Samuel Pedroso wrote:
I would like some advice on buying my 1st boat. I'm kind of stuck, don't
know where to start.



My first boat will probably be my last boat, too. We use it more than
any other boat we have.

I still have the 1950-something 14.5' Alumacraft that I started out with
in 1968. It had a 5 hp Scott on it that chewed up its gears in 1972.
The 1972 Johnson 6 hp that we bought new that year still powers it
today. I changed the points & condensers once, in the mid eighties,
only because it had never been done. It starts on the first pull
without priming. I use my Alcort Force Five trailer to move it for the
once or twice a year we go to another lake.

My son, almost 5 last summer, can operate the vessel proficiently,
including shifting & maneuvering.

It has seen 4 other boats come, & 2 go, and still has preferential
placement at our dock.

Our small children kneeboard behind it. We use it as a dive boat. It's
used for fishing almost every day, and it goes out most nights fishing
in the summer. It hauls construction materials to our house. It's used
for loon watching and exploring. It's used as a water taxi and general
transportation, and as a tender for ski gear, camping gear, firewood,
picnicing, mail delivery and more.

SOOOO, I guess it comes down to what you want to do with your "first
boat".

I found it was best to start with a high-quality safe & durable aluminum
boat with an economical and reliable outboard, and OARS. This, in my
opinion, is the best way to learn. I took the boating safety courses at
9 years old, but by then I already knew most of the rules and practices.
I took the Power Squadron course at 40, as my kids are starting in
with the boats.

Have a great time! (best advice)

Rob