Noob looking to get into boats

AshNJ

Recruit
Joined
Sep 22, 2020
Messages
2
Hello all. This is Ash from NJ.
have been reading a lot and recently completed the one day boating course that now makes me eligible to drive one. Everyone in family is now getting ready for boat ownership. I really like how deck boats are designed and will be great for weekend fun. I don’t want to buy brand new ones but don’t want anything that is more than a few year old.
l like the io motors and narrowing down some choices on to Monterey, bay liner 4 Winn and a few other.

what would be a general recommendation?

Since the season is limited due to winter weather , it won’t get used all year and I do have big drive way to park it.

thank you
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,699
My thoughts on a deck boat/pontoon....lovingly referred to as just "toon", is that they are made for lots of people and a long stay on the water, like maybe all day.....which includes eating and drinking and......................... That can become of paramount importance when the need arises. I'd think about how you are going to handle that and then look for something that accommodates that requirement.

Good that you are asking first rather than hey folks I just bought this widget and have a few questions......oh my gosh I wasn't aware of that.......

Buying used is a great idea in that you don't have much invested while you figure out what about it doesn't suit you and you have time to shop around for that which might.

Good Luck!
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,893
before you buy, I suggest you rent. I suggest becoming a member of one of those boat rental clubs to determine what you like.

Deck boats are calm-water boats for quietly cruising with lots of people. they do not do well in rough water.

there are better built deck boats than the brands you listed.
 

AshNJ

Recruit
Joined
Sep 22, 2020
Messages
2
Thank you good people :). My goal is to buy something that I could use for a family of five and occasional guest . But never more than 7. Though I looked at Pantoon they are fairly large and I don’t like how they look . I live very close to nyc and don’t have many fresh waters but I have many places at the shore except for a couple of lakes that are an hour away .
Other option I was considering was a bow rider.
I will try to find a place that rents boats and see I do with it. What other brands are recommended for either of two types of boats. I went to a few boat shows and really leaning on an io drive. I have fairly good grip on engine and maintenance and I have rebuilt motorcycle engines and feel comfortable with doing my own stuff. (though two are quite different)

glad I found the forum.
thanks again
 
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