whitespc1 wrote:
I am interested in getting a boat. I would be using this on the Chesapeake
Bay and would most likely keep it in a hi-dry storage marina versus
trailering. I have a family of four (2 kids, 6 and 4 years) and would
primarily use the boat for cruising and skiing/tubing.
I am not sure what brands of boats I "need" to consider nor do I know what
size of boat would be best. I do not want to buy an 18 footer only to find
that I want a 23 footer next year so I am hoping to get some
recommendations. Money is certainly a consideration and I was hoping to
spend about 15/16K for this toy. I am probably going to go with a used boat
since I have to believe a lot of people sell boats and I could stand to save
money.....
Your thoughts and recommendations are appreciated.
Cruising and skiing are very different activities and may require two
boats. Tubing can be done with a cruising boat, but a bunch of people in
the anchorage will be a bit perturbed.
We are a sailboat, but often "hang" with powerboats, usually
overnighting together. From what I've seen, there are 18-20' boats that
a couple can overnight in, but the ones that regularly cruise seem to be
at least 23'. Don't expect to sleep on deck much on the Bay. The bugs
will eat you alive come sunset. So you need real berths for all onboard.
Used boats are definitely your best investment. You can get more and
better quality for the same cost. Considering what a few friends with
new powerboats have gone through, used boats may not be more work --
with a good survey and sea trial, you can be pretty certain you'll have
a boat that works, that doesn't need to go in for "factory service" a
few months (or years) after you get it. Of course you'll have some work
to do, but if you get a boat that really suits what you honestly can say
you're going to do for the next few (say 5 or 7) years, you'll have
plenty of time to get everything together.
--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages:
http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
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http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/