Suggestion on first boat

[alk]

Do you have a truck, or heavy suv, and a yard to keep the boat in? If so, I would consider something that can be trailered. Saves a ton of money in storage/slip fees, allows you to find service facilities that aren’t hideously expensive, and gives the option to try different waters. in general, 25 feet or less, under 6,000 lbs, with a beam ( width) of 8’6”.

Another option that didn’t really exist when many of us bought our first boat is the boat clubs, which are essentially rentals. I haven’t studied the financials around it; they seem expensive, but when you consider that you don’t need to pay for a slip, insurance, maintenance, etc. perhaps the numbers work? Take a look at Freedom Boat Club, and Carefree Boat Club to see if there are any locations in the areas that interest you.

 

[boatbum]

Some boat clubs have a substantial buy-in.

But is a 34 really that much more dangerous? Consider the activities on a smaller boat and the speed of a smaller boat. Water skiing, tubing, etc.. How many people have been caught by a prop in a smaller boat while engaged in those activities? It seems the smaller the boat the higher rate or more serious the injuries.
Let's not forget the "bow rider" stories either.

 

[Sailarmy1]

Be sure you COMPLETELY understand the operational dynamics of a/any boat versus those of an automobile. THERE ARE sugnificant differences; as well as a complete comprehension of the "Rules of the Road"!!!
This endevor will not be "Plug and Play"!!

 

[Brian N]

@JeneBk, just to clarify, nobody is trying to discourage you from getting into boating. We are all here because it is our passion and we love it.

What we have seen too many times over the years is someone jumps in with both feet, and gets burned or burned out with their first boat. It takes a special kind of insanity to want to constantly tinker on an old boat and fix something new every time you take it out.

There is absolutely no such thing as an inexpensive boat, unless it's a canoe or row boat. You will have to work on it or pay to have it worked on. It will cost you time, money, sweat, and tears. You will have problems at sea that create frustration and make you question your decision to get into this hobby. Every one of us can tell a story about a trip that ended with us in the bilge trying to fix a problem at the worst possible time.

Take the advice above as the voices of experience. If you decided that it is right for you and your family, go for it and keep us posted.

When I first started on this forum 25 or so years ago I asked so many questions I probably created some migraines. And a few crusty old salts on here were definitely annoyed with me.

Don't hesitate to keep the questions coming and keep coming back for more advice.

 

[CaptCrunch]

Between the lack of experience and the quality of yards willing to work on that vintage boat as a new customer, you’re setting yourself up for a disaster. Look for a single outboard powered dual console with a newer outboard, have it surveyed and if all else checks out create some memories, make sure you enjoy boating, and can always upgrade.

The reason a lot of older gas powered cruisers are affordable, is they’ve reached a point where proper preventative maintenance costs more then the value of the boat, so many things get deferred until there isn’t a choice. (Risers and manifolds on twin gas inboards is probably almost the cost of that vintage Silverton)

 

[JeneBk]

Agree with what Pascal said
Im on Long Island as well and one of the first things you should look into is where are you going to keep it??
Dockage on Long Island can be difficult to find at any cost!

If u find something that might fit your needs I agree a survey is a must,
BUT you might want to get a pre purchase inspection to see if it’s even worthy to spend the bigger $’s on a full survey- much less than a full survey and can weed out if it's even worthy to move ahead with
I don’t do that but have a few recommendations

Understood. I am in Sheepsheadbay. There are few Marinas around. It sounds like I should start small.

 

[JeneBk]

Do you have a truck, or heavy suv, and a yard to keep the boat in? If so, I would consider something that can be trailered. Saves a ton of money in storage/slip fees, allows you to find service facilities that aren’t hideously expensive, and gives the option to try different waters. in general, 25 feet or less, under 6,000 lbs, with a beam ( width) of 8’6”.

Another option that didn’t really exist when many of us bought our first boat is the boat clubs, which are essentially rentals. I haven’t studied the financials around it; they seem expensive, but when you consider that you don’t need to pay for a slip, insurance, maintenance, etc. perhaps the numbers work? Take a look at Freedom Boat Club, and Carefree Boat Club to see if there are any locations in the areas that interest you.

Hi Alk, towing isn't option for me. Yeap, I spoke to Freedom Boat Club. ~5K initial fee + monthly. I didn't like the fleet. Lots of restrictions, limited availability on weekends, can't fish on many boats and their biggest is Boston Whaler 23. They're fine to use once or twice but boring to become a member.

 

[Bill D.]

So much good advice and comments here I was tempted to just stay out of the discussion. A few years back I sold my BW Conquest to my older brother. He bought it for his adult married sons. They were boaters only in the sense that they knew pointy end in front. I did my best to conv8nce him that even on the Whaler all the system were too much for the casual boater to learn, many pumps, head with overboard discharge, washdown, fresh water shower, dual chart/gps/ depthfinders, radiosDSC, to name a few. Thats a lot of maintenance and learning and not a large boat. I might suggest, if can find, a riding/learnig/working period with a good captain to teach hands on boating. Maybe your local CGAux, Seatow, BoatUS, can help find a captain for you. My brothers kids gave up after a couple of seasons and went back to no boat.

 

[JeneBk]

So much good advice and comments here I was tempted to just stay out of the discussion. A few years back I sold my BW Conquest to my older brother. He bought it for his adult married sons. They were boaters only in the sense that they knew pointy end in front. I did my best to conv8nce him that even on the Whaler all the system were too much for the casual boater to learn, many pumps, head with overboard discharge, washdown, fresh water shower, dual chart/gps/ depthfinders, radiosDSC, to name a few. Thats a lot of maintenance and learning and not a large boat. I might suggest, if can find, a riding/learnig/working period with a good captain to teach hands on boating. Maybe your local CGAux, Seatow, BoatUS, can help find a captain for you. My brothers kids gave up after a couple of seasons and went back to no boat.

I don’t give up easily but that might be me after few seasons. Fully noted on finding someone to teach me. Indeed, looking to enjoy and really learn boating so I can pass the knowledge to my kid. He’s not impressed with my fishing skills. Btw, I really appreciate everyone’s advice. If
anyone comes across a used boat within 25-50k price range, please drop me a message.

 

[Bill D.]

Thinking a bit out of the box here. Since you like to fish then you might be able to find a small charter captain to work with. Maybe offer his normal charter rates, take your family fishing, but take the pressure off the captain to produce fish by allowing you to work/learn boating skills by giving you some hands on experience underhis direction. Also, atthe end of the charter work/help with the cleanup and next trip prep. I know down here there are lots of smaller charters who are slammed during season with back to back trips and having a low pressureone that still pays the bills might be appreciated.

 

[HappyKamper]

Thinking a bit out of the box here. Since you like to fish then you might be able to find a small charter captain to work with. Maybe offer his normal charter rates, take your family fishing, but take the pressure off the captain to produce fish by allowing you to work/learn boating skills by giving you some hands on experience underhis direction. Also, atthe end of the charter work/help with the cleanup and next trip prep. I know down here there are lots of smaller charters who are slammed during season with back to back trips and having a low pressureone that still pays the bills might be appreciated.

I have a buddy of mine that just bought a 29' Pursuit with twin 300's. Never owned or operated a boat before. My wife and I brought the boat down from Connecticut to the south shore of Long Island with him. I took him out for a few lessons. After that I told him to go to the local bait shop and ask for someone to take him fishing on his own boat. The guy that owns the shop said he would glad. Now the guy is going to bring all the fishing equipment, show him and his son how to fish and where. Meanwhile the guy can help him in navigation and operation of the boat. Win/win.

 

[Bob Ware]

Thinking a bit out of the box here. Since you like to fish then you might be able to find a small charter captain to work with. Maybe offer his normal charter rates, take your family fishing, but take the pressure off the captain to produce fish by allowing you to work/learn boating skills by giving you some hands on experience underhis direction. Also, atthe end of the charter work/help with the cleanup and next trip prep. I know down here there are lots of smaller charters who are slammed during season with back to back trips and having a low pressureone that still pays the bills might be appreciated.

I have a friend who is a fishing guide on Galveston Bay and he does this regularly for new boaters or new to the area. Invaluable as you will learn boating safely, fishing, and navigating the bay safely(shallows, sunken pipes, etc).

 

[Bruce Herrington]

Understood. I am in Sheepsheadbay. There are few Marinas around. It sounds like I should start small.

I think you made a wise decision. I wanted my first boat to be a 36' twin engine gasser, but advice from boat owners like the ones here convinced me to get the 26' single inboard instead.

No regrets! What I learned from owning/maintaining the smaller boat equipped me to handle the 36 footer years later.

 

[abalmuth]

I don’t give up easily but that might be me after few seasons. Fully noted on finding someone to teach me. Indeed, looking to enjoy and really learn boating so I can pass the knowledge to my kid. He’s not impressed with my fishing skills. Btw, I really appreciate everyone’s advice. If
anyone comes across a used boat within 25-50k price range, please drop me a message.

Tons of good starter boats on Long Island in that price range- also alot of the 'Covid Captains' still tiring to sell their boats

 

[Good Grief]

Remember - a Starter Boat does not mean Only Boat. Get a feel for boating, figure what you REALLY want to do on the water, and let - what we call "2-foot-itis" do its job!