there maybe a cost issue not getting a larger boat or more options initially. You will be obviously boating in salt water -- That is a pretty tough environment on any boat - regardless how well they have been maintained. You really need to consider if you want to have an outboard or and I/O. Both have positives and negatives. For sure regardless what boat you select GET AN INDEPENDENT SURVEY DONE!!!!-- Don't let your emotions dictate what boat you buy -- if the boat has issues walk- no run- away as fast as possible - there are too many boats to pick from that are fore sale. In addition, a big issue for me was safety -- will this boat be able to handle the occasional ruff weather -- you will get caught in it no matter how hard to try to avoid it-- it happens to all of us. There are a number of other stuffs - like maintenance, insurance and the availability of fuel in the area. NOTHING can put a kink in the plow line faster than a broken boat with no one around that knows how to fix it - Take your time - ask lots of questions (this site has a bunch of information)-- and there are no stupid questions - Lord knows I've asked my share. Now for the commercial -- We have been blessed with a Cobalt - It took us a while to find exactly what we wanted. It was worth the wait - We purchased a used 226 with a 7.4 MPI- Bravo III with a little over 250 hours- good maintenance records and excellent condition. (top speed has been consistently 63 mph-- just had to throw that in) That was 2 years ago -- This boat does everything that we have needed and wanted-- sure I would love to have one of the larger performance boats - and start my hair on fire -- maybe someday - bur right now what we have it's fitting the bill just fine. Good luck with the search and above all once you get out there be safe!!!! 3pointstar |
I would consider a 29 AT with twin outboards based on what you've posted.
The AT Factory is in Florida and you can order directly from the factory. http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...75-o61313.html |
I agree with Griff on the Active Thunder. Velocity made a 300 SUB, also. Outboards, closed deck/cuddy, decent sized cockpit, but the AT seating looks better to me.
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I seen the at and thought about it but then again he is lookin to have family of 4, 2 dogs and not the littlest ones and at times some friends out with them. It might get alittle tight running and relaxing with that many people with out an open bow.
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If he is considering io's then a sunsation mid cabin might work good.
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Just my 2 cents worth.........
I've owned a wide range of boats from runabouts to. Ski race boats, cruisers and currently a centre console. Most of my boating has been in water that get quite rough, very quickly. For a first time boater, outboards are very simple to operate and maintenance is even easier. A bit of servicing and flush them out (10 minute job) as often as possible. The centre consoles are very roomy, handle the rough stuff well, have big fuel tanks, plenty of speed and difficult to get into trouble. If you go with a stern drive, I used to own a Sea Ray 270 SLX with a 6.2 liter and it was a good boat with speed a little over 40 mph. Only problem was the rough seas. From my experience, the larger 290 SLX would have been a much better boat. If you want a well built family boat, certainly worth a look. They offer the single engine for economical and simple boating and still perform well. If you want a bit more speed,the twin engine option is also available. Just a few ideas and remember, new boats depreciate very quickly so if. You buy a brand new boat and you're not satisfied, you will likely drop a lot of money in the first year. Good luck whatever you decide and welcome to boating! "Life's better with a boat" RR Edit: Just correcting, my 270 was in 2008. The current models are 270 and 300 (not 290). Have a look at searay.com and Im guessing there's plenty of 2 year old boats available too |
From what I've seen on OSO for a decade or so,
is your supposed to end your bosating career with a CC, not start it. LOL. |
Lots of great advice. My 2 cents is go a bit bigger and a little older maybe 2010-2012. A decent chunk of the depreciation has taken place and WHEN you start looking for your next boat, your in a better position. There are a ton of boats in those years will minimal hours and are basically brand new. Enjoy the search because that's one of the greatest times being a boater. Welcome and good luck.
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Originally Posted by Figjam
(Post 4298083)
First of all, nice to meet you all. Looks like a lively forum. I love it. So let me breakdown my situation. Hopefully i won't get too many mocking posts as I know my questions might seem rather amateur.. but that is exactly what they are. So for those that like to help, I ask you to read on :)
I have a family of 4 humans and 2 dogs. 3 year old, 13 year old and my wife. We also have a standard poodle and a terrier mix. 7 I have never driven a boat. I have never owned a boat. I consider myself a pretty smart guy so I am sure I will pick up on it with the proper classes and training (which I already have setup).... My family is pretty mellow. No crazy wake boarding or skiing. Might happen once in a while but certainly not frequently. What we are looking for is a boat the family can get onto with the dogs and maybe a few more people and just cruise around the bay. We are moving to Belleair Beach, FL (33786) and are moving into a house with a seawall and dock w/ lift. We aren't looking to go 80MPH although we would like to get up and move when needed. Would like a potty on the boat if possible. Definitely want Biminis and stuff to cover the boat or most of it. I have heard where we are living it isn't practical to get an inboard type of motor and to stick with outboard only. They said some of the areas at low tide are much harder with inboards and can be a little dangerous. Any feedback on that? I just don't know what to buy. Been looking at Harris FloteBote 250 Crowne and Grand Mariner 250SL, both Pontoons. They look great and would work well for what we want to do, but talking to 3 people that live in the area they are saying that if the water gets rough at all we will hate the pontoon (although it has rough water package). and they says 25' may be too small for where I am. They each recommended 27-29" at least. I also looked at the Four Winns Horizon 290. We really liked it but it was inboard and because of what the 3 people said that concerns us. Budget is up to $130k if I have to. Would like to do less but can spend that much. I don't want a 10 year old boat.. I own 2 tech companies so I would like it fairly modern as I am a total dork techie. Preferably a 2014/2015 boat if possible. We plan on boating quite frequently and functionality is huge since the entire family will be on. We would like to be able to cook and stuff like that as well. So there ya go.. I hope that is all you need to know.If not ask me anything. Hopefully I didn't violate some policy with this post and this is the beginning of a long term mutually beneficial relationship! Thx M8's P.S. Is there a site like cars.com for boats? I went to boats.com, is that the best one for new and used? |
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