Help find 1st boat in South Florida

[mzcloud]

Hi,

I am new to boating and never owned a boat. Been fishing few times and thats the most experience I had with water. Since I am on the way of moving down south in the coming month, I thought I should get a boat to cruise around, since everyone seems to have one. I searched on boat trader and there are too many boats out there, I have no idea what the differences are. Looks to me Sea Ray are pretty nice, most of them have a resting area in the bottom. The new boats are definitely too much money for me right now. The boat should accomadate no less than 5-6 people, and I also have a huge dog thats 150 lbs. Thanks for your suggestions.

Regarads,

Mzcloud

 

[mzcloud]

Re: Help find 1st boat in South Florida

anyone in southern florida area???

 

[gcboat]

Re: Help find 1st boat in South Florida

First off where in south Florida are you headed for? Gulf Coast? East Coast? Each is different in their boating opportunities and boat uses.
Feel free to sent me a PM if you wish. I'm not a boat dealer or salesperson.
I'll do the best I can to assist.

 

[eavega]

Re: Help find 1st boat in South Florida

Hello MZCloud and welcome to iBoats!

I grew up in Miami and have been around boats (other people's, mind you) nearly all my life.

I guess what you need to determine is

1. what do you want to do with your boat? Depending on that answer you will be able to narrow down the style, hull type, engine power, etc. 5-6 people out for a day of fishing in the ocean or keys have different space requirements than 5-6 people who want to go water skiing and cruising all day. The 150 Lb dog will make his/her own space, I am sure

2. What kind of budget do you have for a boat and its upkeep? Boats can be as cheap as a 12' jonboat you can throw into the back of a truck with a small outboard motor, onwards to "Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous" caliber. When budgeting for a boat do not forget what it costs to keep it running; regular PM on the motor and controls as well as the hull and peripheral equipment, unexpected failures of equipment, consumables such as gas and oil, etc. I know of too many people who bought a boat not knowing a thing about them, and realized that having a boat is a lot of work and not worth the one day every six or eight weeks they had to go out in it.

3. Do you have a place to keep the boat? Down in Miami, you see a lot of folks that keep boats right out on their driveways, or along the side of the house. The newer subdivisions are starting to restrict this kind of 'storage', and unless its small enough to keep in the garage or not visible from the street, you have to store it off your property.

Once you determine the answer to the three questions above, then go out and look at boats. Show rooms, talk to neighbors and friends or colleagues that have boats and get good idea of what you do and don't like. Then start looking for something that will fit the bill.

Having lived in Miami for 24 years, I can tell you the VAST majority of people do NOT have boats down there. They require a lot of attention to stay in good working order before, during and after use, especially given that most of the boating waters down there is salt water.

Hope this helps some.

-Eric

 

[mzcloud]

Re: Help find 1st boat in South Florida

Hi Eric,

Thanks for your inputs.

1. I'd like to cruise around, relax might stay overnight on the boat for a night, don't know if its worth the marginal dollars to get a boat with a bed in it. I do fish but not a crazy fisherman.

2. Budget, I'd say prefer keeping it under $30K, but if its an amazing boat, I don't mind paying a bit more. No idea what the cost will be for maintence, I am probably not in Florida more of the year.

3. I do have a place to keep my boat, my backyard has access to water. Guess I can leave it there all year round?

Sounds like its a lot of work keeping a boat, I've only been down there once and I always thought everyone had a boat. guess not

-Michael

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help find 1st boat in South Florida

1st suggestion is a safe boating course, from your terminology, you are definately a green horn. then rent a few boats, and see what you like. the size boat you are talking about is not for beginners. also buy used, let the first owner take to 30% new boat depreciation.

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. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

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.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Help find 1st boat in South Florida

Agree with what everyone has said. Allow me to offer a bit more advice. For your first boat get something very inexpensive. Find your way around and over a period of time determine what you think might be suitable for your needs. Down here you should be able to find something for 4 to 5K. I dont believe anyone is satisified with their first boat, me included.
The sun and salt air and heat age a boat real fast. In a short period of time the gel coat will dull, interior will start chalking, chrome and stainless will pit and corrode. Most important is being conciouncious with fresh water rinsing of the boat and fresh water flushing of your OUTBOARD!!!
Lots of boats to chose from down here, take your time. regards FRED

 

[mzcloud]

Re: Help find 1st boat in South Florida

Agree with what everyone has said. Allow me to offer a bit more advice. For your first boat get something very inexpensive. Find your way around and over a period of time determine what you think might be suitable for your needs. Down here you should be able to find something for 4 to 5K. I dont believe anyone is satisified with their first boat, me included.
The sun and salt air and heat age a boat real fast. In a short period of time the gel coat will dull, interior will start chalking, chrome and stainless will pit and corrode. Most important is being conciouncious with fresh water rinsing of the boat and fresh water flushing of your OUTBOARD!!!
Lots of boats to chose from down here, take your time. regards FRED

I like your idea of getting something cheaper to start with. Learn the game. I am searching on boat trader and there a few in that price range. What should I look for? Any brand you may recommend? Whats a decent HP? I see most of these boats have 50HP, is that enough?