Anyone own a boat?

[PokerJans]

So I have been super inspired to play a ton of poker lately to hopefully make enough money to this Boston Whaler...




40hp, 13.3 feet, probably seats about 4, 13K so probably more like 15 when all is said and done

So I ask any boat owners or those who have owned a boat...

How often do you really use your boat? This would simply be a Newport Beach harbour cruiser (taking friends out and such) / weekend lake fishing trips type boat and I would hope to get out most weekends.

Is my level of enthusiasm towards to boat really going to last? Probably only a question I can answer but I think a lot of people might get the 'boating' bug and then lose it a year later.

Boats do actually retain their value pretty well right? So if I buy this boat tricked out for 15K I can probably sell it in 10 years for like 7.5K right?

Anything else anyone would like to comment about would be much appreciated...cant wait for the "LOL you are buying a dingy you loser" comments!

[Nick B.]

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/sh...age=0&vc=1

[PokerJans]

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http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/sh...age=0&vc=1

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kinda LOL I would be so BS - I am hopefully going to keep this in my mom's garage though ha!

[DarkForceRising]

Nobody owns a boat.

[Fabian]

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Nobody owns a boat.

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I was going to make this exact post, letter for letter. Good job.

[Doug Funnie II]

I would not buy a Whaler. You're concerned with whether or not your enthusiasm will last, so why buy literally the most expensive boat in that class? Also that whaler would not be fishable for more than 2 people.

I have a 14 ft carolina skiff with a 15 horse evinrude 4 stroke. I used to use it for fishing, but since college started I haven't used it at all. For me it was always a way to go fishing and not really good for cruising around or anything else.

Generally small boats that are designed for fishing are center consoles. CCs allow for more fishability because there's more standing room/free space.

A couple other models which definitely will allow for better fishing while being waaaay cheaper are:

Maritime Skiff model 1480 and Triumph model 150 cc.

If you're looking for something you can get quickly and cheaply, PM me because I need cash and would be willing to sell mine. I'm in the Boston area.

Edit: Saw "Newport" and thought Rhode Island.

[suzzer99]

I owned half a 23' sailboat for about 4 years. Between cost, slip fees, and improvements I probably paid about $10k. I went out on it 10-12 times maybe. Sold my half for $1k a few months ago. I can rent a hell of a boat for ~$1k/trip.

Problem is I never really learned to sail well enough to take it out w/o my partner, a licensed sea captain. Once he finally moved and sold his half I got out of mine as quick as I could.

Anyway to answer your question, yes your enthusiasm will almost certainly wane. Although you won't have the sailing issue, I imagine you will have wintering issues, maintenance issues, etc. But if you are already an avid fisherman and go to that lake anyway, what the hell? Life is short.

[heater]

I grew up on Lake Michigan with family boats, friend's boats, etc. Lost of boats around. It's going to cost more than you think. A decent boat is truly a luxury. Do a lot of research before you jump in.

[jbrent33]

<--------- Sold it about a year ago. As soon as I get back to the coast I'll buy another.

I would look around before you buy a Whaler. They are very nice boats but for the same money you could get something much bigger and more functional if you buy used. A 13' boat is not really good for a whole lot.

I'm not familiar with Newport Harbor, but 4 people on that boat will not be a lot of fun for anyone, on any body of water. Look for a center console in the 20'-23' range at minimum.

[PokerJans]

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Look for a center console in the 20'-23' range at minimum.

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This is what I want but it is sooo expensive and for whatever reason the used boat market out here in southern california blows. Then again I probably don't know where to look. boattraderonline.com and craigslist are the only sites I have really been looking on...everything that is used seems to be a piece of junk from 1978 for like 10K

I really just want something to cruise around in with a couple friends and go fishing with probably only one other person from time to time. No open ocean with the 13 footer obviously but I dont think I can afford something like a used whaler. I am going to go look at two used seemingly nice wellcrafts this weekend that are like 19 and 20 feet center consoles.

BTW are Wellcrafts good boats? I am really looking for reliability here. I have been told to stay away from Bayliner. Grady whites seem to be in the same arena as Whalers. Carolina skiff is good too right? Any more thoughts appreciated. Thanks