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ON Topic -- Power boat novice seeks advice
Leaving the boat on a trailer and in your driveway for example is a very
smart idea also. You do not have to unload all your expensive fishing and boating equipment and you do not have to worry about people stealing the stuff as much should it be left at the marina Not if you live in Maryland the crime rate capital of America... Wrong, again, fool: As you can see, the idiots on rec.boats are still around, ready to wreck a topic thread as soon as it appears. Back to your question, though. Far be it from me to sit here and write a 200-page treatise on boats. Just some random thoughts, based on 40+ years of boating: 1. Think twice about "older" boats, even if you think they're romantic. They can have all kinds of problems deep down inside o' there.. rotten transoms, cracked stringers, etc. Modern boat construction involves some really impressive technology; take advantage of it. 2. You get pretty much what you pay for. Stay away from Bayliners, VIPs and other "trash" brands. You'll save now, but pay later, not to mention being embarrassed when you pull into the marina surrounded by all the nice rigs, and the boys at the gas pumps don't even walk out to wait on you. Remember, boats are NOT cars. They're consumer products, like toasters and waffle irons, and the quality varies accordingly. 3. In your size range, be sure you have a vehicle you can tow it with, as well as haul it up and down a wet, slippery ramp. You're pretty much at the towing maximum in that size. 4. Also in that size range, consider a twin outboard - get the new 4-strokes - instead of one huge outboard. It's hard to beat the security a twin presents, especially on "big water" like that. Picture being out of sight of shore, with a dead motor, with black clouds approaching... 5. There are quite a few good-quality boats out there, so don't just look at the boat, look at *features*. Size/location of things like storage, fish boxes, instruments (are they protected?), etc. Washdown pump, bilge pump (check the size), rod holders, windows, etc. Check for standard equipment, too. Some boats come as almost bare hulls, and EVERYTHING is added-on. Others come loaded with everything in the book. Check utilization of interior space. From what you're describing, I'd take a good look at a Wellcraft Coastal. Ron M. |
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