Boating really is " The Greatest!", Right?

[moretodaythanyesterday]

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

When you get your boat or next time you're out with a friend, as you pull away from the ramp look over to the side of the waterway. They've got their coolers, lawn chairs, sun screen and fishing poles but they ain't got the boat. It'll be a long day on the beach just watchin' the "haves" pass you by. Think about those poor son of a guns on the shore and remember how you felt when it was you. Then never look back.

 

[V156]

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

I agree with everyone here. There is nothing like having your own boat. I got into boating because it's something my dad has been doing for 30 years.<br />After he retired he always talked about how he missed fishing on his boats. So I figgered if he wanted a boat I'd buy one for him. I have great memories as a of everything from having a great day on the lake to breaking down and having to paddle or be towed in. I've learned priceless info from this board that has saved me money by doing the work myself. Plus when you work on your own stuff you create a bond w/ the boat<br />because you can have the pride that YOU did the work yourself. It can be expensive but can you put a price on a great memory? Find a good boat,buy it,take care of it,and enjoy the memories when your 80 and playing w/ the grand kids.<br /><br />Dutch

 

[Ross J]

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

Hey YAMADOG,<br />I'm one of the lucky ones. After a heart attack my wife told me to buy a boat.<br />You wouldn't believe the happiness it's bought our family. We all enjoy the water and either being on it or in it has to be one of the greatest feelings on this earth!<br />There's nothing brings out the boy in the man faster than fishing (just ask anybody who's father caught a bigger fish than them). Nothing brings out the family harmony quicker, and, I get to feed my family and extended family as well!<br />Our boat hasn't cost an arm and a leg, it's got running costs but they would be less than running my 4x4.<br />Overseas visiters (of which we have plenty) send us e-mails featuring photos of their fishing with us and we have a couple who have been back from Amsterdam x4 now!<br />Yep, it's great. You buy that boat - treat it as well as you treat you're wife, cherish it and caress it and keep its lines soft and it'll reward you as much as your partner can. There's nothing quite as bueatifull as the grin on my wifes face after we've left civilisation behind....... enough for now or I'll get carried away.<br />Ross

 

[dave buckner]

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

keep in mind much the money you spend on the purchase of your boat will be recovered someday when you sell or upgrade. there will be maintenance and repair costs, but rarely is any entertainment free. ive had my first boat 6 weeks now and this is the first weekend i have not been able to make it to the lake. i miss the water already! i invite friends out and we have a blast all day for less than the $50 we would spend just having dinner together. my only suggestion is to be careful buying used. if you are not comfortable with your own ability to check out a used motor/outdrive, pay to have a pro check it out. you dont want your first expense to be a $1500-2500 outdrive because it was shot when you bought it. buy a sound boat and you will have a great time!

 

[michaelsen]

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

You buy that boat - treat it as well as you treat you're wife

No way I'm gonna yell at my boat!

 

[speed29668]

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

I'm 23 years old and have been boating for over a year now. I bought mine on a college budget- a 1973 17' Glassmaster runabout with a 75 HP Chrysler. I went to school in Wilmington, NC, which is on the coast of NC. Even though it would seem that I had no business buying a boat in college on a limited budget, that boat is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The relaxation this boat has provided me, being a fairly tense guy, has been priceless. Nothing could beat taking the boat out on the intracoastal at the end of the day with my now wife to watch the sunset or go out on the water at night to party with friends. Yes there will be times when something goes wrong at precisely the wrong moment but that is the nature of boats in general. Just expect it. What helped me out is that I am very mechanical, and that went a long way in keeping maintenance and repair costs way down, especially in college. Buy the service manual for your engine, get a decent set of tools and learn how to maintain your boat yourself. You will save tenfold. Don't feel you have to spend zillions on a boston whaler or grady white to make a wise buying decision; the depreciation over the first few years will be mind-numbing and most people don't purchase boats like Grady Whites and Boston Whalers with equity as the primary concern. They purchase these because of the type of waters they are operating in. Just keep it well maintained, use good judgement and commonsense, and you will find it is not so expensive and will give you GOOD memories that you will never forget! I loved mine so much I fully restored it to like-new condition!

 

[YAMADOG]

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

Hey Guys,<br /><br /> Opps, I guess what we bought would be pretty relevant, huh? We Bought a 2001 left over Yamaha LS2000 Jet Boat. Open Bow 20’ long, with an 8’ beam, seats 7 and runs twin inboard 135 HP motors. She’ll do around 55 mph. Boat Came complete with Shoreland’r Trailer, removable Berber Carpet, Bimini Top, CD Stereo and Mooring cover. We got her Reg. Numbers on, and her equipment loaded this weekend, but didn’t make it out due to impending t-storms on Saturday, and a prior commitment on Sunday. Though we did sit in the boat for several hours on both Saturday and Sunday evenings. We can’t wait to get her in the water. Thanx again everyone for your kind words, we hope that we can make worthwhile contributions to the list in the near future!

 

[Ross J]

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

Don't forget to christen that boat!!<br />Ross

 

[9632587410]

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

Yamadog<br /><br />Boating is great . I dont goof around on the water all day but I use mine for fishing and get to the best spots and catch the biggest fish . Ive been boating for almost 25 years and it doesnt have to be that expensive . If your the least bit mechanically inclined and can read and have some tools you can do most of your stuff . I made a huge mistake a couple weeks back and took my Yamaha into a shop to have the timing/carbs checked becasue I was "busy" . Got it out on the water and 25 % of my top end was gone ! I went and paid the 50 bucks for the service manual and spent a few hours in the garage on Saturday working on the motor .Got her out on the water and it runs better now than when I bought it . And it was FUN learning about the adjustments and timing ( Yamaha made it as simple as can be on my motor) . That service manual is going to save me a few bucks in the future , I know this already . Now , go BUY <br /><br />Jeff