PLease Help First time Boater

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

What other options are out there . Something smaller ?

 

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I'd like something along these lines

http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/3064266850.html

 

[bullcity101]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I'm with everyone else on this one. Storm comes up, a couple big wakes build together, you have water over the bow or transom in a smaller bowrider. Get a walkaround with a 150 johnson/evinrude, mercury, or yamaha. That's what I would be looking for. Try looking right here on iboats for a used on. A smaller cabin crusier would work too. Are you going to be trailering it? Do you have a big tow vechicle? Are you keeping it dry stacked or in the water? That builds the cost real quick.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

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.

I don't know of a single state that ties your drivers license to any boating operation. None do that, as far as I know of...

In almost all states, there is a certificate needed for younger boaters, but once you reach a certain age, nothing is needed.

 

[catfish58]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I don't know of a single state that ties your drivers license to any boating operation. None do that, as far as I know of...

In almost all states, there is a certificate needed for younger boaters, but once you reach a certain age, nothing is needed.

Alabama requires Boating classification on your regular driving license. Eg: Class DV. Class D-Regular Operators license. Class V-Vessel.

 

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I have an escalade . Towing will not be a problem for me . I will not be keeping it in the water . I believe I will remove it after each use . I do have a question tho . Do they make cabin s with outer boards engines ?

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I have an escalade . Towing will not be a problem for me . I will not be keeping it in the water . I believe I will remove it after each use . I do have a question tho . Do they make cabin s with outer boards engines ?

Yes of course there are cabin cruisers with outboard motors. Probably out of your price range, but there are walk around cuddy cabins which would be my choice, being able to get to the bow to throw a dock line or set/retrieve the anchor is important, at least to me.
No matter what you eventually purchase, please please you and your GF take the USCG boating course.

Do any of your friends or family members own a boat? It really helps having somebody truly knowledgeable with you to look at boats.

 

[Stangiller]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

No one in my family has ever owned a boat. this is something that me and my gf wanted to get into. The course is something mandatory that we want to do. After weeks of researching on the web and conversing with others purchasing may not be in my budget right now.Maybe, renting one would be my best bet. Week or so a season .

 

[choppywaters]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Like Philster said, it is what it is. Theres really nothing motorized you can buy for 2-3k and not have issues with it. We paid 5300.00 for ours and he was asking 7500.00 so people do negotiate, cash is king. He said it was a "turn key boat" Yeah right! It was clean but now very clean but I knew I would have to probably sink some money into it so I made sure I had a couple grand extra to fix what needs fixin'. So far we've spent another roughly 2k to make everything right and today it almost let us down. One thing I assumed but learned very quickly is NOTHING is cheap when it comes to boating and being very mechanically inclined but new to boats too, I'm at the mercy of the dealer we go to until I can figure and be comfortable fixing things myself. Good luck, there out there but keep looking.

 

[choppywaters]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Like Philster said, it is what it is. Theres really nothing motorized you can buy for 2-3k and not have issues with it. We paid 5300.00 for ours and he was asking 7500.00 so people do negotiate, cash is king. He said it was a "turn key boat" Yeah right! It was clean but now very clean but I knew I would have to probably sink some money into it so I made sure I had a couple grand extra to fix what needs fixin'. So far we've spent another roughly 2k to make everything right and today it almost let us down. One thing I assumed but learned very quickly is NOTHING is cheap when it comes to boating and being very mechanically inclined but new to boats too, I'm at the mercy of the dealer we go to until I can figure and be comfortable fixing things myself. Good luck, there out there but keep looking.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

Alabama requires Boating classification on your regular driving license. Eg: Class DV. Class D-Regular Operators license. Class V-Vessel.

As far as I understand, a drivers license is not required... Alabama just puts the classification tag onto your drivers license for convience sake, other states issue cards for those that need proof of eligibility. If you didn't have a license, they would still issue an ID for that purpose. Much like the majority of other states, they also exempt you if you are above a certain age.

 

[southkogs]

Re: PLease Help First time Boater

I don't know of a single state that ties your drivers license to any boating operation. None do that, as far as I know of...

Well, I somewhat mis-spoke - Your driver's license is NOT what allows you to drive a boat, but it is what confirms your age. In TN anyone born after Jan. 1, 1989 must have a TWRA issued Boating Safety Education Certificate. So, if you're over 22 right now - in TN, it's best to be able to prove it.

Like I said earlier - OP, check your states rules.