Getting Started

C

CJ Wolff

New Member
Jan 18, 2019
3
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Hello everyone,

I've been lurking for a few days and getting a feel for questions I may want to ask. I live near the Lake Pontchartrain lakefront and am looking at getting a SeaRay.

My boating goals are to cruise the GICW along to Destin or Miami and possibly island hop from there.

I've been looking at 2002ish 380DA's but I ran across this 400EC earlier which caught my eye. I'd really like to go diesel so I'll keep looking.

How do you feel about getting started with a craft like this?

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/...cruiser-103309667/?refSource=standard listing

Thanks in advance....
 
It's a nice boat that looks to be upgraded and maintained. Although, my own personal opinion is it might be a bit big and a bit old for someone just starting out. With age come the maintenance issues -- the only thing that works on an old boat is the captain. Sometimes it makes sense to start small and work your way up. However, if you're willing to put the time in to learn, you'll probably be ok. Make sure you get a survey and sea trial on any boat you buy. That will tell you if it's worth doing a deal. Good luck.
 
Thank you all for the kind welcome. I've been looking at the DA330-350's as well. I suppose my main requirement is that, aside from comforts for the family, is to be able to enclose myself in a bimini type enclosure in the event of inclement weather.
 
I can tell you that I went from a 1999 Supra Competition ski boat that’s still hanging in the boat house to a 2001 420AC in July 2007. If you can handle her go for it. Diesel engines are a dream to handle and the 420 was a great boat to do The Great Loop on 2015-2016 for 12 months.

Welcome to CSR
 
+1 to what Gimme Time said above....with one caveat.

I always tell new boaters looking to buy a boat to buy their second boat first. By that, I mean they should do their due diligence before just running out and buying a boat. It's a big expense and if you buy the wrong boat you're not going to be happy with it and you'll trade it in a year or two, take a huge financial hit, then go buy the second boat which, if you'd done your homework, you'd have bought first.

Make sense? I guess my best piece of advice is to not be in a rush. Take 6 months to a year. Walk the docks. Talk to boaters about what they like about their boat and what they would do different on their next boat. (Get the picture here? That would be their second boat!)

Spend as much time as you can actually sitting on many different boats in the size range you're looking at.

So slow down, throw out your anchor, take your time and then buy your second boat first.
 
Welcome to the Forum. Asking what is the best boat for this purpose or that purpose on here is like asking what kind of beer should one drink....lots of opinions.

I've been boating for over 50 years and have owned boats from 9' to 52' and I currently have a classic 23' Cobalt that I have almost fully restored. I live in Covington, LA and in the summer keep the boat in the water in Madisonville. If you'd like, I would be happy to help you find a boat and help you learn the about the boat and even teach you how to handle it. I'm retired so I have the time and I love boating....it's my drug of choice. If you are interested, let me know and We can make arrangements to meet.

I'm not looking to make money on this and I have helped several people do this in the past. I moved here 2 1/2 years ago from California and during the last 20 years there I had a 23' Sea Ray, a 25' 4 Winns, a 340 Sundancer and a 52' Cockpit Motoryacht with diesels.

So why would I want to do this? Well, if there is one thing Boaters like to do more than spend money on their boats, it's helping friends spend their money on their boats.

Let me know....
Shawn
 
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Welcome!

My advice is take Shawn up on his advice. Diesels are almost a requirement of a boat 40ft or more around here.

I am in Texas and I’m willing to help in any way possible as well.

Josh
 
Greetings and welcome!

From someone who started out with a 340 as their first boat, I could have probably done a 40'.
The only thing I would change is I would hire a captain to teach handling and docking if I went that big.
 
Looks like a very nice boat and as everyone has stated if you are willing to invest in getting a qualified captain to spend the time teaching you how to operate a boat of this size go for it. You can also join your local Coast Guard Auxiliarie, they offer classes on operating boats on the waterways in your area. The biggest thing as everyone has already stated a good survey would need to be done prior to you handing over your hard earned money. A boat of this age would need a in the water and dry land survey.
 
When you get that boat, spend at least a year making small trips, and day boating. You definitely want to work out the kinks and get a feel for maneuvering in various conditions. Then slowly increase your distance before taking a trip to the keys. This will also give you time to find out what spare parts you need on board, and how to install those parts.
 
Get a diesel powered boat. For the trips down to the Islands the cost of gas will kill you.
 
Thank you all for the great responses and offers of help. For me, the bug bit during my college years in Miami and I've been craving a boat ever since. I started the search up again about two weeks ago and I understand how it could take six months to find the correct fit.

From what I've read there appears to be a big perception in size and handling ability between a 330, 350, and 400. I'd like to find the right balance between size fit (I'm a big guy) and options such as diesel power. If this makes sense, I want to feel like i'm riding "in" the boat and not "on" the boat. I feel like starting with a craft with the layout of a bass boat albeit easy on the wallet and good to practice with would certainly result in a man overboard situation.

I am reading "Chapman's Piloting & Seamanship" in the meantime. and @NorCal Boater I'll definitely take you up on the offer after I'm sure the Admiral is 100% on board with this acquisition.

Once again, thank you all for the kind advise and welcome.

CJ
 
CJ Wolff said:
Thank you all for the great responses and offers of help. For me, the bug bit during my college years in Miami and I've been craving a boat ever since. I started the search up again about two weeks ago and I understand how it could take six months to find the correct fit.

From what I've read there appears to be a big perception in size and handling ability between a 330, 350, and 400. I'd like to find the right balance between size fit (I'm a big guy) and options such as diesel power. If this makes sense, I want to feel like i'm riding "in" the boat and not "on" the boat. I feel like starting with a craft with the layout of a bass boat albeit easy on the wallet and good to practice with would certainly result in a man overboard situation.

I am reading "Chapman's Piloting & Seamanship" in the meantime. and @NorCal Boater I'll definitely take you up on the offer after I'm sure the Admiral is 100% on board with this acquisition.

Once again, thank you all for the kind advise and welcome.

CJ
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You are welcome. If you want we would be happy to,take you and the Admiral out for a ride when the weather gets better in a few months.

The boating bug can bite hard and I got bit about 50 years ago. Unfortunately the first 2 wives were poor choices and never really embraced boating like me. Wife #3 loves it nearly as much as I do. The missus must enjoy it or ownership can be miserable.

When you’re ready, send me a Private Message through this forum and we could set up a meeting and discuss what you think you are looking for. I look forward to meeting you.
Shawn
 
CJ Wolff said:
Thank you all for the great responses and offers of help. For me, the bug bit during my college years in Miami and I've been craving a boat ever since. I started the search up again about two weeks ago and I understand how it could take six months to find the correct fit.

From what I've read there appears to be a big perception in size and handling ability between a 330, 350, and 400. I'd like to find the right balance between size fit (I'm a big guy) and options such as diesel power. If this makes sense, I want to feel like i'm riding "in" the boat and not "on" the boat. I feel like starting with a craft with the layout of a bass boat albeit easy on the wallet and good to practice with would certainly result in a man overboard situation.

I am reading "Chapman's Piloting & Seamanship" in the meantime. and @NorCal Boater I'll definitely take you up on the offer after I'm sure the Admiral is 100% on board with this acquisition.

Once again, thank you all for the kind advise and welcome.

CJ
Click to expand...

My 410 is easier to handle around the docks than my old 300 was. The twin diesels in this boat burn almost the same amount of gallons per hour at cruising speed than the carbureted gassers in that boat did. Diesel is also a few cents a gallon cheaper on the water around here so annual fuel costs are a wash.
But, I always tell anyone who asks what the best boat for them is that it is the one they will use the most. If you’re willing to hire a Captain and can make a lot of time to go out on your own when it’s quiet to practice around docks and in close quarters (weekday very early mornings and evenings are usually best) then go for the bigger boat. You’ll be comfortable with it in no time,
If hiring a Captain for a bunch of lessons, or making time to practice on your own, isn’t feasible then start smaller and hold off on the bigger boat until you are more experienced and confidant.
My brother’s co-worker bought a 30 year old 29’ boat a few years ago. It sat at the dock for a month or so. The guy had never owned a boat in his life and hadn’t really thought the purchase through. My brother asked me to go out with the guy and give him some pointers. I took him out one evening, went through the boat systems with him, and then had him doing some close quarters handling.
After he backed in to his slip a few times I gave him the same advice, he thanked me, and said he would do it, but never did.
The boat never left the dock again that summer, got hauled and blocked for the winter, and has sat in the same spot on the hard for the last few years.
He’s been trying to sell it for a year or so and hasn’t gotten any takers.
Real shame!
 
Gofirstclass said:
+1 to what Gimme Time said above....with one caveat.

I always tell new boaters looking to buy a boat to buy their second boat first. By that, I mean they should do their due diligence before just running out and buying a boat. It's a big expense and if you buy the wrong boat you're not going to be happy with it and you'll trade it in a year or two, take a huge financial hit, then go buy the second boat which, if you'd done your homework, you'd have bought first.
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Great advice. I bought my second boat first, a 320DA. I’m currently in the market again and will be skipping my third boat, going right to my fourth one - a 400DB.
 
Don't be put off by the size. I have a friend who went from motorcycles to a brand new 42 Tiara Open. After a month of training at the Tiara factory, he completed the great loop and never dinged a prop or put a scratch on the boat.
I do wonder about the age of that boat. Make sure you understand the maintenance and repairs you are likely going to need with a boat of that vintage. Have fun.
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