PLease Help First time Boater

[Stangiller]

Hello eveyone. Im despertly seeking Help with few boating questions.

Im Very new to Boating . im a young 24Yr old who lives with his GF on brighton Beach in Brooklyn. we are looking into buyinng either a set of jet ski's or a small boat that we can take out on the water once or twice a month. We thought about docking the boat around the area but we found that keeping the vessels in Jersey ( Keyport ) Right across the water from Coney island is Much cheaper . We can keep it at a parents home in Jersey and it only cost 25 Bucks to lunch the boat each use . opposed to spending 2K to dock it . Anyways i have several Questions for you . Please help me if you could . You would be a life saver. Thanks

#1) We dont have to much money to invest in a big boat so we decided that a bow rider would be a great option for us to START . 17-19 Ft Is a Bow rider a safe vessel to start with around the Brooklyn NY area ? Or would something like a cuddy cabbin be more of a right choice

#2) We found a 1987 Bayliner in great condition . But it has an outboard engine. Whats better to start with Outboard or O/I engine . ? Also is a 1987 Vessel way to old ?

#3) we were told that u dont need a license to drive a boat in waters in the state of NY and New Jersey . Is that true ? Also, Can we cross the Bay from Jery ( keyport Area) into New york ( Coney island Area ) > HOW LONG COULD A TRIP LIKE THAT TAKE ?

#4) we went to look at a Bowrider and Honestly i did not know what to cheack for . What would it cost or would anyone Like to help us find the boat we are looking for . As far as any problems it may have .?

i was told to do a Marine survey but each boat to look at cost 200 bucks and by the time we look at 5- boats we will be flat broke . ( lol)

We are looking to spend about 2-3K for the boat and Trailer


Please Help us not fall into a huge money pit and enjoy the summer .
THANKS

Email me : stangiller@gmail.com

 

[laserbrn]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

If you are only willing to spend 2-3k, I'd get something aluminum. Anything fiberglass in that range will be old and rotten. It'll be more work than it's worth for pleasure boating.

I purchased my 19' bowrider (fiberglass) for about $1500 and it's a great little rotted out boat, lol. I just use it to put around and fish and I take it out when weather is good and all is well. If you want to have any measurable fun with the boat and don't want to do deal with a rotted out nightmare...go aluminum with an outboard. It's so hard to go wrong with an aluminum.

 

[BonairII]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Definitely go aluminum. They are super easy to work on should you ever need to replace the floor or transom. They are also lighter, which means that they are easier to tow.....and easier for a motor to push around the water(faster and better on gas).

 

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Bubba , I think that is exactly what i wanna go for . I live in NY my window is facing the water and everytime i see boaters outside they seem way to fun not to have, However i dont know if its something that i may even want to do in the future . i do not mind spending 2K something that we can enjoy for a few seasons. Example Ive been looking at some Bowriders 18Ft something i can cruise around in . ( im not looking for a racing rocket for a starter) if it can last me a season or 2 that would be great. Ill part it out or junk it . im pretty good with engines and im a fast learner so i will pick up the whole winterizing and dewinterizing in a short wile. and maintaince im sure ill pick up as well. ( is a bowrider a decent start ) ive looked into the aluminum boats and i cannot see myself spending money for something along those line)

one more question . what would be a better option O/I engine or outer board ? outerboard i find if it breaks i can easly purchase a new motor and prop it on the Hull. But with the O/I it seems that i may have to put more work into it .



Thanks

 

[taggy]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

if you don't want a money pit, stay away from an older Bayliner. Trust me on that one.

 

[southkogs]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

#1) We dont have to much money to invest in a big boat so we decided that a bow rider would be a great option for us to START . 17-19 Ft Is a Bow rider a safe vessel to start with around the Brooklyn NY area ? Or would something like a cuddy cabbin be more of a right choice

Look for a center console if you can find one - kinda' like this boat. If you're going on the bay it will be the easiest boat to learn bigger water with.

#2) We found a 1987 Bayliner in great condition . But it has an outboard engine. Whats better to start with Outboard or O/I engine . ? Also is a 1987 Vessel way to old ?

At your price range, you're going to wind up dealing with "old." BUT - old isn't necessarily bad. Outboards are good and in fact great ... I would suggest that they are easier to learn to operate than I/O's.

#3) we were told that u dont need a license to drive a boat in waters in the state of NY and New Jersey . Is that true ? Also, Can we cross the Bay from Jery ( keyport Area) into New york ( Coney island Area ) > HOW LONG COULD A TRIP LIKE THAT TAKE ?

In most states your drivers' license is what allows you to operate a boat too. There are other restrictions, so best to check with your state.

#4) we went to look at a Bowrider and Honestly i did not know what to cheack for . What would it cost or would anyone Like to help us find the boat we are looking for . As far as any problems it may have .?

Start posting some listings in your thread and we'll all chime in - and give you some pointers.

i was told to do a Marine survey but each boat to look at cost 200 bucks and by the time we look at 5- boats we will be flat broke . ( lol)

A survey isn't going to help you too much, but look for a good marine mechanic who would be willing to look at a boat for $50 or so. That'll be a good help for your inexperience.

I looked through some listings in your area and pickings look a bit slim: Might expand your search a ways out and make a day trip or two looking at boats.

Welcome aboard!

 

[hostage]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

1) Boating is one of the more costly hobbies. There are a lot of horror stories on this forum about old boats that people bought when they did very little research. There are also some very knowledgable guys who did research and still managed to buy a lemon.

2) I have hard a lot of bad things about older Bayliners. Outboards have a lot of advantages and this is coming from someone who owns a I/O. IMHO I/O are a little more work, but they seem to be easier to find at the price I look for.

3) In NY you do not need a license for a boat, can't speak for NJ. However in NY you do need to have a license to drive a jetski.

4) Bow Riders are nice for fitting more people, though Cuddy's do have a bit more sea keep than an open bow. Also bow riders are in higher demand so that might increase the value over a similar boat in a cuddy design. You are already ahead of a lot of people by coming here. That means you will most likely not hear you complain about a lemon. If you can't afford a surveyor then spend time into what to look outfor etc. If you really want to do one, do it for a boat you have your heart set on.

MAKE SURE YOU TEST DRIVE IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT!!!!!

Lastly have you thought about renting a boat?

 

[laserbrn]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/3062707833.html

This is the kind of boat I'd be looking for if I had about $2k. It's fairly limited as far as what can hidden in damage that you can't see. Outboard motors are easy to check out and require less maintenance. It's harder for someone to have done much damage to it without you noticing it straight away. If it runs and the compression is good...your pretty much golden (assuming it can shift into forward/reverse).

I am sure that there are many more, but not every tinny is what you're thinking of when people say "aluminum boat".

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I agree with Laser. Outboard for sure. Not a bowrider; they aren't seaworthy. A fiberglass boat in a salt water environ is not as risky, but aluminum is even less risky, plus being lighter, you can get away with a smaller motor.

In the market/objective you ahve, you are buying a motor with an old boat attached.

 

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Hostage ,
I have considered renting a boat and i have found an company/ people who are willing to let us rent for a week but honestly its not worth it. Its going to cost me 1475.00 to rent the boat for 7 consecutive days. I must keep there vessel in a preticular area around New jersey / New york Bay area. Considering that once in a blue moon we go to a friends Home in the spring summer time in Deep creek MD we cannot rent n take with us . So reality being to add extra 1000.00 knowing that i have the boat ready for use when needed sounds more like the right thing to do . I have a friend who has 88 Sea ray crusier and from the day he purchased it ( 2010 ) he has not had one problem with it. As long as i take my time and choice the right boat for me i may be in a better way . ( and ofcourse with the help of all you wonderful folks out there )

also looked at this :

http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/3062707833.html

Honestly im sure its a good working boat but i cannot see myself crusing in a boat like this . we kind of had our hearts set on something that can seat about 5 or more examples like the bowrider n the cuddy cabins. 17-19ft ( more the on the 19ft not the 17)

i did see one that i really liked and it was a bowrider it was a 1991 seamed very clean . the owner seamed like he was very knowledgeable about his boat and serviced it will well The one thing i liked about it that i dint like about the other Bow's is that it was an outerboard engine. did they make alot of them ? seems like they are very hard to come by . He was only asking 2100 with the trailer and all the gear . 4 vests, bimi top, all the covers and even had 2 new propellers for the future.

the more advice you guys can give me the more u will educate me to making the right decision . Thanks to everyone

 

[Philster]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

We're beating around the bush.

You're in high-risk territory @ that budget. Boats that old are very often trouble. You don't know enough about boats to weed out the 90%. Put it all together and it gets down to slim odds.

You want a simple outboard from Mercury/Mariner, Johnson/Evinrude, Yamaha or Suzuki.

You want a center console, not a bow rider. If you take bow riders off the list, your odds shoot up.

You said 2-3 grand? OKAY... look for boats (so many that you literally want to cry because your eyes are burning and you need Advil extra strength to survive) and ensure they list @ around AT LEAST 4000-5000 bucks... and narrow the list to a handful that meet the criteria and get one of them down to about 3 grand. If the best one is 5k and he comes down to 3500 and no more, cut lawns on the side to make the dough up. Promise to be his servant for a week. Anything, because the odds are so much better. Find a way to have 1000 bucks (min) in reserve for other costs.

Whatever you do, do not look at boats that are listed for 2 G's.

You need to accept answers given here, and act on them. NOW GO. Search HARD. It has to hurt. Find the best boat and get that sucker down in price.

Post your narrowed list. If it sucks, we'll beat it down like there's no tomorrow.

 

[laserbrn]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Haha...if you spend $2000 on a fiberglass boat that is 20+ years old...you'll be wishing you hadn't. A fair deal at $2000 pretty much means you're buying an engine. If you require a trailer what the heck do you think you're getting with it? $2000 for a boat with a trailer? I'll show you what that will buy you, I've got one in my driveway. It's a rotted out 19' bowrider with a good working engine on a serviceable trailer. It's a good running boat, but I wouldn't dare load my family in it and try to play around in it like it's a new boat. I float around in it and fish and it does the job for now. I bought it as a disposable boat and it's lasted me 2 seasons knock on wood and the only criteria I had in my search was running engine with a solid transom.

Take the advice, or don't, it's your money and in all reality if you lose out, it's not that much money (in the boating world, might mean a lot to you) and a lot of people have made bigger mistakes.

 

[NYBo]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Welcome to iboats!

One thing that hasn't really been addressed is the area in which you'll be boating. This is no pond, folks. The water can get really nasty, and it's in the area of one of the busiest ports in the country. To put it bluntly, this is no place for a boating novice in a small, old open boat of any variety.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Right -on NYBO! I have been there and circumnavigated Manhattan in a 15 footer and wished I hadn't. Nearly swamped by a 100 footer throwing a 5 foot wake in the East River. Nearly run down by a ferry from Jersey out near Liberty Island. This rank novice boater needs at least a 19 foot hull and NEEDS to take the USCG Auxiliary safe boating course.

NO, Depending upon year of birth a "license" may not be required. However, studying and obtaining a safe boating certificate is easy and relatively cheap, the CG Aux. course is fun with friendly people, and here in Pa, it serves as the license REQUIRED of EVERYONE to drive a jetski.

 

[laserbrn]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Sounds like you need an offshore boat, but I'm not really familiar with this area. I picked up a Skipjack out here for $2250, but the engine doesn't run, the fuel tank needs replacing and it needs a bit of maintenance before it'll be a good boat again. Probably be into it about 10k, but if you're thinking about going offshore, that's damn near the minimum.

Good luck out there....In open water stuff gets real serious, real fast.

 

[rivermouse]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

These 3 things always go together..BIG WATER>BIG BOAT>BIG MONEY...

 

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

are most offshore boats speed boats ? maybe I'm mistaking when u google "offshore boats" they all seem to be extremely expensive looking vessels. ( I know I'm a noob to the whole boating scene and i don't wanna buy something i will regret in the near future that is why before i go anywhere and spend anymore time jumping from one boat seller to another is to ask the people who boat most. ) and your correct you do not need a license in the state of NY I'm also not 100% about Jersey but i will double check. I will take the boating safety corse before i hit any waters. ( i wanna be safe then sorry ) but as far as which boat is for me . IDK Never thought it would be that hard . How about Cuddy cabins i found a 96 It was a bayliner it was clean also and he only wanted 3K for it . 19ft n 4Cyl Engine. (which is a big thing . ) i do not want a V8.

Shoot me some other makes and models that you may recommend me to look at
Thanks everyone

 

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

this is pretty much what i had in mind which i think i like. would this be sea worthy ?
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/boa/3066828958.html

 

[laserbrn]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

When you google offshore boats that's what will come up usually is speedboats, but I'm talking about boats designed for saltwater use. Cabin's a good thing, but bayliners not so much if you are talking about open water. If it's all real local and you only go on calm days it may be an okay starting point, but I'm willing to bet you can find something better. Not sure I'd throw $3k at a blown out bayliner and then head for the sea!

Grady White
http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/3066675686.html

http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/2974205375.html

http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/2981756833.html

These would be a start, but they will all require you do some work on them. None of these I would consdier "great boats" and I'd try to knock a few dollars off.

Get a compression tester so you don't buy a junk motor. Good luck, trying to get out in open water for cheap can get very expensive, lol.

I really like the first one, but that little motor will be anemic on that boat. You should get good mileage, but you won't be haulin' ***. You'll still need to check it for rot, but at least with a grady, especially an old one, that hull will stay together even without the wood, lol. Built like a brick ****house. If you go look at one compared to a b-liner, it'll be ridiculous.

 

[etracer68]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I like the first one too. I also agree, its a bit under powered, but looks like a well taken care of boat for her age. If it is solid, I would be a player. You will need a good truck, full size, 1/2 ton min to pull it around though, maybe a 3/4 ton depending on weight of the rig.