I read this and immediately thought about a the many 'Coast Guard Boarding' threads I’ve seen over the years. I’m guessing that if you live on a “vessel,” then the CG and any other authorized Fed or local LEO can search every nook and cranny of your home any time they want under the guise of a...
I’ve never purchased a boat from Russo, but I know two people who have. (One Sea Ray and one Whaler.) They were both very happy with the way they were treated. I know I’ve been pleased with the Parts & Service folks over there.
A 175 with 3.0L engine will be fine. It’s a good match for the boat.
An older 185 with the 4.3L would be OK, too. Depends on what you're looking to do.
I live about a mile upriver from Pope’s Landing. It’s at least a 30 minute trip from there to Beverly Harbor, and you’ll need to pass under both Kernwood and the MBTA bridges to get there. I’ve never heard any complaints about the service and accommodations at Pope’s Landing, but it will take...
You’re on the right track, but you don’t need to limit yourself to a boat that new. My advice would be to find a 3-5 year old boat that fits your needs and your budget. You’re on a lake, so look for a nice local freshwater boat with no condition issues. Let someone else take the depreciation...
Garmin GPSMAP 76
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=161&pID=169
Nice little inexpensive handheld unit. Great for marine applications. You can buy the U.S. Inland Waters upgraded map for area where you do your boating. Good boat mount bracket available as well. You can find them...
It really depends on how you want your boat to look. Unless you’re seeing signs of oxidation, you can certainly skip the polish. A good coat of wax will protect your hull for the much-too-short boating season here in the Northeast. Our boats aren’t exposed to the elements quite as much as...