Buying first boat-need help

[rednat]

I'm think of buying a boat, center console between 18' and 21'. So far I've done a lot of research on the internet and I've seen in person Century, Mako and Trophy. Other brands that have caught my attention are Key West and Sea Chaser.

The difference in prices amongst brands is incredible. There can be up to 30% difference with similarly spec'd boats from different brands and I can't seem to grasp the reason.

Given that it would be my first boat, will I appreciate the "finer" features of a higher end boat or not? Also, any comments or things I should know about those brands I mentioned?

I have not considered buying used because not knowing much about boating I don't want to deal with potential problems that might happen but should I consider a new 2008 (there's quite a bit of those)?

Finally, what kinds of discounts can be acceptable in the boating industry.

Thanks to all for your help!

 

[QC]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

The difference in prices amongst brands is incredible. There can be up to 30% difference with similarly spec'd boats from different brands and I can't seem to grasp the reason

Some of it is the quality level of all of the hardware, gauges, finish, seating, fixtures, electronics etc. Some of it is reputation. Some of it is build quality, and some of it design.

Given that it would be my first boat, will I appreciate the "finer" features of a higher end boat or not?

Yes, you will appreciate them even more after you banged off a dock and hit bottom and some other little surprises that you are about to experience that may be easier to handle with a lesser brand. I think you should consider this your first boat as you have, but do not think of it as your last boat. You are going to learn hard lessons with the first one including what you would prefer different on your next boat . . .

I have not considered buying used because not knowing much about boating I don't want to deal with potential problems that might happen but should I consider a new 2008 (there's quite a bit of those)?

See my last reply, it is the same reason that you should consider used . . . New boats have problems, sometimes worse than a used boat if you have found a good previous owner.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do and we'll help you with each new question you post. You will either find out right away that you love to boat and then you'll have entered into a serious lifelong addiction, or you might find that you are just not into all of the work, endless experience lessons, maintenance and upkeep etc. etc.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

QC, great reply! Well said as always.

I agree with QC.

Oh yeah, welcome to iboats and boating

 

[rednat]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

Thanks. That's why I love these forums. Keep'em coming. I need all the help I can get.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

Rednat,

I bought my first boat( see below) last July so I am about a year ahead of you on the learning curve. I can tell you that QC is right on the money. I am now addicted and my wife suffers from a weaker version of the same addiction.

I went used instead of new because of the reasons that QC mentioned. The three biggest biggest reasons I went used was that

1. I knew enough to know that I did not what type of boat would be perfect for us.

2. I wanted to get the scratches and dings that are inevitable to new boaters out of the way in the less expesive used boat.

3. I wanted to learn in a boat the was not too big( both on the water and to trailer).

I now know what I want in my next boat, hopefully got most of the dings and scratches out of the way(I know there will be more), and am now comfortable enough go move up in size.

This is a great forum full of knowledgeable and experienced people that are happy to help out fellow boaters. Keep asking questions and get into that first boat!!!!!

 

[rednat]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

Thanks Chiliando. Did you get the boat professionally inspected? Did you buy from a dealer or owner? I'm also in Miami, that's why I want to give this a try. If there's a place to get addicted I guess this would be it. Did you have any issues with the used engine (and no warranty)? That's what scares me the most with used boats.

Again, thanks for you input.

 

[peiserma]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

Rednat,
I went used instead of new because of the reasons that QC mentioned. The three biggest biggest reasons I went used was that

1. I knew enough to know that I did not what type of boat would be perfect for us.

2. I wanted to get the scratches and dings that are inevitable to new boaters out of the way in the less expesive used boat.

3. I wanted to learn in a boat the was not too big( both on the water and to trailer).

Hi, this is my first post here. I'm considering buying my first boat, and will be buying a used boat for those reasons.

I've searched for some sort of FAQ on what to look for mechanically, how to inspect the boat, what sort of checks to conduct. No luck so far.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[marine4003]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

Hi, this is my first post here. I'm considering buying my first boat, and will be buying a used boat for those reasons.

I've searched for some sort of FAQ on what to look for mechanically, how to inspect the boat, what sort of checks to conduct. No luck so far.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Look at the top of this thread page...THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=300472

 

[peiserma]

Re: Buying first boat-need help

Yes, thank you. I did read that. I loved the post about just buying something that floats.

The more I read, the more clues and information I get, but sometimes its without details. There are some posts scattered here and there, but nothing in a comprehensive list, so maybe I am just having trouble putting it all together.

For example, I've read about soft spots and blisters, and basically understand what to look for. There are lots of hits googling on hull blisters, so that was easy to find more information on.

I have also read about moisture meters, but feel unqualified to interpret the results. And there are lots of opinions on how useful/not useful they are.

I have also read about a water test, but only in passing. I've read you should do one. Ok, great. What exactly is that? Is it as simple as asking the seller to put it in the water? But then what things should you look for? Is it normal to ask to run the engine a while to check for overheating? Pulling the dipstick to check the oil? Asking permission to perform a compression test?

Maybe the question (to those who have owned a boat for a while) should be: what things would you check if you were to buy a used boat?

Thanks!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Buying first boat-need help

In Wilmington NC you should have a lot of choices, including used boats at dealers, which can come with a limited warranty. You are also buying salt water boats unless you are certain they are only used on the lakes, although your river is not as salty as right on the beach. It' always great, then, if you can get to know the previous owner a little.
If it's your first boat you really shouldn't worry too much about things like blisters: either it's so old and cheap it doesn't matter, or it's a couple years old and won't ahve those problems. Likewise if yo buy a package boat, rigged as it was when it was sold new within the past 5 years, you don't have to worry about it being under/over powered, etc.
If you're not buying from a shop with a certified mechanic, take it to one and pay him to go over the engine top to bottom. Forget the "survey." You're buying the motor.
wander around the marinas and narrow down your style. Go for low maintenance (no wood or carpet).