Boat for Newbie

boozer52 · 04-24-2006, 05:39 PM

I have never owned a boat before and would like advice on the best boat to buy for my first boat. I will be using it mostly to fish the kelp beds and flats around Los Angeles and would, on occation be able to drop it in a lak or river, or take out to catalina.

I was thinking that a center consol would be the best for my main usage and was interested in what others thought as far as the size and brands.

I will be buying used and have a budget of up to $15K.

Thanks in advance!

Proheat · 04-24-2006, 07:05 PM

Thats a tough question to answer- You might try Ebay. Just be careful and ask lots of questions. No matter where you look- ask lots of questions like- what condition is the engine in, have they had any problems, how about boat condition, whats included with the boat, motor, trailer. Sometimes you assume there is a trailer to go with it and it isn't listed. There are many types of boats to suit your needs- center console, walkaround, etc.

Good Luck!

Muddybottomblues · 04-24-2006, 08:17 PM

That is a double edge sword there. This purchase is going to make or break your boating experience. Ask the questions like Proheat said. Be sure to find out how many boats the owner has owned previous, and who did the maintenance on the motor. I think a 17 to 19 foot boat would do ya good like a Mako17 or an Aquasport. Take your time and don't jump into anything!
Good luck.
Al/Muddybottomblues

boozer52 · 04-24-2006, 08:40 PM

Thanks for the advice. I have been looking at different boats in boattrader, craigslist and local docks. Ebay also, but there don't seem to be many center consols in my area (SOCAL).

Are there any companies that will go out to look over a boat before you buy?

Also, are there any brands that you would steer clear of.

Thanks again

Stripersniper · 04-24-2006, 10:05 PM

Boozer, stay clear of Bayliner. Don't even consider one. yes there are surveyors out there that will go over the entire boat for you. try yachtworld.com. you can look at all different kinds of boats on there in all different price ranges. Good luck and take your time. I've been looking for one for over a year now and still no luck.

Proheat · 04-24-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozer52

Thanks for the advice. I have been looking at different boats in boattrader, craigslist and local docks. Ebay also, but there don't seem to be many center consols in my area (SOCAL).

Are there any companies that will go out to look over a boat before you buy?

Also, are there any brands that you would steer clear of.

Thanks again

There are surveyors that do just that. I don't know of any on the west coast.

Why don't you pm Franky Pettolina on this board- he is a surveyor here on the east coast, maybe he can point you in the best direction.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting

RUGGERDUDE · 04-24-2006, 10:30 PM

Good luck with your search for a boat. Once you start, there is no turning back, I'm sure that you will be hooked like the rest of us!

If I may make a suggestion....I was quite new to boating myself before I purchased my boat. The best, and I mean the very best thing that I did was to contact my local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to find out about boating safety courses. My suggestion is to take the Boating Skills and Seamanship course. This isn't the one day course on a Saturday afternoon. The class is 13 sessions and teaches you the fundamentals of boating. I knew that I was heading offshore so I wanted a thorough safety class. The teachers were both informative and excited to share their knowledge. Well worth the time!

Good luck!
Will

boozer52 · 04-25-2006, 01:54 AM

Thanks a lot for all the advice. I am so excited. I was a deckhand on a boat as a kid and now that I have enough extra cash to afford a boat.

I'm also going to be checking into the safety course. Would hate to be unprepared the first time an emergency occurs.

TomT · 04-26-2006, 09:17 PM

boozer. I'm very happy for you. i've found looking for a boat both fun & frustrating at the same time. Try to look for a used boat that was "loved" by the owner and NOT neglected. Boats (especially salt water use boats) require lots of time for metal/fiberglass/engine care & maintainance. My hope for you is that you find a boat owned by someone that may be moving on to a larger sized vessel, and is selling the boat for this reason. It's also a good idea to buy a used boat that has some form of maintainance record. Hours used, lower unit gear fluid change frequency, other engine parts replacement notes (plugs,fuel pump,water impeller change, etc.). A owner that takes the time to write down notes on what was done to their vessel is a true sign of a boat that was loved. That's just my 2 cents.

As others have stated, a few hundred dollars spent on a survey, could save you lots of grief down the road.

I've always been partial to Boston Whaler center consoles, and although I haven't looked, I think a older hull, with a 2 stroke outboard, in the 20 foot range, will be within your price range. Maybe with a trailer even.

Best of luck with your search & do let us know how you do. (pictures) -TomT

04-24-2006, 05:39 PM	#1
boozer52 #1 Lurker Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3 Credits: 1,211.1	Boat for Newbie I have never owned a boat before and would like advice on the best boat to buy for my first boat. I will be using it mostly to fish the kelp beds and flats around Los Angeles and would, on occation be able to drop it in a lak or river, or take out to catalina. I was thinking that a center consol would be the best for my main usage and was interested in what others thought as far as the size and brands. I will be buying used and have a budget of up to $15K. Thanks in advance!

04-24-2006, 10:05 PM	#5
Stripersniper I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Warrington, pa Posts: 2,032 Credits: 1,458.1	Boozer, stay clear of Bayliner. Don't even consider one. yes there are surveyors out there that will go over the entire boat for you. try yachtworld.com. you can look at all different kinds of boats on there in all different price ranges. Good luck and take your time. I've been looking for one for over a year now and still no luck. __________________ "Don't just talk about it, do it"

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04-24-2006, 08:17 PM	#3
Muddybottomblues Bite me Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Miami Posts: 242 Credits: 1,226.5	That is a double edge sword there. This purchase is going to make or break your boating experience. Ask the questions like Proheat said. Be sure to find out how many boats the owner has owned previous, and who did the maintenance on the motor. I think a 17 to 19 foot boat would do ya good like a Mako17 or an Aquasport. Take your time and don't jump into anything! Good luck. Al/Muddybottomblues

04-24-2006, 08:40 PM	#4
boozer52 #1 Lurker Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3 Credits: 1,211.1	Thanks for the advice. I have been looking at different boats in boattrader, craigslist and local docks. Ebay also, but there don't seem to be many center consols in my area (SOCAL). Are there any companies that will go out to look over a boat before you buy? Also, are there any brands that you would steer clear of. Thanks again

04-24-2006, 10:30 PM	#7
RUGGERDUDE Crab mustard is good Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jarrettsville, MD Posts: 885 Credits: 1,249.1	Good luck with your search for a boat. Once you start, there is no turning back, I'm sure that you will be hooked like the rest of us! If I may make a suggestion....I was quite new to boating myself before I purchased my boat. The best, and I mean the very best thing that I did was to contact my local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to find out about boating safety courses. My suggestion is to take the Boating Skills and Seamanship course. This isn't the one day course on a Saturday afternoon. The class is 13 sessions and teaches you the fundamentals of boating. I knew that I was heading offshore so I wanted a thorough safety class. The teachers were both informative and excited to share their knowledge. Well worth the time! Good luck! Will

04-25-2006, 01:54 AM	#8
boozer52 #1 Lurker Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3 Credits: 1,211.1	Thanks a lot for all the advice. I am so excited. I was a deckhand on a boat as a kid and now that I have enough extra cash to afford a boat. I'm also going to be checking into the safety course. Would hate to be unprepared the first time an emergency occurs.

04-26-2006, 09:17 PM	#9
TomT Newbie on board Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 12 Credits: 1,220.7	boozer. I'm very happy for you. i've found looking for a boat both fun & frustrating at the same time. Try to look for a used boat that was "loved" by the owner and NOT neglected. Boats (especially salt water use boats) require lots of time for metal/fiberglass/engine care & maintainance. My hope for you is that you find a boat owned by someone that may be moving on to a larger sized vessel, and is selling the boat for this reason. It's also a good idea to buy a used boat that has some form of maintainance record. Hours used, lower unit gear fluid change frequency, other engine parts replacement notes (plugs,fuel pump,water impeller change, etc.). A owner that takes the time to write down notes on what was done to their vessel is a true sign of a boat that was loved. That's just my 2 cents. As others have stated, a few hundred dollars spent on a survey, could save you lots of grief down the road. I've always been partial to Boston Whaler center consoles, and although I haven't looked, I think a older hull, with a 2 stroke outboard, in the 20 foot range, will be within your price range. Maybe with a trailer even. Best of luck with your search & do let us know how you do. (pictures) -TomT