Pending total noob with a few questions.

[yobub]

I don't want to take this thread in another direction, but one other quick thought about new vs recent vs really used. I bought my '95 24' Four Winns used in 2000, so 5 years old at the time. It cost me $13k and I could probably sell it tomorrow for $8k.

Aside from winterization costs and "normal" wear items like batteries and periodically canvas, if I average my actual repair costs over the 20 years that I've had it, I doubt it would come to $250 a year. Even now I'm just not seeing much in mechanical repairs despite the fact that the boat is almost 25 years old. It has an engine that everyone here would wave you off of (OMC 5.8L I/O) because you "can't get parts" even though it is just a Ford V8, but mechanically I just haven't spent much in repairs.

I'm sure that as someone who is new to boating, the idea of a warranty on the engine is a real piece of mind. But if that warranty costs you $15k over an older boat with the exact same layout, maybe it's something to think about.

Just don't read too many of @Stee6043's posts, because he will drain your wallet with all of the cool upgrades he'll convince you to do....

 

[WV 320 Dancer]

I am going to be the voice of caution here. Durning our Sternwheel Regatta many years ago I saw a 19’ open bow swamped by a passing coal barge they had 9 adults in the boat, 4 up front and 5 in the rear so everyone had a seat but the boat was riding very low in the water. Of course Alcohol was involved so the operator did not turn the bow into the large wake. Everyone was pulled safely from the river.

 

[Stee6043]

Just don't read too many of @Stee6043's posts, because he will drain your wallet with all of the cool upgrades he'll convince you to do....

HA!...I have to redirect the RollerCoaster. That guy....man that guy is expensive to hang around with.

 

[Bentwings]

Here is just my experience and thoughts. I’ve been through three families...hers, mine and ours. None of the kids lasted more than a year of boating. First wife fell off the boat because she didn’t listen and never set foot in it again. Second wife was raised on a lake and couldn’t swin 50 feet. Terrified of water.

The other point is having an onboard head. I think this more than anything caused the boating headaches in the family.
Fortunately that’s all in the past and all I have to is train my dog how to board. Dog training is far easier than family training.LOL

Look at bigger boats.

 

[GATORB8]

One important thing to take into account is where you are located and how/where you will be using your boat. If you are towing, you need to consider the tow rig needed, (review both weight and size). Also considering the body of water you will be on will significantly impact the best choice. Check out the boats that are slipped where you will be boating and see what is common on the water, it should point you in the right direction. On a lake like ours, slips are restricted and it would be tough to fit more than 25' in a deeded slip in our community.

Definitely look out for "slightly used" we found ours around this time two years ago (2017) as a 2017 MY with 10 hours on it for a significant savings, and you will have some room on negotiation on used boats as well, often times just storing and making payments on the boat is enough to incentive the seller to accept an offer.

The SPX in this range is easy to tow, and a good size for storage cost. While it would be fine for your family only, it will get tight with any more passengers, regardless of what the rating sticker says.

The lightness that helps in towing is not an advantage in rough water. Big lakes with big/fast boats can be to rough for boats like the SPX on busy days.

 

[dtfeld]

Consider what you want to do with the boat. Do you want to go anchor in a cove, or pull water toys and skiers...possibly both.

Two things are an absolute...you need a head/toilet and buy the boat with the most powerful engine available. If you don’t have the power to get it up on plane when loaded with people and gear, you will hate the boat. Do not buy an underpowered boat.

The Sundecks are great family platform and are pretty versatile for day boating. The 24-28 foot Sundancer add some limited overnight capability.

I’m a fan of used boats, especially if just getting started, and Sea Ray specifically. Good boats and they can be resold if well cared for.

 

[techmitch]

The OP
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Mike Huizinga
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[GATORB8]

The OP
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Whoops, excuse the resurrection. Could have sworn I was on the "New Posts" list, not sure how I pulled it up.

 

[Bentwings]

We are on the Mississippi River just south of St.Paul
The marina here is loaded with older but well kept boats there a couple 37-38 footers and I think two over that. Mostly house boats in that size.

My boat is 34 feet water line and 39 OAL. It’s one of the larger on the pier. Certainly not a trailer boat.

So like noted above you have to determine what you need, what you want, and what’s available. Big boats are expensive to ship due to width and height restrictions. You generally can get from and to anywhere except lakes. You are much more restricted on lakes as most just can’t accomodate the big boats. Also as noted go with power. I have 2 454 Crusader motors with 1000 hours. The both purr at 650 idle and will haul me up on plane easily. Gas be darned. LOL
Be aware that things get moisturized at the marina. Where we are the moisture is daily and wets everything inside and out. You need good aircirulation or you will have mold everywhere.
You will need a head of potty. Make it nice or the lady will stay home. It needs servicing ,I say often, or it just an outhouse on board. Pump out are pretty easy. Some free some charge. Cost is not an object.

Be aware of boating regulations in your area. Lake, river, ocean all have rules to follow.

So a lot depends on what you want. You can get a lot of boat in a 10-15 year old one but do be aware that things do wear out just as cars do. Salt water boats get a lot of corrosion but often it’s taken care of. Still costs money.

There is a small pocket cruiser right across from me that is about 20 feet with full canvas and what looks like head and berth. Nice day cruiser.

Next to him is a step up to a 26-28 footer same thing just more room.

So just walk alone the marina and see what is popular. Arrange to look at some boats for sale.

 

[copb8tx]

I've owned 2 16 footers and and an 18' footer but spend a lot of time on friends 21-27 foot open bow boats even now.

One of 2 things are going to happen, you'll either not be boating people and get out after a while, or you'll almost immediately outgrow the 19 foot boat. A 21' boat is a nice size boat with a little elbow room and is easy to handle in and out of the water. You'll forget the difference in price almost immediately if you enjoy boating, and if you decide to get out you'll get most of that back in resale.

I certainly wouldn't be looking at 25'+ boats as a starter but I would very seriously consider the used market. You could get a 1-3 year boat that's practically new and give it a try at a more reasonable entry point and then either get out or move up with very little loss.

But all that aside, if you do get boating in your blood you're about to change your direction for the rest of life. I can't imagine every being boatless. ENJOY!

 

[copb8tx]

Well, that was a waste of internet ink....

 

[sbw1]

So far, no one has mentioned renting a boat to see how "dipping a toe in the water" plays out. While the selection is limited, most of the rentals tend to be smaller vessels. Way cheaper than making a purchase if you just want to try it out a few times to learn about things.