Buying Dad a boat

[steveclv]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Lucy

Hope you read all of the above great advice.

Remember, just because he is a Bass fisherman does not mean that he needs a Bass boat.

Bass boats are designed for competitions - period. The fishermen (I use the term loosely - 'competitors') go out on the lake and look for nests, fish holding areas etc prior to the competition. They then race (literally) from spot to spot as fast as they can (hence the reason that these boats have 200+ hp) to catch fish at each location.
To me it has nothing to do with the spirit of fishing and is just another (highly overrated and abused) sport.

If your dad feels the same way then a Bass boat might not be what he wants - if he spends his time and energy competing in competitions then he might love one.

 

[wifisher]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Have your husband take him to the boat dealer under the premise that he (your husband) is looking to buy a bass boat and wants his opinion. Surely, your dad will point out the boat that he (your dad) thinks is the best. Then have your husband drop him off and head back to the dealer to make the magic happen!

You can definitely get a nice used boat and save some money, but there's nothing like a brand new boat (especially with WARRANTIES, if you are familiar with my recent ordeal!). Your dad is a lucky man. He will be thrilled and very proud of the woman you've become. There will be tears (of joy and gratitude), gauranteed. D

x2. He can pick out exactly what he wants without knowing he is doing it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Buying Dad a boat

so what happened to Lucy?

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

so what happened to Lucy?

Maybe she decided to buy dad a tie instead......

 

[lncoop]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Or maybe she grew tired of being told he didn't need a bass boat.

 

[Lucy7]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Hi all!

Wow! Thank you all for your kind replies. I didn't think I would reel some many of you in. . . my bass boat. I know, that was corny!
I've thought about what you all said as far as what entails a bass boat purchase. My dad loves to drive fast in and out of the water. Following that man anywhere is like chasing a cheetah in over-sized man boots. So, we can check off speed. As far as the maintenance's concerned, if Dad's not on the lake, he's probably washing and detailing his truck. He loves to pamper his toys!
I was concerned about his age, but he acts like he's in his 50's. He's virile.

Wifisher, I liked what you said about my husband pretending like he's boat shopping. That's a great way to find which one he'd want. He's coming over on Sunday evening, so, I'll let you all know how it goes. This is pretty exciting! It's the ultimate Christmas eve!!

You're right in the cost part of daughters, Home Cookin'! Dad had to finance two weddings. I have an identical twin!

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies.

I'll get back to you asap!

Lucy

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

As one who firmly believes age is an irrelevant # compared to spirit, GO LUCY!
I'd be much happier with a Ferrari in the driveway than a Fiat. Just sayin'.
I can't wait to hear the update on this one!

 

[Lucy7]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Showing this thread to the wife, so we can get busy making daughters, so we can have the boat we want when we get old.

Dang, too late, I'm already old.

Hilarious!

 

[Lucy7]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

I'd much rather have a Ferrari too! I like your style, dockwrecker!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

What a lucky guy, you are a real peach for doing this

If he likes to go really fast and fish for bass then either of those would be great I'm sure. I'd stick to something local so you can test it on the water and make sure everything checks out.

Good luck, and let us know his reaction to such a great surprise gift

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Wow! Thank you all for your kind replies. I didn't think I would reel some many of you in. . . my bass boat. I know, that was corny!
I've thought about what you all said as far as what entails a bass boat purchase. My dad loves to drive fast in and out of the water. Following that man anywhere is like chasing a cheetah in over-sized man boots. So, we can check off speed. As far as the maintenance's concerned, if Dad's not on the lake, he's probably washing and detailing his truck. He loves to pamper his toys!
I was concerned about his age, but he acts like he's in his 50's. He's virile.Lucy

Lucy - now that we all know a bunch more about your father and his "toy personality," it sounds like you were on the correct trail all along. You were smart to get lots of advice from everyone here, and I think that you just confirmed that he would really like a speedy bass boat. My suggestions for setting the trap:

1) On Sunday evening, have your husband start messing around on the computer while your talking with dad. Eventually, have Husband call Dad over to the computer to offer some advice. Have Husband tell Dad that he's thinking about buying a bass boat. Let them scour a few websites looking at various boats for sale. At some point after they've looked at a bunch of boats, Husband should ask Dad which boat he would buy. This gets things going on the right track.

2) Find the right boat or boat dealer and invite Dad out with the two of you to "browse" for boats. After looking at some, again let Dad give his opinion on which boat he would take if he wanted one for himself. Hopefully this narrows it down to a final boat.....then call the dealer over and announce, "My dad wants this boat. Wrap it up for him!"

3) Call identical twin sister and say, "Guess what I got for Dad."

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Lucy - now that we all know a bunch more about your father and his "toy personality," it sounds like you were on the correct trail all along. You were smart to get lots of advice from everyone here, and I think that you just confirmed that he would really like a speedy bass boat. My suggestions for setting the trap:

1) On Sunday evening, have your husband start messing around on the computer while your talking with dad. Eventually, have Husband call Dad over to the computer to offer some advice. Have Husband tell Dad that he's thinking about buying a bass boat. Let them scour a few websites looking at various boats for sale. At some point after they've looked at a bunch of boats, Husband should ask Dad which boat he would buy. This gets things going on the right track.

2) Find the right boat or boat dealer and invite Dad out with the two of you to "browse" for boats. After looking at some, again let Dad give his opinion on which boat he would take if he wanted one for himself. Hopefully this narrows it down to a final boat.....then call the dealer over and announce, "My dad wants this boat. Wrap it up for him!"

3) Call identical twin sister and say, "Guess what I got for Dad."

Somethin tells me that twin sister may be buying a new tow vehicle for dad!

 

[Ob1415]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Somethin tells me that twin sister may be buying a new tow vehicle for dad!

Nice!!! However, with most twins I know, there's a "good one" and a "bad one". If dad lucked out and has 2 "good ones", he may just get that new tow vehicle to go with the new boat.

 

[Lucy7]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Good Morning All!,

Well, last night went very well. We were able to find out exactly which boat Dad wants. He was very helpful and I don't believe he suspected a thing.
He came over around dinner time and Roger asked his opinion on a couple of boats, and then he cleverly asked my dad if he knew anyone who was selling a boat.
Dad said one of his friends has a beautiful bass boat he is looking to sell. He mentioned that if he had the money he'd buy it. So, Roger asked him to call his friend and they talked for a little bit, and it turns out the price is just right.
We were able to find a model of it on the internet http://anglerschannel.com/content/2007-ranger-z21-comanche.
It's perfect because Dad's truck is white. How ironic this all this!

So, Roger got his friend's number and we're going Thursday night to test drive it.
Now, we just need to know what to look for as far as knowing whether the boat's in good condition. I need advice if you have the time!

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Ranger makes really nice boats that are extremely safe (in terms of sinking) so your dad should be VERY happy.

In terms of boat buying advice, you might be best served by spending an hour or two searching these forums. Buying a used boat is a common thread topic and has been covered many times. There are a lot of things to look for and there's no need to wait for people to reply back to this thread. Just start searching through and you'll find many topics covering the boat buying experience. In fact, look at the bottom of this page and you'll see a section called "similar threads." My best advice to you would be to take a knowledgeable boat buyer with you, someone who has done it many times before. They'll spot the lemons much easier than a novice ever could.

Congratulations and good luck!

 

[Lucy7]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Thank you all for your responses. Your feedback was very helpful.

Can't wait to surprise Dad!

Lucy

 

[lncoop]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Very nice, Lucy. Be sure to report back as we'll all be anxiously waiting to hear how it goes. Pics would be fun too.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Absolutely, we'll want a picture of his shocked reaction!

 

[Lucy7]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Howdy all! So, we bought Dad the bass boat like the one in the link I included. We gave it to him this past Friday, the 6th.
It was one of the best days of my life, that's for sure. He thought it was Roger's boat and started complimenting him on his choice. Roger looked at him and said, "Well, I'm sure glad you like it, Ken, because it's yours!" I don't think I've ever seen my dad so surprised. It took us about 5 minutes to convince him that it was his boat. When he finally realized we weren't pulling his chain, he asked for the keys and said, "Well, I'm going fishing!"
So, we loaded up his truck and headed to the lake. He loves driving that boat fast. I'm so glad we went with the fast one. I even got to drive it. I can definitely see how much fun it is! Wow!

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures for you all.
Thanks again for all the advice and comments.

- Lucy

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Wow, I hope my kids do something like that when they grow up.