Noob Questions About Boats

[jyl]

Tell me about boating - and assume I know nothing.

I have always loved boats, gone to boat shows, wooden boat centers, etc - generally favoring powerboats, sorry sailors - but never realistically thought I could/should own one. Seems like an endless money pit worse than any house, and also like something you needed to grow up with to be capable.

Then I started talking to friends who have boats.

One has a 35-ish foot powerboat - a SeaRay, maybe - that he keeps at a local marina on the Columbia River. He said the boat cost him $30K to buy, $5K/year for slip, insurance, maintenance, etc, and fuel varies but actually he mostly uses it as a waterside condo, maybe takes it out several times a year, just to putter on the river. He told me he wouldn't take it in the ocean, feels neither boat nor he are capable.

Another friend lived in Berkeley but worked in Modesto two days/week for a decade, and ended up buying a boat just to live on. Similar deal, rarely took it out, it was basically a floating bedroom, cheaper than renting an apartment or hotel rooms, when he was done with the job he simply sold the boat and broke even-ish.

My neighbor has one of the smaller Grand Banks trawlers, keeps it in a boathouse on the Columbia River, takes 1-3 weeks trips during the summer. He occasionally goes into the Pacific and up to Puget Sound, but other times only goes as far as Astoria.

So, here are my questions.

1. Realistically what does it cost to buy, moor, maintain and operate a 35-45' used power boat that is of a quality that you might hope to not lose a ton of money over ten years? Or is there no such thing?

2. Also realistically, how do you become competent and safe at operating said boat? Assume you're starting from zero.

I've done a fair bit of sea kayaking up and down the West Coast and Baja, but that's the only sort of "boat" I've even operated.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by jyl

So, here are my questions.

1. Realistically what does it cost to buy, moor, maintain and operate a 35-45' used power boat that is of a quality that you might hope to not lose a ton of money over ten years? Or is there no such thing?

Not lose money on???

2. Also realistically, how do you become competent and safe at operating said boat? Assume you're starting from zero.

I've done a fair bit of sea kayaking up and down the West Coast and Baja, but that's the only sort of "boat" I've even operated.

Sea kayaking? Then you're ready. Get a boat and hit the open ocean. THere's not teacher like experience!

Sorry I can't be of any actual help, but those were the responses that came to mind.

I've never owned a boat and only know a little about them. I had a buddy that had a couple (well, him and his parents, including a tiny sailboat) when I was in college. They seemed to require constant work. I remember him swimming down the canal to his parents with the bowline tied around his waist one night.

My parents had a pontoon boat for leisurely river boating, and I think that was a smaller less expensive pain in the money-pit than a larger boat (which my dad had originally wanted, thank goodness they didn't go that route!)

Don't forget, the two best days of boat ownership....

[techman1]

Workmates looking at me for laughing out loud!!

[908/930]

BOAT= Bring Out Another Thousand.

I have an old 27 foot sailboat for about 25 years now, all boats need constant attention, are you willing to do a lot of the work? As they get larger operating cost goes up a lot, usually more things to go wrong, plumbing, refrigeration, engine repairs. Part would depend on your moorage cost for the area, they normally need to get pulled out every two years to repaint below the water line, under $1k ( one boat unit is $1k) for my 27ft if I do the work myself. Any deck or hull repairs get pricy real quick, usually balsa core so they can get wet, so survey required before purchasing.

So break even, not likely on a 35-45, unless you picked up really cheap and demand went way up, price an engine or even a prop, electronics, safety equipment. A friend with a pretty new 44ft sailboat is in for about $20k so far this year, electronics failed and required new auto helm and some engine repairs.

[ckelly78z]

My wife, and I started out in a 16' SeaRay with a 70 HP Evinrude outboard motor that we would tow to the inland lakes, and have fun for a day. This will give you an idea of how boats handle, what to watch for, the rules on the water, and whether you have the stomach, and will to keep it.

Starting out in a 35'+ boat would be daunting enough if you could learn on a freind's boat, but maneuvering a big boat in tight spaces, around other expensive boats, with people watching gets stressful, especially when it's your boat, and reputation.

We now have a 22' cabin cruiser with a single V8 that is still nerve racking around other boats.

Sorry, no good infor on costs, but make sure you want to do it before diving in (pun meant).

[jyl]

Originally Posted by techman1

Workmates looking at me for laughing out loud!!

I am pleased to brighten your day :-)

[Eric Coffey]

As the saying goes: If it floats, flies or F's...lease it.

[gtc]

There are free online safety courses for getting a boater safety card.
If you don't have a buddy you can crew for, it's probably easiest to take a boating class... usually a 1-2 day affair. There are quite a few for sailing, i imagine fewer are needed for power boating.

[HardDrive]

I admittedly laughed out loud.

Boats are not cheap. My dad has a 24ft center console down in the FL keys. Had to get a new outboard because of hurricane damage. The motor cost 2x what he paid for the boat.

So, that said, my father's boat has brought our family incredible joy and memories that we will never forget. Fishing with all of the grand kids under (well....not directly under... the Bahia Honda railroad bridge while flying fish breach with schools of Mackerel chasing them...yeah, the kids won't forget that. If you think your family will get real use out of it, go for it. Just put the correct amount of money aside so it does not become a burden.

[rfuerst911sc]

You are really jumping into the deep end of the pool buying a 35-40 foot boat as your first one . By any chance is there anywhere near you where you can rent for the day ? Going out on the water with someone that is experienced is invaluable .

You are putting lives at risk with not knowing what you are doing . Go to a local marina and watch for a few hours people loading and unloading boats off a trailer ........... so many have no clue what they are doing .

Not trying to scare you but this is serious stuff and not to be taken lightly. Ever see a boat explode/burn just because they forgot to run the bilge blower ? It's not pretty .

Having said all that a day on the water can be the most peaceful time you will have just need to make sure the odds are in your favor . Good luck 👍

[Chocaholic]

There’s no such thing as a cheap boat. Spend the money upfront and buy quality. Take care of it. You’ll still lose your ass but at least you won’t spend every weekend repairing things.

[Sebscst]

Ok I’ve posted this on another thread but here we go. I’ve been on a boat since I was two and have owned at least one boat since I was 15. I have owned over 20 boats in my life time so far. Not bragging just stating I know more about boats than Porsche’s. I’ve mostly owned centerconsoles for tournament fishing but have also had 2 sailboats a houseboat, flats boat and some cuddies. First what will you be using the boat for? There really is no one size fits all boat. Second jumping into a 35’ starter boat will be overwhelming, especially if it’s docked and not on a trailer. The maintenance will triple. For me my 34’ was about the limit of what I could run by myself, so hopefully you have a spouse,kids or friends to help out.Thirdly unlike some of our cars there is usually no way you will make any money on a boat. It is very hard to give you any good advice without knowing your purpose of the boat,budget,location. For more help check out some boating forums like thehulltruth.com . Good luck.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by jyl

1. Realistically what does it cost to buy, moor, maintain and operate a 35-45' used power boat that is of a quality that you might hope to not lose a ton of money over ten years? Or is there no such thing?

2. Also realistically, how do you become competent and safe at operating said boat? Assume you're starting from zero.

That is a big boat, JYL, make sure you spend some time in the real world on a boat that size. Talk to folks who own that size of boat who are not selling.

The real numbers to operate, maintain and simple upkeep on a boat that size will amaze you. The real numbers.

Seat time is the only way to get good at handling a boat, any boat. It took my Dad about a month to get good at bringing his 29’ cabin cruiser to the dock in benign conditions...single screw, lots of sail area.

Think long and hard before you leap.

[Cajundaddy]

After owning boats continuously since 1975 I just sold my last one and am currently boatless. I will surely own another one at some point but in transition now and not sure how this will play out. All of my boating experience has been between 14'-40' both power and sail. To your questions:

1. Realistically what does it cost to buy, moor, maintain and operate a 35-45' used power boat that is of a quality that you might hope to not lose a ton of money over ten years? Or is there no such thing?

Boats are expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, and expensive to keep in the water. If you buy quality and maintain it to a high standard it will hold it's value better than most. Expect to spend at least $10k per year on a 40' trawler beyond fuel and mooring fees. A quality Hatteras 40 might be $100k-200k depending on year and condition.

2. Also realistically, how do you become competent and safe at operating said boat? Assume you're starting from zero.

Take classes in cruising and boat handling, make friends in the area and offer to crew with them often. If you can cook and clean you are golden. I currently crew on a Schock 35 sailboat and my weather, nav, and helm skills from 20 years of racing have value.

Personally, if you want to get into power boating buy a trailerable 20' outboard and take day or weekend adventures in rivers, lakes, and even sheltered ocean waters. Learn the ropes. Charter a crewed 40' motor yacht in the San Juans and enjoy a week on the water with someone else responsible for docking, anchoring, fuel, weather, tides, nav etc. This is a much better way to get up to speed and see if you like it than jumping into the deep end with a weight belt on.

[LWJ]

Endless money pit.

And now my wife tells me she hates the boat.

[TimT]

If someone told me they were giving me a boat for free.....

And it turned out to be a Sea-Ray.... I'd run, not walk away....

For years (around here at least) they were/are considered "Boat Show" boats, sold to people with no clue, who decided to buy them at a Boat Show, knowing nothing about boats... And they look great new, but build quality is bad..

Granted I'm jaded I grew up sport fishing on some premier boats.... Rybovich, Chrisovich (ha), Hatteras....

So I have a lot of bias.. I'd never willingly pay for one..

[aigel]

Do you get sea sick? If you plan on any open ocean adventures, better find out before you buy the boat.

I am mainly commenting to get subscribed here. I am interested in this for retirement. I only owned a small johnboat for fishing before. I can't imagine owning something 30+ feet unless I was either wealthy (pay to have it ready to go at any time) or retired.

G

[Shifter]

Funny timing. Just repaired a friend's smaller boat, 20' or so. Mercruiser inboard. They have it on a trailer in their driveway and couldn't get it to start. They called a boat mechanic to come fix it, he quoted 400 for a starter and starter relay. He then offered to sell them his boat of the same vintage, but better condition. They declined.

They asked me to look at it, so I did. Not a mechanic, really not a boat mechanic. The boat in the driveway on a trailer is the only way you will get me on a boat.

Confirmed the no crank, battery is new. Smacked the starter with a rubber mallet, the motor now cranks.
Pull the distributor cap, and the points are fouled and they are the wrong points for the engine. Cross reference the mercruiser points part number to the automotive part number, price difference is about 5x more for the mercruiser part number. We are talking about a chevy four cylinder, after all.
Swapped and adjusted the points, and it now runs fine.

Moral? Dunno, just thought it was interesting a boat thread came up after my first boat repair experience.

And don't forget to put in your boat hull plug in before you put the boat into the water.

[mattdavis11]

I (we) started out with a 14ft Ouchita flat bottom boat with a 18hp Mercury. I was 14 and had money, but once we were done fixing/ tricking it out, the entry $ number doubled, and we got the motor for free!

I have a ZERO dollar (free) 1976 16ft Skeeter/70hp Merc in the backyard that runs and floats (or so I'm told), and I know once I get it wet, there will be a sucking sound coming from my pockets!

Start with a small boat to minimize damage. If you have never driven a boat, take an instruction class. Read up on maritime laws/rules, the coast guard and your state Parks and Wildlife should have all the reading material to get you going.

Be safe.

[mattdavis11]

Originally Posted by TimT

If someone told me they were giving me a boat for free.....

And it turned out to be a Sea-Ray.... I'd run, not walk away....

For years (around here at least) they were/are considered "Boat Show" boats, sold to people with no clue, who decided to buy them at a Boat Show, knowing nothing about boats...

I thought that was Bayliner. My brother had a 21ft SeaRay, no issues. He could tell you hold on, and turn that boat on a dime. Then again, his boating skills and mechanical aptitude are pretty damn high.