I know nothing about the boats you’re looking at. But like any older boats be prepared for added expenses. I spent $55,000 a couple of years ago on new outboards, and $7,500 on a trolling motor. I also updated all the electronics. But I go 50-100 miles offshore fishing and put around 125 hours a year run time on the motors.

It’s cheaper than the plane I use to own, cost more than my 911’s.

Minimal pictures or details but I dig the color combo and it looks clean.

I find that many people who knock boat ownership have never owned a boat and are just parroting others. I’m on #4, DIY all the maintenance and repairs, and have made money on my prior three that I’ve sold. Best money I’ve ever spent, my kids who are now adults still come with us.

Latest target. It's down in the bay area and one of my boat buddies will be looking at it early next week to see if it's worth me heading down for... This is a neighbor of his and it's not been listed for sale yet. Lower hours than I've been seeing at 460, was never stored outside. $7k an 87

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753387778.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753387778.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753387778.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753387778.jpg

I really admire your restraint in not going and getting that one NOW.

Finding a boat that has been stored indoors is always nice.

I’ve had my 89 Malibu skier aka “Barbie” for ten years as second owner. So much fun on a smooth lake, like my 911 on water. Have to pack the shaft deal but otherwise low maintenance and tons of fun.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753420601.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753420601.jpg

^^^^ Perfect ... there's a blue one named "Ken" out there if ya search too :)!

Stored outta the H2O and inside... those are your starting criteria ... you'll know!

Right? Since it has not put up for sale I am excited, but not a in a big rush..... Spoke with the guy at length last evening and he says it's mine if I want it so I should have it by late next week.... This example is exactly what I was looking for and has less hours and seems to be in much better than others in my price sweet spot, so yes, I am busting Jerry, busting.....

Making my way through the boater safety cert now required here in CA, and many other states as I understand it. Thing is how messed up the system is rental boats do not require a license to take out for the day! Not sure about houseboats, but my buddy rented a 25' pontoon boat last week and took a few of us out with some of their kids and nothing was required. One of the guys had a valid operator license had we needed it, but it was never asked for and they specifically said rentals don't require it... I get the revenue issue for the marina renting the boats, but jeez how does that make a lick of sense...


By the way, the guy had not boating experience and we eventually kicked him out of the captain's chair for all our safety... Look what he did to me!:D







http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753463817.png
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753463422.jpg

Almost forgot.... Another photo dude sent last night.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753464306.jpg

Congrats!
That's a really nice looking boat.
I guess now the only question is, do you have indoor storage room for it?
What will you tow it with?
Oh, I see you have a Duramax 4x, never mind.

Is that LJ his too? Maybe get a two for one deal?

I hope it's as nice as it appears... Can't always believe photos.... Ever looked at a house pics on Zillow then in person? It is by far the nicest I've seen yet if the photos don't lie.

Room? Yes and no. I will have to see its overall length to know if it's deep enough as it is pre folding away hitch. My garage is big, but it would sure gum up the works and prevent much of what I love about my garage. I may look into building or getting one of those aluminum carports.


It is, asked the guy last night. I'm kinda foo with the jeep thing, one is plenty... Suggested he head up this way in it at some point and I could take him out wheeling. He said if he had that kind of time he'd be keeping the boat.

Looks like a nice trailer too, that’s huge. Strongly recommend getting the axles aligned, repack the bearings, bleed the brakes, and if there’s any question about tires, replace them with designated trailer tires that have a highway speed rating. Dirty little secret, most cheap trailer tires are only rated up to 55 MPH.

I have many experiences on other friends boats but never bought my own. I believe the saying is if it floats, flies, or Fs then you rent it. Obviously going on 32 years of marriage I prove that line incorrect. Best 32 years of my life.

I envy the boat owners out there to put up with the hassle for their obvious enjoyment. The experiences I had on boats were nothing special. I hate fishing and wakeboarding. I have been stranded on two occasions, lost a propeller the BIL did not tighten correctly and the other was out of gas. Sitting on a hot lake for 3-4 hours was enough for me. The days where the boat was fully operational I kept asking myself when can I get off this damn thing. HAHA

Playing on the H2O is a hoot ... from tiny john boats, haul-azz bass boats, sailing on river playgrounds, or even a 72' schooner outtta yer harbor into the Pacific a few times.....

Different strokes :D

I hitched a lot of rides along the way too .... good times!

if it hasn't been said already- the best boat in the world is the one your buddy owns.

first couple trips out on a boat and it's like 'holy cow this is the greatest thing ever!'. doesn't take too long to morph into anxiety over parking, motor, steering system, bilge pump, bad gas, old fuel lines, water separator, batteries, trailer tires, trailer hubs, trailer lights, boat lights, electronics, water pump, fuel filters, spark plugs, trim tabs, etc etc etc. Every one of those things has been an issue for me one or even multiple times.

It’s definitely a love/hate thing. My wife has a big family but only one of her sisters plus husband and kids come with us consistently, and they freaking love it. Also a couple of other families that come out with us. Otherwise most people are pretty meh about the entire experience. We’ve also had quite a few people come with us that we won’t be inviting back, you have to be a certain personality to come boating.

If you’re willing to invest time in keeping your boat clean, protected from the sun and weather, and keep up on maintenance then it’s a pretty easy hobby. Unfortunately most people neglect maintenance and park their boat in the yard with a tarp thrown over the top, and then complain about how their boat is covered in mold and won’t run. Each year I spend a solid two days doing maintenance and detailing in the spring, and each morning before we go out I spend 1-2 hours cleaning and getting ready for the day. I also now keep our boat on a lift at a marina, which has greatly improved my boating experience.

Looks very nice for an old ski boat. I’m sure you plan to go through it carefully (plugs, wires, fuel lines, filters, impeller, fluids, linkages, etc), before dropping it in the water. Tuned and running reliably, looks like a vintage 911 for the water. Have always loved the old Mastercraft Stars & Stripes boats for the same reason.

I honestly wouldn’t own a boat if I had to launch, load and store every time. Enthusiasm for such tends to wane over time. YMMV, of course.

Just snapped this pic out of our family room window. Recently had a 7000 lb lift installed and shopping patiently for a boat that will live out there 24/7/365.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1753708723.jpg

Will be watching this thread to live vicariously through your adventures. Keep us posted.

Most of my friends own boats, but by owning my own I can use it whenever I want. I also keep up on the maintenance. I did have an engine problem a couple of years ago and instead of repairing, chose to replace both with new. The engines were 2006 models and been used in saltwater, so their life was limited.

I use my boat primarily for fishing, but my son and grandkids enjoy it also.

I enjoy owning the boat, and I do the majority of the maintenance and upkeep. It’s a hobby, it’s going to cost money and time. Some like it, some don’t.

I often find myself looking at early/mid 70's Ski Nautiques for sale on Marketplace. I need another project like I need a hole in my head, but as a kid I loved the old brand new Nautiques we saw on the river when all we had was a 4 cylinder Glastron tri-hull.

They are too low for rough water. They have no room inside for much of anything and they all need the stringers and floor replaced but I just want one to restore to like new condition.... and they sound awesome idling up to the dock. ;):)