Boat shopping sucks!! UPDATE: i got one!

[PocketThunder]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

[A383Wing]

buying the boat is the first step...then there is maintenance, license, trailer license, mooring & storage if needed...

I worked on pleasure boats for 10 years....they are expensive to keep

sorry to be the first "negative" post.....but you asked

[greenpigs]

We looked for a bit but the wife decided she would rather have 2 jet ski's. but that hasn't happened yet.

[doctor4766]

Yep, all the upkeep and other costs associated with boats has left me thinking I'll just jump onto other people's boats instead. Be nice to have one for sure but I couldn't be farked with all the side issues.

[Shakey]

Yeah, it sure sounds painful deciding on how to spend disposable cash on a boat!   

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Seriously, with all the lakes to choose from in MN and the fact that your are buying it with the kids in mind and entertainment for them, I think they'll really appreciate it.  Stick to your budget knowing that they/you may become bored with it after a few years.

Perhaps Ron will chime in as I believe it was not too long ago that he purchased his first boat.

[Richard Cranium]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

I bought a new Malibu Response LXI 3 years ago. In my mind, you just can't go wrong with a Malibu. You can option it however you want, it's extremely well built, comfortable, and priced better than a comparable Master Craft. I opted for a tour of the plant in TN while mine was on the assembly line and I found that VERY interesting. If you're serious about a new Malibu, perhaps I can offer some guidance. Of course, there's plenty of 2-3 year old boats out there that have low hours, and in this economy, you probably can score a deal.

This one's painted somewhat like mine....

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2009-MALIBU-Response-LXI-96820789

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Owning a 21' ski boat, 16' aluminum boat, jet ski, 16' catamaran sailboat, sunfish, and three kayaks, that doesn't hold true for me. 

[Domino]

I like work boats...for me here in MD it's all about catching crabs/rockfish and killing ducks/geese!


My previous boat:

[skip68]

I say there are boat people and then there land lovers.  We have had several boats and jet skis over the years and only had a few small issues.  A 17 to 22 ft openbow makes for a good family boat.  I allllllways tell anybody thinking about a boat to start with a used cheaper boat for a season.  Make sure its for before you spend big money on a toy that gets parked.

[BigBlackDodge]

There are two great days in a boat owners life.....

The day you buy it and the day you sell it.



BBD

[PocketThunder]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

I bought a new Malibu Response LXI 3 years ago. In my mind, you just can't go wrong with a Malibu. You can option it however you want, it's extremely well built, comfortable, and priced better than a comparable Master Craft. I opted for a tour of the plant in TN while mine was on the assembly line and I found that VERY interesting. If you're serious about a new Malibu, perhaps I can offer some guidance. Of course, there's plenty of 2-3 year old boats out there that have low hours, and in this economy, you probably can score a deal.

This one's painted somewhat like mine....

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2009-MALIBU-Response-LXI-96820789

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Owning a 21' ski boat, 16' aluminum boat, jet ski, 16' catamaran sailboat, sunfish, and three kayaks, that doesn't hold true for me. 

Thanks, and i'd love to have that boat but its just a few dollars out of my price range of $15,000 or less.  thats why i'm shopping in the late 1990's category.  Maybe when i'm in Vegas for the weekend next month i can win some boat money.  Or i can just fold what i have in half and put it back in my pocket..  hahaha

[Shakey]

That's right - we may be able to get together for a cocktail or three in Vegas next month.  I still have yet to book my flight and at this moment, not even sure what the date I am arriving is but I think it is the Saturday that you are there.

Let's touch base closer to that date.  I'm buyin' - 

[Roger 68 charger]

I say there are boat people and then there land lovers.  We have had several boats and jet skis over the years and only had a few small issues.  A 17 to 22 ft openbow makes for a good family boat.  I allllllways tell anybody thinking about a boat to start with a used cheaper boat for a season.  Make sure its for before you spend big money on a toy that gets parked.

I would have to agree--Best to buy a good used boat first. My first boat was a older used boat,which was good because i managed to chew up a couple props.....Man what a blast.   Boating sure takes up alot of your time.

[Brock Samson]

I spent a few days sailing out on the Bay, here in 28' and 30' sailing boats and the amount of prep. and cleanup (even with a crew of 6 or so) afterward is a real drag... especially after being out on the Bay all day after getting up at 5:00 AM... Not my idea of fun. 

[PocketThunder]

That's right - we may be able to get together for a cocktail or three in Vegas next month.  I still have yet to book my flight and at this moment, not even sure what the date I am arriving is but I think it is the Saturday that you are there.

Let's touch base closer to that date.  I'm buyin' - 

clean out your PM inbox. 

Paul

[uud looz]

I bought this 27 foot Sea Ray in 2004, it was great at first, but as others have said, marina fees, winter storage, general upkeep, replacing one motor that went and then rebuilding the other, I think I've had enough. Not to mention the fuel prices on the water suck and with twin 350 engines we are at the gas dock alot.

[firefighter3931]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,75013.msg841525/topicseen.html#msg841525

[twodko]

What Doc said.

[skip68]

Paul, for $10k-12k you can get a very nice 2000-2005 first boat that will only need gas and a nice sunny day on the lake.  Try to steer clear of any boats that have been in salt water.  FRESH WATER BOATS ONLY.  3.0 ltr 4cly 16'-18' are good on gas but lack power with a full boat.  4.3 ltr v6 is a good middle of the road motor for 17'-19'.  A 5.0 ltr v8 is a great all around motor for 19'-21' or 5.7 ltr.   Check for soft spots in the floor, mostly in the back and transom.  If a transom is weak, you can see it flex by lifting up on the outdrive.  It should be rock solid.  Check the hull for bad deep scrapes.  It will have them from normal beaching so don't worry if you see scratches as long as they are not bad.  Make sure the blower works and check for gas leaks. Look at the skag (bottom finn on outdrive) for aany bad damage.  Lake test and put a full throttle load from a stop until max speed is reached.  This will let you know if there is any slipping or vibration.  It should have a power trim so have the owner show you how to trim it out once you are on a plane. If you have a buddy that knows boats, take him with you.  BE SURE TO GET A SPARE PROP AND PROP TOOL.  TRUST ME.  If the trailer has guide poles that's great.  If not, get some.  Last, when you get the boat pick me up so I can check it out for a few days. Hehehe.  Good luck....  Chuck   

[68blue]

Years ago I bought a 60 Century Resorter. 327 Gray marine inboard with a ski ring. It looked great and sounded even better with the dual exaust rumbling inside all the mahogany and chrome. Wood boats require more upkeep but WEST bottoms eliminate most of the soak up leaks and make for a lighter running hull. No trim on the old hull designs so until they get up on plane it's like a plow running through the water. Everybody did like to wake board behind it though.

[PocketThunder]

Years ago I bought a 60 Century Resorter. 327 Gray marine inboard with a ski ring. It looked great and sounded even better with the dual exaust rumbling inside all the mahogany and chrome. Wood boats require more upkeep but WEST bottoms eliminate most of the soak up leaks and make for a lighter running hull. No trim on the old hull designs so until they get up on plane it's like a plow running through the water. Everybody did like to wake board behind it though.

I found this 1969 Correct Craft mopar powered boat near me in Minneapolis.  I could put a trailer hitch on my Charger and be in business!

http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forsale/details.asp?ID=5572&sort=&pagenum=1

[Richard Cranium]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

I bought a new Malibu Response LXI 3 years ago. In my mind, you just can't go wrong with a Malibu. You can option it however you want, it's extremely well built, comfortable, and priced better than a comparable Master Craft. I opted for a tour of the plant in TN while mine was on the assembly line and I found that VERY interesting. If you're serious about a new Malibu, perhaps I can offer some guidance. Of course, there's plenty of 2-3 year old boats out there that have low hours, and in this economy, you probably can score a deal.

This one's painted somewhat like mine....

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2009-MALIBU-Response-LXI-96820789

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Owning a 21' ski boat, 16' aluminum boat, jet ski, 16' catamaran sailboat, sunfish, and three kayaks, that doesn't hold true for me.  

Thanks, and i'd love to have that boat but its just a few dollars out of my price range of $15,000 or less.  thats why i'm shopping in the late 1990's category.  Maybe when i'm in Vegas for the weekend next month i can win some boat money.  Or i can just fold what i have in half and put it back in my pocket..  hahaha

The 10-15K range will get you a lmid-ate 1990's Malibu Flightcraft Barefoot. These boats will do 65 mph, will tow anything, & handles like a slot car on water.  

[Domino]

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/boa/2219609753.html

For reference, this is a friend's ski boat just listed for 15.5k.  I've been out on it several times a year.  It's very very nice, well cared for 100%. Fresh water up this far north in MD.
EFI and straight inboard are nice low maintenance features.

He and his wife are moving, well that is to say they're setting sail for blue water and white beaches.

[gtx6970]

good friend of mine just bought his 1st boat . and I would have bet my life this guy would have ever owned a boat
It's a 1974 Chrysler, in Hemi orange and white with a pearl white interior.

He absolutly loves it.

[nvrbdn]

i just figured how much use it would get and when it all ironed out i went to the bass boat. we use the heck out of it living on a lake, but can also inner tube or ski behind it. but me and the wife would rather fish than ski or swim. we also take it on vacation with us when we go to kentucky lake or branson mo.

[Supercharged Riot]

my dad used to own one.
me & my brother werernt old enough to appreciate it at the time so he sold it.