Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

[The-MX5-Miata]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

for $5,000, rigged, registered and ready?

Yes, to btw, I think I can make this happen. Whether I spend $4200 on a turn key system and the rest on registration, gas, water sports, all of it, I think it is an easily attainable goal. or If I spend $2900 and put the rest into carpets, seats, new starters or batteries, I think I will be able to get there.

and Steve Mahler,
Thanks for your response, I didn't know to stay away from those force/chrysler motors, now I do. and I really really like that Bayliner, the look and how the owner seems to have taken a bit of care of it. I don't think I will ever have more than 2 people in that Cuddy even if I get a longer boat. From the looks of it, they simply are toooooooooooo small!

One more question going back to the use of a converter with a switch to choose which battery. How long will a typical battery last using a converter and a few items (cell charger, t.v.)? Overnight for sure or do I have get up at 3 a.m. and start the motor for a few minutes??

Keep it comin!

 

[rbh]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

As lots of the guys have said merc or volvo only, 260 HP +- if your playing around with tubes and skis and if your going to overnight/camp you need some room for your gear.
just my.02c on this subject.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

I really do appreciate all the hits i'm getting with this topic but I will defend that although I may be a kid, I may make mistakes, I'm not perfect. In reality though, If I want a boat for 5K or less..... EVEN if I am getting a bank loan, (who said I was anyway) that still keeps my payments under $200 monthly just to own a boat. Look, none of this matters, all I'm trying to say is just like a few people close to me, I know I will run into those financial suck guru's. (Don't buy it if you don't need it - don't you think you should just save some of that money - don't spend as much - what if something goes wrong - blah blah) And I totally respect your p.o.v. - but I know where half of those conversations are going. Don't buy it man, you are to young. Just wait, blah. I am willing to save up my paychecks to buy something that is potentially going to set me back a few dollars, potentially break sometime, and be expensive just to drive anyway. I'm still a kid, I am very serious about my toys. Anything else doesn't matter, but If i want it and I'm gonna save up for it, I'm gonna get what I want.

It's got nothing to do with your age, and nothing to do with whether you finance your purchase (YOU said you were financing it in an earlier post). That's entirely up to you, and none of my or anyone else's business.

It's got to do with the boat you're trying to buy with the funds you have available. Too much boat, not enough funds. Period.

You presumably came here for advice, and I've given you mine. Best of luck in your search

My .02

 

[The-MX5-Miata]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

I appreciate everyone's input and you are right, my age and funds don't really matter. P.S. sorry I forgot I had mentioned it earlier, forgive me. and I really think I can get a decent (maybe older) boat for this price range? Am I wrong? I posted a big long response up top, keep the replies coming, and thanks again for all the answers and support.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

I really think I can get a decent (maybe older) boat for this price range? Am I wrong? I posted a big long response up top, keep the replies coming, and thanks again for all the answers and support.

When you talk about buying a 24' cuddy, then yes, you're wrong. The bigger the boat, the more complication. You have more complex electrical and plumbing systems, storage and holding tanks, maybe a water heater. Your power choice is essentially limited to I/O instead of outboard, and any boat you look at in that size range and price point will be more than 20 years old. That means that all of it, including the transom and stringers, need to be carefully inspected. I doubt that you'd be willing to pay several hundred dollars for a professional survey and mechanical inspection, and you'd need to make that expenditure more than once as you try to weed out the crap and find something worth owning.

Any parts you replace have to be approved for marine use. In the case of anything electrical, that means 'inherently safe', i.e., spark protected so you don't blow yourself up. Price out a few things like a marine rated fresh water pump or heater- you're not talking Home Depot prices. A thousand dollar 'reserve' is chump change for that type of boat. A couple of even minor repairs and it's gone.

If I were shopping with $4K + $1K for repairs I'd be looking for an 18', outboard powered something. With a lot of shopping I'd eventually be able to find something decent.

My .02 i

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

I really think I can get a decent (maybe older) boat for this price range? Am I wrong?

If this is your question, the answer is no, you can't get a decent boat in your size, features and price range. It is clear, however, that you are not here for advice, but for affirmation of your decision/plan/dream to buy that boat. You aren't listening to the informed opinions to the contrary.

You can buy/rent a house in bad condition cheap and still live there. You can buy a car cheap in bad condition and still get to work and back, with a rusted body, bald tires, leaky windows and broken AC. But a boat is entirely different. First, bad condition can mean unsafe--like an old car with no brakes. Problems in the body of a car, even the roof of a house, can be lived with; not so with the hull of the boat (incl. structural integrity). Second, all it takes with a boat is one isolated problem and you are 100% shut down. Steering, wiring, motor, "transmission", gas tank, battery, even nav lights have issues and you stay home. And all of these things cost more to fix than you expect.

You said, "Whether I spend $4200 on a turn key system and the rest on registration, gas, water sports, all of it, I think it is an easily attainable goal." It simply isn't. You are engaged in wishful thinking.

Have you even done any research into the costs in your home town/state for registration (boat and trailer), insurance (boat and trailer), local taxes, 2 batteries, tube, wakeboard and lines, PFD's? Registration includes both the first time fees and the tax you have to pay. First tank of gas, 100 gallons. Do you pay to launch? Pay to store it? Let us know what you find after you make the calls.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

In my first post on this thread, I talked about age, size, condition and price as being your variables.

If you plug in $5k and 24 feet, what you will get is something 20+ years old and perhaps in fair/poor condition. At 24 feet, your magic number is about $10k. You may find a 24 foot boat for $5k, but it may need another $5k in mechanical and structural repairs, so you are back up to the $10k figure.

. At $5k, your size number is probably under 20 feet.

 

[The-MX5-Miata]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

24 feet is NOT definitely my only choice. I was just shooting for something a bit bigger for sleeping quarters because I'm a bit taller. I'm not sure where you guys are getting

It is clear, however, that you are not here for advice, but for affirmation of your decision/plan/dream to buy that boat. You aren't listening to the informed opinions to the contrary.

I have learned lots from you guys. I know I'm an amateur at this, but I just feel as if because you guys are pro's - you only recognize spending ALL that you can on a boat to diminish problems you may have later. I am just confused because I pop Cuddy Cabin into craigslist and max it out at 5K and NO the boat WILL NOT be perfect whatsoever. I understand that. I don't care about "features" either. I want a solid boat, solid running motor, with a decent interior. I have seen that a lot in my price range. You guys keep saying that I WILL NOT find anything in this price range and I think you are wrong. No i have no idea what I'm talking about and I want you guys to challenge me on this ok? To get you to see where I'm coming from I am going to post 10 ads up right now. All 10 I think are at decent prices for the boat ok? If any of these are junk let me know. I know that pictures are hard to judge a boat and if you can't hear it run then blah blah but just tell me what I'm doing wrong if I'm at the mindset where these are ok boats for the price ok?

1. http://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/boa/2930143218.html - Why is this not a good buy?
2. http://siouxcity.craigslist.org/boa/2935311346.html - Lots of rebuilt/redone items...What is wrong with it?
3. http://siouxcity.craigslist.org/bod/2972476526.html - Criticisms? Good price.
4. http://fortdodge.craigslist.org/boa/2960342813.html - Looks pretty, worth it?
5. http://stcloud.craigslist.org/boa/2960096052.html - My favorite looking one, tell me why its not worth it..
6. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/2973001777.html - New motor/outdrive, what is there to hate?
7. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/2905249547.html - Looks pretty? Shoot holes through it please.
8. http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/boa/2970415393.html - newer and everything looks good?
9. http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/boa/2883762424.html - newer motor - looks good?
10. http://wausau.craigslist.org/boa/2972544275.html - looks taken care of..?

Here is 10 reasons why I think I can get something for my price range. And since you are so persistent on me looking up prices for things I have and I already knew stuff was expensive.
1 year fee 19' and over = $40
Title Fee - $5.00
Lien Fee - $5.00
Solid Waste Fee - $1.00
Mailing Fee - $5.00
3.00% of purchase price on all motor vehicles - Assessed the first time a vehicle is titled. - At most - $150
Trailer is $21 for 18months - plus Title Fee - $5.00
Lien Fee - $5.00
Solid Waste Fee - $1.00
Mailing Fee - $5.00
Highway Patrol fee - $1.00

$223.00 ish give or take just registering and plating boat//trailer

Just did a quick price quote for Progressive on the 1991 Bayliner Capri 2052 Cuddy - with my custom additions it comes to $31.14 monthly and trailer is covered as well as personal items blah blah.
Most of these boats come with at least 1 battery and some 2. Lets say I'm stuck buying one of my own - Fair? and this is going above and beyond but I trust optima and have seen solid performance out of them. Optima Batteries D27M BlueTop Group 27 Marine Battery - Amazon - $229 shipped.

Tubes, wakeboards, and lines may come with the boat and may not. I have been scouting rummage sales around here and have found lots of stuff for a $100 - Two tubes for $70 and a wakeboard plus rope for $30 but lets say I'm comfortable spending $200 on some nice used water sports stuff.
Same with PFD's - I have found many at rummages and am comfortable spending $100 on some decent used ones maybe 1 or 2 new ones giving the new boat doesn't come with any.
I'm unsure what you mean by pay to launch? Like using my own truck or? and I have a garage or a shed if garage is to small. No storage fees. - Gas will be to be safe at $4.00 a gallon times 70 gallons which I have seen is most of the boats i'm looking at have as tank capacity - $300 ish with tax?
Ok Recap -
Tax/Licence Fees for Trailer and Boat: $230.00
Insurance fees monthly: $ 32.00
Battery for boat/decent brand: $229.00
Water sports -tubes/skis/wakeboard: $200.00
PFD's - Lifejackets/new/used: $100.00
Gas/oil/fluids: $350.00
Total: $1141.00 ish give or take and I already understand that.

So please let me know what is wrong with the links I will appreciate it

 

[Maclin]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

Which do you like more, Debating? or looking at boats and buying? By waiting to type all that out you may have missed out on a couple of those already. Most look like they are worth a bit of travel to go see them.

Beware of scammers. some just repost other's boats, not that any of your links stand out as that type of ad.

Also some just do not take ads down right away either, so get on with it already...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

your insurance is $352/year, so your minimum is about $1,450. That leaves you with $3,550 to buy the 23' boat in good running condition, one tank of gas.

some ramps charge you $5-$25 to launch and/or park, so that adds to the expenses.

Don't forget $400-800 to the mechanic for the water pump, check-over and the things he will find.

Good that you are doing the math and it sounds like your objectives are coming down toward reasonable, too.

 

[The-MX5-Miata]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

Haha I don't like debating but everyone is yelling at me - so....what to do ya know? I'm just kidding, I am getting lots of help and advice which is great. and I am just doing lots and lots of research before I buy one which I expect I'm still about 3 or 4 weeks away from buying one. So just getting all my ducks in a row right now, I am getting very anxious though. Very soon I will be buying the boat of my dreams!!

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

I think it's good you are doing all the research as far as what the costs will be. Now go out and find your boat. Good luck.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

"I know I'm an amateur at this, but I just feel as if because you guys are pro's - you only recognize spending ALL that you can on a boat to diminish problems you may have later. I am just confused because I pop Cuddy Cabin into craigslist and max it out at 5K and NO the boat WILL NOT be perfect whatsoever. I understand that. I don't care about "features" either. I want a solid boat, solid running motor, with a decent interior. I have seen that a lot in my price range."

No, you haven't. You've seen a lot of ads by boat owners who claim their boats are great. Yes, a lot of us here are pros at boat buying- isn't that why you came here? You're gonna buy what you're gonna buy, and with every long-winded argument you post, you confirm that you know more than we do. So be it- it's your money.

-Couple of those ads are for the same boat? (Bayliner). In any event, a 3.0 liter is too small.

- One of the ads states it has a 'Cobra' outdrive. That's an OMC, out of the marine business since the late 1990's. Stay away from anything that says OMC, Cobra and King Cobra.

- One of them is Volvo Penta. Make sure it isn't mated to a 4-cylinder engine (too small) or a Ford engine. Like OMC, Ford has been out of the marine business for just as long. Volvo Penta/Ford combinations are fairly common.

- A V-6 (GM 4.3 liter) is probably okay up to 22' feet (maybe), but above that I'd recommend a V-8 (GM 5.0 or 5.7).

Lean toward V-8's in this size range, make sure its a GM, and make sure it isn't an OMC outdrive. Eventually you'll run into an oddball with a Mercruiser 3.7 liter, fresh water cooled motor in it. Run away.

 

[The-MX5-Miata]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

No, you haven't. You've seen a lot of ads by boat owners who claim their boats are great. Yes, a lot of us here are pros at boat buying- isn't that why you came here? You're gonna buy what you're gonna buy, and with every long-winded argument you post, you confirm that you know more than we do. So be it- it's your money.

To be honest, I didn't mean to come off like that so I'm sorry if I did. I know much less then all of you and maybe I should appreciate the help and advice more, I apologize for that.

Pricing things out is a help and thanks again for the engines to stay away from and engines you personally recommend.

Again, sorry if I AM coming off as some punk kid, and I am here for your guys' help, so sorry for my arrogance.

 

[AlmostFamous]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

To be honest, I didn't mean to come off like that so I'm sorry if I did. I know much less then all of you and maybe I should appreciate the help and advice more, I apologize for that.

Pricing things out is a help and thanks again for the engines to stay away from and engines you personally recommend.

Again, sorry if I AM coming off as some punk kid, and I am here for your guys' help, so sorry for my arrogance.

10 years ago, I was your exact age and in your exact position. I foolishly bought a boat that I thought was great and the PO genuinely thought was great. It wasn't.....I was left with a loan on a boat that wasn't fit to run and no money to fix it...bad deal.

I've since learned A LOT. This site is a great place to learn, I wish it was available to me back then. I think most of these guys speak from passion, which can seem like yelling from time to time lol...

Take this opportunity, to listen and learn. Again, massive amounts of knowledge/experience is being conveyed to you.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

None of the ads you posted raised any immediate red flags for me and if checked out to be solid, could be good buys. I'm surprised at what you've found in your price range. I probably wouldn't mess with the last one and that old Volvo unless it has a GM based motor. His price is too high also.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

Mx5 a lot of guys on here have a lot of experience with people comming on here and asking for advice only to ignore it because it was not what they wanted to hear so sometimes they get a little short when they feel thier advice isn't being heeded. No offence to you, I understand exactly where you are comming from boat fever is strong but there are so many neglected abused junk boats out there that look great on the surface and unless you really know what your looking for your going to be in trouble and really have a bad experience. Most guys on here have been through it and all have seen it happen time and time again on here. The experts are trying to help you avoid that nightmare yourself. Please don't get frustrated and take the advice knowing where it is comming from, not an attack just a stern warning.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

Ultimately, we each have to make our own decisions, so let freedom ring. There has been lots of discussion about money and value, etc. on this thread.

So for what it is worth, a bit of my own history . . .

When I bought my power boat . . . I was thinking that I could get something for about $10K . . . $25K later I had my boat . I could have gotten something for $10K, but I don't think that I would have been happy with it for many of the reasons discussed in this thread.

Then I needed something to tow the boat, cuz it was too big/heavy for my then SUV . . . another $30K later, I had a new tow vehicle . The Admiral said at that point . . your $10K boat is getting to be expensive

Now, if you want to boat inexpensively, get a sailboat. I had a nice 22 foot Catalina . . . it cost me $3K, used 5 gallons of gas per year

 

[JoLin]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

If I were P.O.'d I wouldn't have provided my observations on your links. I'm not- just got tired of beating my head against a wall. Like I said, it's your money to do with what you want. Maybe you'll get lucky- there's a lottery winner every day, too.

We all start out ignorant (I certainly was and often still am), but I don't believe that doing anything from a position of ignorance, and obstinately persisting in that ignorance, is the best way to proceed in any endeavor. I wish you luck, and keep us posted on what you find.

John

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's

To be honest, I didn't mean to come off like that so I'm sorry if I did. I know much less then all of you and maybe I should appreciate the help and advice more, I apologize for that.

Pricing things out is a help and thanks again for the engines to stay away from and engines you personally recommend.

Again, sorry if I AM coming off as some punk kid, and I am here for your guys' help, so sorry for my arrogance.

You are probably one of the most informed boat buyers out there... Honestly, you won't know if the boat is right for you until you actually own one. Worst case, it doesn't fit what you need, and you sell it to move to something else. Personally I think you would probably be better off with a bowrider as you have mentioned watersports more than once, but that is something for you to see if you can make it work.

Anyway, sometimes you just need to get off the pot, so to speak! Boats are meant to be impulse buys, go look at one of the ones you like your lists, and pull the trigger! Being not to far from you, I know exactly how short the season is, so you better get moving!