Newbie needs a jumping off point!

[SpyroChiro]

I am new to owning a boat and I am trying to get some information on a cruiser type boat I can take in a saltwater bay. The boat I am looking for is between 20-24 ft and I plan on dry-docking it. I know Regal is a good company, but I would like to look at others as well. My price range is for a used boat (less than 10 yrs) is 15-19k USD, what are some boat manufactures that make good QUALITY boats that might be within that price range?

Also, along with looking at the brands I am trying to find a sort of beginners guide to being able to tell the good and the bad of different boats. What are some things to look for or where can I find sources like this?

McC

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie needs a jumping off point!

Take a look at some 80s Boston Whaler Outrage cuddys. McC.

They don't rot and they don't sink. They are better boats than you can buy new today and they can be found in pristine condition for mid teens.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Newbie needs a jumping off point!

I am a SeaPro owner and a huge fan of these boats...Search sites like iboats classifides for SeaPro, Sea-Pro, or Sea Pro.

Great warranty that they honor with no questions asked, not a single ounce of wood, and above average quality and hardware.

Can't go wrong with a Whaler also. No matter what you choose, get a boat with 100% no wood construction and stainless hardware...Most quality boats have a transferable warranty of 10 years or greater...I am also a fan of outboard power.

Few questions that will help weed out many boats:

1. Where are you boating (big water, shallow, etc...)
2. Like to fish, ski, cruise?
3. How many will typically be boating with you?

 

[KCook]

Re: Newbie needs a jumping off point!

Quality is only clear at the very top. Clearly a Boston Whaler is a quality boat. Priced accordingly. For the more affordable brands, quality is tough to pin down. There are lots of different aspects to consider. And different boaters have different experiences. The only outfit that has tried to tackle this area is the JD Power survey -

http://www.jdpower.com/boats/

And they have taken a HUGE amount of flak from the message boards. But their critics never offer an alternative.

If you can get a WA with a 4-stroke OB for the same $$ as a Regal, great. For small cabin boats in the I/O pleasure market Four Winns would be my "standard". Others may be as good. Certainly some others are less expensive. Since you are buying used, the actual condition of the particular boat you are considering will be more important than the brand name.

Kelly Cook

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Newbie needs a jumping off point!

are you new to boating, or an old salt on other peoples boats. decide what you want, cabin or just a closed bow, potty, galley. livewells. etc. then see whats available to fullfill your wants, and necessities. there are to many good boats on the market, with Boston Whaler at the top, but it's pretty basic, not a lot of BLING.

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie needs a jumping off point!

What Daddy said. The Whalers don't come with gingerbread (bling).

One prob with buying a 20 year old Whaler is finding a loan, if you need it. It can be done, but you have to find a lender who is boat savvy.

The Whaler in my avatar is a 1966 Sakonnet 16. I paid $3200 for it (new) in 1968 and sold it for $6500 in 1983. It is still worth 5 to 8 grand.

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Newbie needs a jumping off point!

in your price range you can find some nice boats- JD POWER ranks Chaparral high as it does Regal and Cobalt.

Consider Caravelle also-- it depends on what you will be doing , boating, skiing fishing---

I currently own a CHAP and love it--high quality and holds its value

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Newbie needs a jumping off point!

I agree finding a good Whaler is not easy...I lived near the Chesapeake with a zillion boaters, but I was not able to find a good Whaler. Seems like most who own them have no reason to sell them and when they do, the boats are neglected or the motor is shot. The good ones (usually owners upgrading or selling due to health problems) get snatched up fast...Other owners ask well over book value knowing some will pay too much just to say they own a Whaler. They are great boats, but I think the quality gap has been narrowed over the past 10 years.