Island_Chica
Cadet
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 18
Hello Everyone. I've just signed up for this forum. A short intro: Husband and I are in our mid-30s with a 2 y.o. and a baby arriving in about 7 weeks. We'll have two boys and are looking forward to years of skiing, tubing and fun on the water. We live in Metro Atlanta, so we're in pretty popular "boat country." Lake Lanier, Allatoona, Hartwell, and several mountain lakes are all within two hours. Lanier is only about 20 mins from our house, so we'll be able to go often (after work and on most weekends)
Anyway, we've certainly been on boats and driven boats many times, but are new to the whole idea of ownership. Hubby is a bit reluctant because it's kind of maintenance pain and money drain at times, but I've convinced him to making power boating/sailing our main family activity. We're currently saving to purchase our first boat, probably next summer. After doing some research, I think we like the Sea Rays, probably 185 Sport or 195. Boat would be used for lake cruising, tubing and skiing. We'd like to take our little family and one other small family out on a regular basis. I know a 185 would be tight, but we'd be making shorter runs, so it's okay. We'd opt for a used the first time out with a max budget around $15,000-$18,000. Looks like an 05-07 might be found for this price range.
Here's what I know: have boat checked by mechanic, if boat looks a mess it's probably an indication it hasn't been well-maintained mechanically, smaller = better for your first boat, take your time shopping and HAVE BOAT CHECKED BY MECHANIC. The first and last points seem to be the most valuable info.
Here's what I don't know and why I'm here:
(1) A lot of boats advertise "only 93 hours" or "211 hours" on the engine. Is there a standard number of hours a recreational boater puts on an engine in a year? For a 4-6 y.o. boat, what's high? What's low? I assume it's like miles on a car.
(2) We'll be freshwater boating. If that's the case, am I correct to assume I'll want to avoid purchasing a boat that's spent a lot of time in salt water? Salt water, in my experience, is usually tough on everything.
(3) Are we looking at too new or too old of a boat for our needs? We don't have the time or skills to mess with a "project" of any kind (turn key, boat goes is my style) but we want the boat to be good for at least 5 years with regular maintenance. Would like keep boat in dry storage for the foreseeable future since fussing with boat ramps is a tricky business when you're shuffling two young kids.
Any other advice? Any other similar boats to check out? I narrowed in on Sea Rays because I like the styling, they appear to hold value decently well and they seem like a solid choice for a first timer. Would like a bowrider, between 18-20 feet. Thanks in advance, and for your patience.
Anyway, we've certainly been on boats and driven boats many times, but are new to the whole idea of ownership. Hubby is a bit reluctant because it's kind of maintenance pain and money drain at times, but I've convinced him to making power boating/sailing our main family activity. We're currently saving to purchase our first boat, probably next summer. After doing some research, I think we like the Sea Rays, probably 185 Sport or 195. Boat would be used for lake cruising, tubing and skiing. We'd like to take our little family and one other small family out on a regular basis. I know a 185 would be tight, but we'd be making shorter runs, so it's okay. We'd opt for a used the first time out with a max budget around $15,000-$18,000. Looks like an 05-07 might be found for this price range.
Here's what I know: have boat checked by mechanic, if boat looks a mess it's probably an indication it hasn't been well-maintained mechanically, smaller = better for your first boat, take your time shopping and HAVE BOAT CHECKED BY MECHANIC. The first and last points seem to be the most valuable info.
Here's what I don't know and why I'm here:
(1) A lot of boats advertise "only 93 hours" or "211 hours" on the engine. Is there a standard number of hours a recreational boater puts on an engine in a year? For a 4-6 y.o. boat, what's high? What's low? I assume it's like miles on a car.
(2) We'll be freshwater boating. If that's the case, am I correct to assume I'll want to avoid purchasing a boat that's spent a lot of time in salt water? Salt water, in my experience, is usually tough on everything.
(3) Are we looking at too new or too old of a boat for our needs? We don't have the time or skills to mess with a "project" of any kind (turn key, boat goes is my style) but we want the boat to be good for at least 5 years with regular maintenance. Would like keep boat in dry storage for the foreseeable future since fussing with boat ramps is a tricky business when you're shuffling two young kids.
Any other advice? Any other similar boats to check out? I narrowed in on Sea Rays because I like the styling, they appear to hold value decently well and they seem like a solid choice for a first timer. Would like a bowrider, between 18-20 feet. Thanks in advance, and for your patience.
....never heard of the wife telling her husband " You go out and buy a boat!or else!!!" usually its the husband and there is alot of begging and pleading!!! Anyway glad you have joined...Look further into this forum for USED BOAT CHECKLIST. I liked it so much I downloaded it...A good rule of thumb is the newer the boat the better. You tend to stay away from under deck problems (stringers,tramsom etc)...Also ask how the boat was stored, in a garage, if it was outside was it covered up at least...Another good source is Craigslist!!! You'll be amazed at whats for sale..and alot of the time its the prices that are asked...semms more realistic...to me. Also there is 
