Hello there I am very new to boating in fact I do not even own one, but I am very interested. I do not know whether to buy new or used I am currently looking at the yamaha or sea doo jet boats. I like these because of there being no prop to worry abt and they seem to hold there value alittle better than other boats.(but I could be completely wrong you guys tell me) If at all possible i'd like my price range below 30-35000. I plan on using it mostly on kerr lake or alittle bay activity. I really dont know yet. If you guys could give me your advice that would be great. The uses of the boat are skiing, tubing, occasional fishing, RELAXING. And id like to keep it between 20-25 feet. So if everyone could shed some light on this that would be wonderful. Thanks again Justin
We were dead set on buying new and would have walked away with a brand new Crownline and 37-38k spent.
I just couldn't swallow that so we waited and found what I feel was a great deal on a used boat for use on Jordan Lake in Raleigh.
As first time boaters - I am so happy we went with used. We have definitely have had our share of learning mistakes..
1st Outing - Spilled Soda
2nd Outing - forgot the drain plug and realized IN THE WATER. Thank goodness hubby was able to plug it up while it was beached as we were too far from the ramp.
Spilled Coffee when someone realize that they forgot the plug
3rd Outing - we thought the trim was in trailer mode - nope as we dragged it a foot or so.
6th Outing - repeat of 3rd
Not to mention the slight beating it's received while approaching docks, etc
All of this would have made me sick on a brand new boat.
We went with a 2004 Rinker RX1 - 21 foot and so far - have thoroughly enjoyed it.
welcome to iboats. smart to ask questions first before buying. i echo the above. i also have heard that jet boats consume fuel to no end and in that size only shudder if true. consider a slightly used demo boat, close out model and take at look at open bows and deck boats. they may fit your needs just fine and save you some money. great time to have that amount of coin to shell out so dont come outta the shoe store with only one shoe. score big! research, research and then price comparisons warranties and included features vs options. options being thrown in many times makes the deal. like trim tabs, dual batteries, bimni tops, boat covers, etc..
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86' Capri 1950 BR
Force 125hp
Desert Southwest
I want to thank everyone for the responses so far I am actually very close to jordan lake and would use it there quit frequently. I am also in the same situation I would be heartbroken to shell out all that money for a new boat and then while learning all the roaps to boating I would hate to ding it up or somthing of the sort. As far as the fuel costs go I will have to research it more in depth because I went out and looked at a couple and they said that they were actually more fuel efficiant but that could of been a dealer just trying to sell me a boat. I have also been looking for some demo models slightly used but they are very hard to come buy unless I bought them today they do not seem to hang around out there very long. If you could list some models and names of boats that I should look at they would be wonderful and I hope im not being to much of a pain, but I am very clueless on all of this and just want to get the best I can for my money. Thanks Justin
For me...Used is (was) the way to go. Especially for my 1st boat!! I would NEVER have considered buying new for my 1st boat.
Newtoboating2008 - hit the nail on the head. When you are new to boating you ARE going to make mistakes. Heck...even after 3 years of very regular boating experience I still make mistakes. I still consider myself "green" with only 3 yrs exp under my belt.
If you can't find the boat you want in your local area...don't be afraid to search a couple hundred miles from home. You can sometimes find "the one" outside of your local area.
Good luck, and great question. Just remember to take your time when loading/unloading, and when docking. NEVER try to force it to work the 1st time...don't be afraid to back up and re-approach a ramp or dock. I'd rather people realize I didn't do it right the 1st time than to push my luck and bump another boat, dock, etc...
I think the biggest mistake people make when boating is getting in a hurry.
From what I've seen the only thing that depreciates worse than a boat is an RV. So let someone else take the hit. Lots of people buy boats and then realize that boating isn't for them so there's a lot of slightly used boats on the market in excellent condition. Good luck.
i have not bought a new boat since 1969. i learned then what depreciation really is. you drop 20% when you take possession. another 15% in a year, then 10% each year.
let someone take that 1-2 financial beating, and you will get a good boat, that you can enjoy.
i also suggest looking into the deck boats, they handle like a Bow Rider, but have much more storage, and passenger room.
Buying a boat
1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.
2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.
3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.
4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.
You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.
You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame.
The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.
The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.
we all need to support iboats marine store when ever possible. you get, competitive prices. fast shipping, top notch customer service. also it provides us, this great FREE forum.
Jet vs. I/O vs. OB. Well most looking for what you want go I/O (Inboard/Outboard, Stern Drive - Usually mercruiser or Volvo/Penta) while some swearby OB (out board) engines. Jets are less popular but the newer Seadoos and Yamahas are true family bowriders, not the older toys those companies made.
The jets are louder, quite a bit louder and more high pitched. They have advantages and disadvantages, search for Jet Boat and you'll see lots of discussion on them. Me and my boys love the look and usefulness of the Yamaha 23 footer from boat show viewings, never drove one. You should test drive a jet drive boat and a similar sized boat with an I/O to get a feel for how they ride and which you like.
Used, Used, Used!!!! A total buyer's market right now. Absolutely nothing wrong with a well-kept used boat even 8-10 years old (if you have it inspec ted for deal-breakers like rot or engine issues.) Remember, and keep telling yourself this: A boat is NOT a car! Some 8-10 year old boats are hardly used. Owners buy them, realize they don't really have time for boating, use them a few times per year then eventually the wife makes the husband sell it. You come in and buy it for 1/2 the price of new (or less if 8-10 years) and get to learn on a great used boat.
One thing to watch out for (other than the already mentioned wood rot) is a nice boat that looks like a great price compared to similar age/model boats. Usually these are the underpowered boats the owner made a mistake buying! When you see a boat you like, check back here with the boat model, length, weight and specific engine/drive info. You'll get the truth about whether it's an appropriate engine for the boat - some are not.
If it was me , I would buy the cheapest good boat possible, learned the ropes with it for the summer and gain experience. Then next year you decide if you want to buy used or new(I would never buy new)
I bought this 16' Trihull Bowrider 1973 Chrysler the 2 May from a gentleman in NY LI who did just that, he wasn't sure if he and his wife/children would like boating and didn't know nothing about boats, bought this $1,700.00 good old Chrysler from a marine mechanic last year, enjoyed the summer with it, they enjoyed boating so much that this year bought a bran new 22' dual console and resold the Chrysler, I thought that was smart
Justin, it's a personal choice but IMO, newer-used is the only way to go. With the current economy, there are multitudes of 1-3 year old low hour boats in showroom condition for 15-40% off new prices. As long as they can prove routine maintenance, they're as good as new. Jet boats are an interesting breed and not for all. They consume vast quantities of fuel on a hp/weight/speed ratio compared to a inboard/outboard. Make sure you test drive both types of boats before purchase. Since this is your first purchase, I highly suggest paying for a boat survey (for used). For around $500, he will check the boat stem to stern including going on a sea trail with you and the owner. Think home inspector for a boat. I would be looking for a 20-23' bowrider with a Mercruiser 4.3. 5.0 or 5.7 liter engine coupled to an Alpha 1 outdrive. By far, Sea Ray is my preference in this catagory. Just my $.02 and best of luck!
Justin - there is also some good boats for sell where I live in Carolina Lakes - out in Sanford - on 87
I believe you can search their online classifieds.
You will easily find some good boats - just a few years old that was bought over the emotions of living in a lake community and then reality or military deployments sneak in and the truth is - they just aren't used much.
I think 3-5 years is a great window as I was also terrified of buying used. Definitly insist on a decent test drive and even check out Choplin in Sanford or Chatlee as they often are selling used boats and they (I know Choplin will) add a 1 year warranty for a small fee - so that's a decent insurance.
i would not say that a jet hold it value better. they are fine as long as the gas dollar is not a problem. the majority of jets loose 30-40 % of the engine generated HP, compared to a propped boat. the inefficiency of the conversion to the jet, you loose power at the jet outlet. thus you are burning, 30-40% more fuel for the same performance,
we all need to support iboats marine store when ever possible. you get, competitive prices. fast shipping, top notch customer service. also it provides us, this great FREE forum.
Look at it this way you can take a used boat and set it up to be just as nice as a new one interior, deck layout, plumbing, electrical, etc etc. Some people still like tri hulls which don't know if anybody makes them like that any more besides these people that may have bought the old molds from old factories.
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1977 Challenger 15' Bass Boat with a 1978 85HP Evinrude (finished project but keep finding stuff to add to it)
Projects include: To many boats, to many outboards, and 1 I/O that I hope to be rid of soon.
As far as the fuel costs go I will have to research it more in depth because I went out and looked at a couple and they said that they were actually more fuel efficiant but that could of been a dealer just trying to sell me a boat.
Yeah dude that's someone telling you stories to get your money!
Jet boats use more gas and they take more power to go fast. Meaning the faster you go the more power you need and the gas you burn.
Beyond that have you got any experience trying to dock one? They don't maneuver at slow speeds. It takes practice to learn how to dock a boat with a prop and not beat it up let alone a jet.
I just went to the SEaDoo site to check it out and nowhere did I see them mention anything about getter better fuel efficiency.
In fact all the talk about is raising the horsepower to get them to move. Handling wise it's just talking about going real fast and they don't even mention trying to maneuver at slow speeds or making it even track straight when your not on the gas.
I'm telling you from past experience it's no fun having to yell over to a marine patrol officer that keeps motioning for you to slow down in the marina that you can't. Only to follow it up by bouncing off the dock and putting a nice scratch down the side of a new boat.
My advice is -
Buy used let someone else take the hit. economy is down lots of great deals if you have money to take advantage of them. You'd be suprised how many extras you can get thrown in there too.
Don't buy a jet.
Don't buy from someone who lies to you cause they need your money.
I am also new to boating and recently purchased a used boat. You actually are starting out good looking here for advice first. I didn't find iboats until after I got my boat. Here is some stuff from my experience:
1. Everyone I asked (except one) recommended going used on your first boat. For the same reasons already listed here, plus you might not like the sport. It takes a little more effort to buy used but if you have to ditch it in a couple of years, you will be in a better position. Also, my used boat came with everything I needed to get started (vests, anchor, tubes, lines, fenders, tow ropes, etc.) because the seller had no use for it.
2. Ask a lot of questions. There is no shortage of advice from people who have boats or owned them in the past
3. The boat isn’t the only consideration, check the trailer and ensure you have a vehicle/hitch that is capable of pulling what you buy. I had to have a different power plug installed on my tow vehicle to accommodate the trailer.
4. If you go used, see if the seller will take you out for a test drive. Bring a friend that knows boats, if available.
5. Check your state’s fees on transfer of property. I totally forgot that I had to pay sales tax on my “private sale”. This added an extra 600 bucks to my boat that I didn’t plan for, so half of my Federal Stimulus check went right back into paying taxes…. lol.
Well guys I really appreciate all your replys so far it means alot this is wear I stand now I went boat shopping all day today. I went down to sanford nc to chaplin and the other boat dealer down in that area and looked at various boats. Honestly used is hard to come buy anymore from i've found in my area, all the used is a pretty good drive away in excess of 4 hours which is somthing im going to have to look into. As far as what I saw when I was there at the first place was centurion was very nice he had left overs 2 in fact, but yet they were brand new and from what everyone is saying I do not want to go that route which I agree. Whenever I asked about used he either ignored me or just said nah these hold there value. Finally I saw his used stuff and it was junk I was very disappointed out of the whole ordeal. I then drove 6 miles down the road and went to the other dealership. He did have a yamaha 235 jet boat with 27 hours on it for 29,000.(Baking in the sun being discolored) He claims the jet boats are fuel efficiant its just how you drive them and he claims that people like the speed and thats why everyone says there inefficiant. So really I just went with it and I told him my budget and he showed me a couple prop boats but were all brand new his used selection was just as bad. So for now im just waiting it out I have been looking online at stuff and I am really looking to buy from a dealer so I am able to finance. I do want to thanks everyone for your help so far and keep the comments coming.
Craiglist for both Fayetteville and Raleigh have some really good deals and even better deals when you price it over NADA and offer less then asking.
Also check out the carolinalakes classifed - I know there was a 2008 Hurricane Deck boat in there for a decent amount.
I know you said you were leaning dealer for financing but any bank should do the same. I have dealt with both those 2 dealers you visited. Feel free to PM me if you want more information
Check Craigslist and the newspaper classified....used boats are NOT hard to come by - you must be looking in the wrong places! You don't have to buy from a dealer. In order for dealers to have good used inventory they need to be taking trades on folks upgrading, so with the new sales way down on the bigger boats they aren't seeing the trade ins as much. Private sales may be the best bet. Maybe someone else can chime in on financing a private sale boat?
One other thought is to buy a very inexpensive boat that you'll use for just this season and learn boating on it while you look for another boat. Given lots of time, you'll get a better boat and a better deal! Having a cheap boat will take the "buy it now" pressure off of you. That's what I did - now that "cheap, one-year boat" is one we'd could never part with because we fixed it up and got hooked on it! But when I see a 6-8 year old 22' Cobalt Bowrider in perfect shape for dirt cheap .........
Finally I saw his used stuff and it was junk I was very disappointed out of the whole ordeal.
He claims the jet boats are fuel efficiant its just how you drive them and he claims that people like the speed and thats why everyone says there inefficiant.
Justin, I forgot to add...get away from the dealers. This is so natural to me I forget to mention it. They are not all bad, I am sure. I just prefer private deals. Craigslist, iboats boats or Boattrader.com all the way.
He is very mistaken (being nice here) on his jet information.
I have bought and sold airplanes over the years and one of the big things is time on the engines. Is this the same in boating should I worry if a boat has say 750 hours on it?
YES - USED boats at a DEALER are VERY hard to come by. You know why? Because trade in on a boat is crap...you will lose 25-40% of your value trading in compared to private sale. CHECK craigslist.
Used boats from PRIVATE sellers are NOT hard to come buy...but at a dealer...YES...pickings are slim.
In fact....here are some used boats I'd recommend checking out in person:
BTW---I would SERIOUSLY re-consider the decision to purchase a "jet boat". Prop boats will re-sell MUCH better and be more sought after. Plus...they are more fuel efficient than jet-boats. Who-ever said jets were more efficient is full of it.
Get into a good boating course. Check out the U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary website or the U.S. Power Squadron. You will be a much safer and happier boater for it. You will also probably be able to score some rides and wheel time to help you on your descision. Knowledge IS power, and right now you are ripe for being taken advantage of.
By taking the course you will learn to seperate out a lot of B.S. from anyone that wants to take your money for a boat.
By the way....Welcome to the iBoat Forum!
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Internal combustion is a passing fad!
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