Which boat for someone new to boating?

chuck1 said:
Dumb question, How many actual started out with a 30+ foot boat as their 1st boat?
Would highly recommend some kind of training/classes for your friend.
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I hired a licensed captain for a couple of weekends and we went out to Practice, Practice and more Practice face docking and slip docking

How you may ask? She stood right next to me at he wheel/helm the complete time. I performed the actions and at first she sometimes had to step in and make a few minor corrections, but to me it was worth every dime.

Since the poster who started this thread "xravenx" has a 370, I for sure would show him a few of the differences between yours and smaller boats. I would suggest you also explain about the differnt drive options and engines. One point I would make a point to touch on is brackish/salt water and aluminum and raw water versus closed cooling
 
"She stood right next to me at he wheel/helm the complete time"

She? Yeah, we know what you "hired"......:lol:
 
The perfect boat for them is at Slip 45 Appomattox Small Boat Harbor. Great condition and much cheaper than they want to spend. Will deliver.
 
Our slips were numbered...never knew.

We rode by yesterday to check on the center console. I recall her being white...grey now from all of the gravel dust. The marina looked empty...in fact, I think I saw a few tumble weeds blow by.....
 
mrsrobinson said:
It's difficult to walk through a boat and say for sure it's going to work. I guess it's the same with a house though.
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But we've lived in houses all our lives, and most of us have bought at least two if we've been around long enough for kids to be grown up and out of the house. I too recommend renting a boat for at least a long weekend; even a smallish houseboat would give them some knowledge of sleeping aboard and using a marine head.
 
tmhudson2 said:
But we've lived in houses all our lives, and most of us have bought at least two if we've been around long enough for kids to be grown up and out of the house. I too recommend renting a boat for at least a long weekend; even a smallish houseboat would give them some knowledge of sleeping aboard and using a marine head.
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Good point.
 
dpmulvey said:
The perfect boat for them is at Slip 45 Appomattox Small Boat Harbor. Great condition and much cheaper than they want to spend. Will deliver.
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Prior to getting the "floating condo" we now have, we had this vintage 330. Dealer recommended it over the 340 because it was a "better hull." I never owned or tested a 340 but I'll tell you that 330 was a sweet boat. I miss it. It cut through heavy stuff like a knife. Was very easy to handle. All around great boat.

My best recommendation would be to see/climb all over as many boats as possible before making the choice. The more boats they look at, the more clear the choice will be. It'll feel right when its right.

And yes, I completely agree with not dragging the future Admiral around on all this (unless you are sure she will tolerate it). For our first boat, I waited till I found the right boat that I knew met all the requirements and was squeaky clean. When she climbed on board, looked around and smiled - gotcha! We've been happily boating ever after.
 
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Do you guys even read the question he's asking your advice on a NEW boat NOT USED. Just my two cents if it's their first time buy small and try boating or rent one if they like it. Then move up to something bigger with the economy the way it is they should have no problem moving up to a bigger one later. The cost of ownership on boats new is around 10% of purchase price if everything is done by dealer. P.S my information comes from the BOOK COASTAL CRUISING UNDER POWER FOR GARY WHO WANTS A SOURCE
 
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pinkale said:
Do you guys even read the question he's asking your advice on a NEW boat NOT USED. Just my two cents if it's their first time buy small and try boating or rent one if they like it. Then move up to something bigger with the economy the way it is they should have no problem moving up to a bigger one later. The cost of ownership on boats new is around 10% of purchase price if everything is done by dealer. P.S my information comes from the BOOK COASTAL CRUISING UNDER POWER FOR GARY WHO WANTS A SOURCE
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The advise was given. You are insane to buy new.
 
Get a boat bigger than you can afford (bigger is always better)

Put nothing down

& get it appraised for more than it's worth

& find a lender who will not verify income

Does the FDIC insure boat loans over $100,000 ?

No worry you will get bailed out by someone

:smt101:huh::wow::smt043

Can you get a $300,000 boat for $150,000 ?
 
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pinkale said:
Do you guys even read the question he's asking your advice on a NEW boat NOT USED. Just my two cents if it's their first time buy small and try boating or rent one if they like it. Then move up to something bigger with the economy the way it is they should have no problem moving up to a bigger one later. The cost of ownership on boats new is around 10% of purchase price if everything is done by dealer. P.S my information comes from the BOOK COASTAL CRUISING UNDER POWER FOR GARY WHO WANTS A SOURCE
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Did you read the question? The posted was looking to get some additional “thoughts” on the matter and it also said “His wife wants to buy new”. I personally believe that people do not always consider what the boat is going to cost AFTER they buy it, so that would be rather important to consider don’t ya think?
 
"Do you guys even read the question he's asking your advice on a NEW boat NOT USED"

Yup, and I think it's good advice to suggest used, or rent, until they figure out if this is for them. Why invest all that money in something new if after a while they figure out boating is not for them?
 
hack4alivin said:
I personally believe that people do not always consider what the boat is going to cost AFTER they buy it, so that would be rather important to consider don’t ya think?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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Bill, you hit the nail on the head..........this is the first thing I'm going to go over with them and go from there. Lots of good comments here, my thoughts are a gently used 320 or 340 with V drives, don't know if a new 330 is in the cards, I will keep everyone posted.......... Maybe Gunpowder Cove will give me a Sea Ray jacket if this goes thru.....LOL.

Thanks for all the replies,

John
 
xravenx said:
Bill, you hit the nail on the head..........this is the first thing I'm going to go over with them and go from there. Lots of good comments here, my thoughts are a gently used 320 or 340 with V drives, don't know if a new 330 is in the cards, I will keep everyone posted.......... Maybe Gunpowder Cove will give me a Sea Ray jacket if this goes thru.....LOL.

Thanks for all the replies,

John
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They have a 02 320 on the lot right now. She is listed for 89k and has a generator. It looks clean. I think it is a brokerage boat and I seen the price on this drop over the summer. She looks clean, at least from the outside and may may be worth a look. Good Luck,
 
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