Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

[YAMADOG]

Hey all,<br /><br /> Admitted newby here, of course. My Wife and I love the Water, Love going out on the Water, and are looking into buying our own boat. We are both very excited about owning a boat, and have already spent more than a reasonable amount of time (for not owning a boat yet) brainstorming on Boat names (I think this is serious). We have even both taken the USCGA Boating safety course.<br /><br /> I read through all of these posts, and can't help but feel vindicated in feeling like Boating is the greatest Past time we could get involved in, and look forward to ownership in an almost obsessive way. Our Budget isn't the greatest, but we have narrowed down the boat we want, and are shopping for a reasonable deal.<br /><br /> We know it is a costly past time (From the acquisition to the fuel, to the maintenance, to the repairs and toys), but more recently friends and family have been drilling us on the old sayings (Boat= hole in the water into which you pour Money, Etc..). I think they are just jealous, but thought I'd ask everyone (Biased as you are), does anyone have any regrets about getting involved in Boating? Thanx all, I hope that we will someday soon join your ranks...

 

[Deerdog]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

Yamadog,<br />Yep, your friend is right. You will put money into a boat but you know what....If you love it it is worth it. I grew up around boats and lakes and have owned a boat since 1980. There is nothing like it - especially with the family and kids (that is where the water toys come from).<br /><br />Take care of it, maintain it (ie winterize andkeep properly serviced) and you costs will be lessened. If you dont then you will be in trouble. I used to live in Aberdeen and had a friend who didnt winterize his boat and paid big time.<br /><br />Get that boat.....you will love it.<br /><br />Good Luck<br />Deerdog

 

[495v]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

If you don't spend your money on boating, you will just spend it somewhere else. I admit, it's not the cheapest hobby but there is nothing else like it in my opinion. Have been on the water since I was knee high and alway's told myself I would someday get a boat. I'm on my third one now and will never sell my boat without knowing I'm buying another. I even went to the extreme; just had a new house built and garage was custom built around the boat. Might have been expensive but hey, I'm happier than a pig in sh*t!!!! Buy the boat!!!!!

 

[Cast-Away]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

I just went from a 12' aluminum with a 10hp to a 17' with a 75 hp! I loved the old boat and love the new one even more. I had an old 10hp die on me in 1990 in the middle of the season and my wife new that even though we didn't have the money (newlyweds) that I would be lost without a boat. Think very seriously about a 4 stroke motor. They are worth the extra cost. They are quiter, less odourous, less polluting and way better on fuel. Just my 2 cents. Keep your skeg in the water!

 

[Franki]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

2 stroke, 4 stroke, big or little, who cares??? just get a boat,, you'll not regret it...<br /><br />I've been on or around boats since just after I was born, (and my hair is turning silver now <br /><br />never ever regret it... and its cheaper then a crack habbit plus more socially acceptable.<br /><br />The are expensive, but the more work you learn to do yourself, the cheaper it gets.<br /><br />Welcome to the world wide fraternity of boaters,, resistance is futile, you will become one of us.<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Frank

 

[epresutti]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

My brother and I started with a 12 ft wooden boat my uncle had built, it was rotting in his yard so we took it. Hacked the bow off, screwed some new wood and epoxied the #&@* out of it added some paint mounted an old Johnson 3.5 seahorse motor to the transom, then named her "Neversink". That was in 1979. The two of us still talk about the adventures of the Neversink. Including the rescue of a 21ft sailboat stranded on a sandbar.<br /><br />Since we have both been hooked, I now have an 18ft. boat that my brother and now his son have been on. My godson now talks about the adventures on the "Neversink Too".<br /><br />OK, it's a long response, my point: I have not regretted 1 penny of cost and will cherish the memories (good and bad) for as long as I live. God willing.<br /><br />Epilog: Neither boat has ever sunk. The "Neversink" was sitting in my dad's yard, one year he was having a garage sale, a man saw the boat and asked how much we wanted, we couldn't bring our selves to sell it and gave it to the man who accepted the "Neversink" graciously and I hope is still having fun with it.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

I started getting into boating about 2 yrs ago when I started fishing with my brother-in-law. We would go out in his 12' jon. I bought a 14' v-hull utility so my daughter (10yr old) and I could fish together. Then my son (8yr old) and wife wanted to go but boating didn't want to fish. We know have a 17' F&S and so far it has mostly been ski/cruise (actually tubing/cruising). I've enjoyed every minute of it. If you live near a good lake and don't go off the deep end, you can keep the costs resonably. Main thing is to enjoy!<br /><br />BL...

 

[crab bait]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

one-of-these- days i'm gonna take up suba divin' lessons so i can find this money hole in the water.. then i'll be rich !!!

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

Boating can become a way of life if you love it enough. I built my first boat a hydroplane at 15 and since have owned 8 more ranging from 8' dinghy, 15' ski, 16' fisherman, 25' cruiser, 28' cruiser. 35' cruiser to 56' flush deck cruiser. I still own 5. I am a Coast Guard licensed Captain and in about a year will liveaboard a boat and charter cruises on the Atlantic coast. As you can see I like powerboats. Go for it and include your family....my six grown children love the water and three of them own boats. My 17 year old son had an engineering class project last year that included 8 schools in competition to build a boat under $150. and then compete for fastest time. His cost $96. and he won. I now use the boat for a shelf unit in the den. Nothing like being on the water and sharing it with your family....going home is the hard part.

 

[rwjacobs]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

It sure could cost you lots of money. I had one season where I would break down every time I towed my boat to the lake (3 1/2 hours drive). Overheating, dead battery, even a seized outdrive, but I kept coming back because:<br />when I do not break down, I have the time of my life!!!<br /><br />It is great that your wife shares your passion, mine does also, I just had to put it on halt for 3 kids that came quick and close together (now 3 year old twins and 1 year old). I am now actively searching for that cabin cruiser that can accomodate all of us, because there is nothing better than hanging out on a boat on a nice summer night!!<br /><br />Go for it!!!

 

[skeffer]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

My first and current boat is a 1964 norris craft with a 71 evinrude 60hp that my uncle gave me in 91. I had been on other boats before and wanted one of my own. It had sat for 3 yrs and we spent about 600.00 getting the motor rebuilt and other things replaced. Since then I have spent approx.300.00 on it, but my oldest daughter is 12 and she has been my faithful boat/fish partner since she was 4, Some things are not forgettable so sometime the money is a small price to pay for some of the greatest time of your life.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

A lot true is said in all these replies.<br /><br />I'm on my 34th year of boating and 6th boat. All from 13 to 26 feet.<br /><br />My only regret was when I fell in love with one and bought above my budget. Sitting in the boat not really having the money for fuel & service makes it painful. <br /><br />My wife is with me on all this, but I must admit that I've seen the saying 'Add a boat to your family and it will either bring you together or tear you apart' proven true on several occasions.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

Just remember that enjoyment is your main priority. So many people worry and get obsessed with thier boats and then turn around and sell them. Boating will fit into any budget depending on your desire to be innovative. Go to the lake and observe who is happy, it is not always the ones that are always spending time and money and worrying about getting thier boat dirty. Rather it is the families and fishermen that put thier priority on having a good time. Don't let your boat own you and you will be fine.

 

[JohnnyVero]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

If you decide to buy a boat, purchase a boat that you won't lose too much equity in ie Boston Whaler, Grady White, etc. A good used boat and motor arent't that bad an investment, do a little homework on your motor and definetly do a compression check on whatever motor you buy. Yamaha and Mercury outboards are fairly well respected motors on the market today. Above all, get your wife just as involved as yourself and if she gets hooked, you've got it made. It worked for me. Good luck !!

 

[rwjacobs]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

He, remember those VISA commercials:<br />1 repaired prop $65<br />22 Gallon of Gas $30<br />2 new batteries $220<br />1 day on the water with your family PRICELESS!!

 

[thornious]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

grew up on a river and have been boating ever since I could swim. My first boat was an old cement mixing box that I paddled around the slower backwater. Now my fiance who grew up in the city and never had been camping or boating is hooked as much as I am. It only took one trip out on a boat and we bought one the next year.<br /><br />Get a cheapy try it out for summer. If you and your wife really like it as much as you think you will then buy bigger, nicer, and more relaibe. Thats what I did and I am very glad. Then you will really know what you want from your next boat.

 

[YAMADOG]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

Thank You Everyone for taking the time to reply here. It is good to know that there are few if any regrets among the boat owners represented here. I've wanted a boat since I was little, but my parents were not into it, and my life took many paths before settling down. Now my wife and I look forward to making this dream a reality, and joining your ranks. Thanx again....

 

[Down South]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

Get the boat....<br />Especially if you and your wife love the water. I own three of them. Of course I've been on the water and owned at least one boat since I was a kid. A boat is considered a necessity to me. I just wouldn't know what I'd do if I didn't have one. Yeah, I've heard the ole hole in the pocket story a to but I'm happy with my hole in the pocket. It's like someone else said, you are gonna spend your money on something, Why not a nice boat that you will enjoy. <br /><br />Good luck

 

[YAMADOG]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

Hello All,<br /><br /> My Wife and I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your comments. Many of them actually tugged at our heart strings, and all but a few reinforced that we were on track to making a purchase that had the ability to change our lives in a good way. We know like anything Boating is what you make of it, and we are looking forward to making it our favorite way to spend time together. Last weekend we took delivery of our new Boat, and have been spending the week shopping for all the necessary (and not so necessary) equipment for our new member of the Family. We have gotten her registered, and her numbers are going on this evening. With any luck, we will be out for our maiden voyage this weekend…..<br /><br /> Thanx Again to all for taking the time to share your experiences with boating, and help reassure us that we aren’t as crazy as we sometimes wonder if we are…..

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

Tell us what you got..