Still searching for boat advice
My thanks to all the folks who took the time this week to write or call me with advice to help me in my search for a fishing boat.
Problem is, all that good advice has made me more confused than ever.
Some have advised me to buy new. Some have said buy used. Some have told me to buy big. Some counseled that I should buy small, then trade up in a couple of years. And a couple people suggested strongly that I give up while I'm still boatless.
Sorry, but I've convinced myself that I need a boat.
So the search continues. If anyone out there has any other advice, please share. My list of questions to ask boat sellers is a lot more thorough now than it was a week ago.
posted by Patrick Rice @ 1:27 PM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
those wanting you to buy used have a used boat to sell you... those wanting you to buy new have a new boat to sell you... those wanting you to buy big want to make sure there is space for them on your new boat... stick with renting a canoe or kayak... you can always rent a boat if you need it and in the end you will have a lot of cash left over...
A good friend of mine found a used boat that fit his needs, then put a brand new motor on it. He is the happiest boat owner I know.
Unfortunately, I didn't see your initial request for advice, so I'm not sure where your starting point was or is.
As someone who has owned more than 100 boats in my adult life, I can tell you that I've only bought four of them new. However, that was in regard to boats that have only been used on fresh water...not salt water. Now that I'm in Florida, and dealing with salt water requirements I can tell you that it's a completely different thing as salt water is very hard on both boats and motors...and almost everything else.
If you and I were sitting with a beer to discuss this, I'd start by asking you a few questions. First, what is it you're looking to do with a boat? Are you interested in fishing, and if so, in deep or bay water...or both? Do you want a boat for cruising, skiing, hanging around on Crab Island, or something to have as something of a second home?
If you're looking for a boat to satisfy a number of different purposes, and you've not owned a boat before, have you ever considered joining a boat club? There are a few of them in the area, and you can buy in for much less than the cost of purchasing any of the boats in their inventories. And, at least one of these clubs allows you to sell and transfer your membership within a limited number of years after you join, so if you don't like it, you can get much of your money back. The club I belong to has a number of boats that fit into what you might call two different categories; fishing, or cruising/skiing. In my club you simply pay the initial fee, and then a small monthly fee for the length of your membership. Your initial fee varies, as does your monthly fee, depending on the length of your membership choice.
Upside of the club: Far less cost to get access to good, solid fishing and pleasure boats. I have a choice of sizes and types of boats, and I'd say that the boat I want is usually available to reserve (via internet) if I can plan a few days ahead. Last minute reservations are tough if you have a specific boat in mind. I pay no storage, no insurance, no upkeep, no maintenance, and no cleaning the boat(s)...I just pay for my monthly fee and the gas I burn.
Downsides: I have to carry my stuff from my car or truck to the boat, and back when I'm done. Oh, they have dock help...but they're not always there, and I like to start fishing before they're up and working. The club manager has told us that we'd have a larger inventory of boats by now than we do, and some members are getting a bit upset. Maintenance is fair, but not great. The cruising boats are very nice, but the fishing boats are pretty 'basic' boats, and don't have a lot of frills...no cobia towers, and no downriggers or outriggers.
I'd say that for my money, I'm about 80 percent satisfied with the choice I made. I hope it will improve this coming spring, but it's not a bad deal.
It's not a "great deal," but I'd say it’s a good deal. And, you can try different boats by using them over days to see what you really like and will use. Once you've put a few hundred hours on the boats, you'll know a lot more about what you like, need, and want. And, you can re-sell your membership to someone else and recover most of your investment.
If you want to know more about it, blog me and I'll get in touch with you to tell you more. I have no "dog in the fight" in this. It's not my club, I'm not the owner, or a manager, or even an employee..just a member.
Maybe if we get another member the manager will finally buy that twin engine center console fishing boat he's been promising members he'd buy...since last spring.
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