New to boating

[ccocpa]

This is a first time for me, so your patience is appreciated. I am new to boating and am trying to make a first time purchase before upgrading in a few years. I will be boating primarily near the southern half of the Michigan side of Lake Huron (the "thumb" area of Michigan). I am currently considering the following:<br /><br />1) 1989 Four Winns 205 Sundownder cuddy cabin<br />2) 1987 Renken 2053 cuddy cabin<br /><br />Any general recommendations on the above boats, given my planned usage? Any particulars on the manufacturers, sizes, ages, etc.? I've only seen the Renken once, but plan to get it out on the water this weekend (July 8). I called once on the Four Winns, but only left a message so far. Any advice regarding questions to ask, things to look out for, etc. would be appreciated.

 

[Purebreed]

Re: New to boating

The Four Winns is a very solid boat. I have been on that model with the 4.3l 220hp and it performed well. Cabin can sleep two and has good access. Be prepared to spend some money when buying an older boat.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: New to boating

I own a Cadorett Holiday 210 (see avatar). She's a 21 footer with a cuddy that sleeps 2 and has a fold down bench for and additioanl person to sleep. It is a great boat and we've invested some time and money to bring her back to a presentable state. She's a 1990 so when we first got her we put in a lot of elbow grease. <br /><br />However, I found that with a growing family we'll be needing something bigger soon. Last year was my first time on Lake Ontario (moved down from Ottawa) and I found that the Great Lakes can churn up some big swells... another reason for me to move up in size to something around 28 - 30 feet. <br /><br />I'm not sure what you plan on using your boat for or what kind of conditions apply to the waters you describe. You can find great deals on older boats that need just a little TLC. If you have a mechanic friend, bring him (or her) along to check out the engine and a survey wouldn't be a bad idea as well. Don't get discouraged by dirt and grime, that all comes off with over the counter products. When we bought our boat 4 years ago, it was out of the water for 2 years. It was filthy. But she was solid and still is. She cleaned up real good!<br /><br />Good luck and keep us posted!<br /><br />Jeff

 

[ccocpa]

Re: New to boating

Thanks for the comments. Any other input would be appreciated.

 

[rschnack]

Re: New to boating

In northern Michigan Four Winns boats are very popular and have a good reputation. They were manufactured in Michigan, but now that the company has been bought out by a larger company I am not sure if they all still are. As purebreed stated, be prepared to pay some money for a good used one. Because they have a good reputation, they tend to hold their value well.<br /><br />RCS

 

[tangent]

Re: New to boating

If you can, find out as much about the condition of both boats. A well designed boat that hasn't been maintained may not be worth the effort.