any boat owners out there?
 

looking to buy my first boat....going to be mainly a bay boat maybe take her out in the ocean but not far...what size would you recommend i've seen some beautiful used boats out there for sale.It is definelty a buyers market when the economy gets tough the first thing to go is luxury items...also, i've heard the horrors of boat ownership, as far as maintenance, down time, things like that..it just doesn't make sense to buy new when i see people unloading boats barely a year old for 1/3 less than what they paid for it...thanks

I love boats, always had them growing up and spent my summers at the lake. The ocean is a whole different animal compared to lake boating. Two summers ago we took our Sea Ray 185 Sport to the beach near Charleston SC. It was a beautiful day and the sea was calm--was being the operative word. About 30 minutes after leaving the safety of the Ashley river the wind picked up and we got into some 3-4 footers. Not fun at all and I was scared to death (especially after one went over the nose).

If you are serious about the ocean you need to look for a boat designed to handle rough water--most bow riders are not. As for maintenance I am approaching my fourth season with the Sea Ray and other than oil changes it hasn't required a dime. Get fuel injection as it is much less problematic. Oil changes are easy and changing the outdrive oil is even easier. Another thing is boats hold up much better if they are kept inside out of the sun, mine is still in showroom condition as it has always been garaged kept. I wouldn't trade the time on the lake for anything it is a great way to relax and get away. Hopefully in a few years we can up-size to a cruiser as a/c, full kitchen, head, bed, etc would be very nice. Good luck.

www.rinkerboats.com

Great Boats, check them out.
From your post, I'd say a 22 to 24 ft version.

We'd never own anything but an open bow, but its a personal choice.

I have a 2005 24 foot maxum 2400sc3 that I would let go for the right price, (ppi and survey included) 300hp 350 mag mercruiser bravo III with trailer, depth finder, gps and incom radio.

Just like older porsches the older you go the more issues you may encounter. New boats always have dealer issues. Most 2-5 year old boats have been sorted out and owners get 2ft-itis or the new models are coming and the style is changing.

If you are going even close to the coast for example ocean city md etc a 22- 24 is a minimum, or some sort of fisher style boat with a decent deadrise to cut through the waves.

Taken care of from the start maintenance is no more than an older porsche, change the engine and outdrive oil every year. Impellers ever 2-3 years ($80 DIY) and exhaust risers as needed (when rusty inside$100-$200 DIY). Grease the main bearings and steering shafts beginning of each season and you are set.

I keep mine stored out of the water so no bottom paint is needed and it stays clean with no risk of sinking. I winterize with good AF each year and get quite a few seaons out of the risers before they even show any scale.

Maint and corrosion problems happen with boats in the water all year. It is much harder on them.


More info here at http://www.maxumboats.com/sport_boats.asp?modelid=103734&year=2008


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1203124627.jpg

Although my ocean boating experience is all sailboat, I know quite a few people who own powerboats and I have been out in the gulf on them. You definitely want to get a deep V hull else you will get pounded to death, I don't think a bow-rider is a good idea for going offshore or even bay use. Size depends on what you intend to use it for and how many people. Will you use it just for a family run-about or for fishing? I would say the smallest boats most use start at 25-26' and go way up from there. Many of the boats here use twin outboards as losing an engine offshore can be very unpleasant.

Buying a used boat is definitely the way to go as the depreciation on boats is horrendous and it is definitely a buyers market at the moment. If you don't know anything about boats (or even if you do) and are buying a used one, it will pay you to get a PPI by a licensed marine surveyor. Depending on the type boat it is, banks and insurance companies may require a survey.

As far as maintenance goes, if the boat you buy is trailerable your maintenance costs should be minimal. If it stays in the water maintenance costs go way up.

How many do you plan to fish? 18 is good for two, 21 works for 3, but 24 sucks for 4. I assume you want a center console? Anything larger than 22 ft. begs the question: Do I need twin screws to catch the fish I am after. If not, who is going to row.

Where are the fish?

If you want a bay boat that tackels the waves, go MOWDY. http://www.mowdyboats.com/Mowdy_Boats_Inc/Mowdy_Boats_V-22.html

Used boats are a good value.
Boats that are used in salt water will have more maintenance, and they are built a bit different than lake boats.

We've had two 'Regals' (made in Florida) in the past and are looking for another now, but nothing of ocean going size.

I do like their build quality.

Lots of good boat builders out there. A lot depends on your intended usage.

Good hunting.

Boats are great had them my entire life. Great family toys.
Guessing you are inland, fresh water not too complicated buy a used one.

Buy a boat you can learn on and figure out if it is something you will use alot. If you do use it alot you will upgrade quickly.

At the very least, it will make P-car ownership costs seem reasonable.