NewBoater3
Member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2006
- RO Number
- 19933
- Messages
- 1
After many years of wanting to buy a boat, I am finally taking the plunge. As a newbie, I have many questions that I thank you in advance for any advice that you could provide.
Some background: I live in Massapequa and looking for a runabout for day trips to Tobay, Fire Island, etc. Not looking to spend nights on the boat and do not plan to fish (perhaps when my very active 5 year old is older). Looking for a safe and comfortable boat as my wife is nervous about going out into the Great South Bay as we have seen the afternoon chop on the F.I. ferries.
I went to the NY boat and I was planning on buying a open bow rider, a Chaparral 256 SII. Seemed to have a good hull design (22.5 deadrise) and seemed large enough for our needs.
I am now re-thinking the idea of a bow rider and was wondering if a mini cruiser, like the Chaparral 24' signature, would feel safer as these boats are so much taller that a bow rider.
1) If I am not planning on sleeping overnight, so is the extra cost and reduced deck space worth it to have a 'safer', more stable ride?
2) If I decide that boating is not for my family after a season or two, would it be more difficult to sell a bow rider vs. a cuddy or cruiser in our area?
I am looking for dock space and would prefer if I could get near my home in Nassau Shores (hopefully find a resident who will rent their bulkhead for the summer) to reduce the time to get to the boat. Although if I am planning on going to Fire Island alot, perhaps it makes sense to be further east, such as Lindenhurst.
I checked out the Anchorage over the weekend and was overwhelmed by the number and size of the boats. I feel a 26' foot boat would be like a little toy surrounded by monster boats.
3) How long do you think it would take to get from massapequa to lindenhurst. By car it is about 15 minutes - By boat, would this be 30 minutes? Any longer with summer weekend traffic? For a first time, would you recommend being part of a marina / yacht club or try to get as close to home as possible?
4) What is the best way to learn the local waters? Learn via maps, GPS/depth maps, or hiring a captain to point out the channels, cuts, etc.
Thanks again!
Some background: I live in Massapequa and looking for a runabout for day trips to Tobay, Fire Island, etc. Not looking to spend nights on the boat and do not plan to fish (perhaps when my very active 5 year old is older). Looking for a safe and comfortable boat as my wife is nervous about going out into the Great South Bay as we have seen the afternoon chop on the F.I. ferries.
I went to the NY boat and I was planning on buying a open bow rider, a Chaparral 256 SII. Seemed to have a good hull design (22.5 deadrise) and seemed large enough for our needs.
I am now re-thinking the idea of a bow rider and was wondering if a mini cruiser, like the Chaparral 24' signature, would feel safer as these boats are so much taller that a bow rider.
1) If I am not planning on sleeping overnight, so is the extra cost and reduced deck space worth it to have a 'safer', more stable ride?
2) If I decide that boating is not for my family after a season or two, would it be more difficult to sell a bow rider vs. a cuddy or cruiser in our area?
I am looking for dock space and would prefer if I could get near my home in Nassau Shores (hopefully find a resident who will rent their bulkhead for the summer) to reduce the time to get to the boat. Although if I am planning on going to Fire Island alot, perhaps it makes sense to be further east, such as Lindenhurst.
I checked out the Anchorage over the weekend and was overwhelmed by the number and size of the boats. I feel a 26' foot boat would be like a little toy surrounded by monster boats.
3) How long do you think it would take to get from massapequa to lindenhurst. By car it is about 15 minutes - By boat, would this be 30 minutes? Any longer with summer weekend traffic? For a first time, would you recommend being part of a marina / yacht club or try to get as close to home as possible?
4) What is the best way to learn the local waters? Learn via maps, GPS/depth maps, or hiring a captain to point out the channels, cuts, etc.
Thanks again!