Re: Newbie w/ Boat Fever - Looking into Cuddy Cabin's
You are a smart guy, you came to us BEFORE you bought a boat. Sadly there are plenty of people who came here after the fact. Also, don't take offense to what some of these guys say. They have heard the same old stories and it can make people feel a little callyst. At the same time they know what they are talking about and they just don't want you coming back here asking questions on how to fix your boat...
I was 28 when I got my first boat (2 years ago). I spent months researching into boats before I eventually bought one. I also got a lot of great info here. Buying a boat is a very exciting experience and you feel great when you first buy it, though if you end up with a lemon, buyer remorse lasts a really long time.
When I first started looking I saw boats that were 2k, I kept looking more and saw ones that were $4k. I kept looking and was amazed for just a little more money, I could get a much better boat. I ended up getting a 2000 19' Maxum Cuddy for only $7500. It had some great features:
Snap in Carpet
Fiberglass deck liner
waterproof stringers
190HP 4.3L Merc (the olders one were at about 175hp)
Swim Platform w/ ladder
Stereo w/ aux adapter
cockpit cover
camper enclosure
and lots of other cool features.
So if I was you, I would keep looking at boats, save up a bit more money, do a lot more research. For every minute you research boats, you save an hour of headaches. Sometimes buying a more expensive boat will not only give you a nicer and newer boat, but it also can save you a lot on repairs down the road. Boats price is on a curve. When someone buys a new one the value drops quick. Though after a while it platos. So you can be really amazed at how much more boat you can get for very little money. Though bare in mind condition of boat is more important that brand or year.
I would suggest a 19-20ft Cuddy w/ a 4.3L Merc for you, based off what you said. You also should wait before you go out and buy a lot of water toys, etc. It is a good idea to find out what friends want to do, before you end up spending $125 on something that just takes up room.
Lastly, I saw someone mentioning a loan. If you plan to take out a loan for a boat in that range, don't. It is an expensive hobby and there is always something to fix on the boat. Make sure you have the money to support the hobby.
Good luck!
Hostage
You are a smart guy, you came to us BEFORE you bought a boat. Sadly there are plenty of people who came here after the fact. Also, don't take offense to what some of these guys say. They have heard the same old stories and it can make people feel a little callyst. At the same time they know what they are talking about and they just don't want you coming back here asking questions on how to fix your boat...
I was 28 when I got my first boat (2 years ago). I spent months researching into boats before I eventually bought one. I also got a lot of great info here. Buying a boat is a very exciting experience and you feel great when you first buy it, though if you end up with a lemon, buyer remorse lasts a really long time.
When I first started looking I saw boats that were 2k, I kept looking more and saw ones that were $4k. I kept looking and was amazed for just a little more money, I could get a much better boat. I ended up getting a 2000 19' Maxum Cuddy for only $7500. It had some great features:
Snap in Carpet
Fiberglass deck liner
waterproof stringers
190HP 4.3L Merc (the olders one were at about 175hp)
Swim Platform w/ ladder
Stereo w/ aux adapter
cockpit cover
camper enclosure
and lots of other cool features.
So if I was you, I would keep looking at boats, save up a bit more money, do a lot more research. For every minute you research boats, you save an hour of headaches. Sometimes buying a more expensive boat will not only give you a nicer and newer boat, but it also can save you a lot on repairs down the road. Boats price is on a curve. When someone buys a new one the value drops quick. Though after a while it platos. So you can be really amazed at how much more boat you can get for very little money. Though bare in mind condition of boat is more important that brand or year.
I would suggest a 19-20ft Cuddy w/ a 4.3L Merc for you, based off what you said. You also should wait before you go out and buy a lot of water toys, etc. It is a good idea to find out what friends want to do, before you end up spending $125 on something that just takes up room.
Lastly, I saw someone mentioning a loan. If you plan to take out a loan for a boat in that range, don't. It is an expensive hobby and there is always something to fix on the boat. Make sure you have the money to support the hobby.
Good luck!
Hostage