On Aug 29, 9:34 am, wrote:
On Aug 28, 11:58 pm, "Robert M. Gary" wrote:





On Aug 28, 2:47 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:

"Robert M. Gary" wrote in oglegroups.com...

I'm thinking about getting a boat to use with the family. I live near
Folsom lake in California and am likely the only person in town
without a boat. I think I'd like to start small by buying something
under $5K that I could sell next year or so if the family decides that
they are becoming bored with it. Also, since I already own one
airplane and am thinking about buying a second airplane, I don't think
my wife would appreciate a really expensive boat.
I saw an ad for a 1990 Bayliner Capri 18' boat that would seem to fit
the bill. They're asking $3K. I'm looking for something the 4 of us
could lounge on and maybe ski off of (possibly if we learn). Also, my
existing SUV only has a 3500 lb towing capacity so I think that
somewhat limits my choices.
Do you have suggestions for first time owners? I'm sure there is
always the possibility that I could end up wigth someone else's junk.
What questions do you ask sellers? What things do you look for to
ensure that the boat has the best chance of not being junk? Since I'm
not talking about spending a whole lot of money its not a super risk
but if I bought something that turned out to be junk the wife would
just assume that boats suck and lose any interest.

-Robert

How many people in the family? What ages? And, what activities do you
envision using the boat for? Just cruising around can get old really fast.
Fishing? Water skiing? Tubing? The activities will determine how much
paraphernalia you need in the boat, and that will guide you in terms of
size.

I have no idea what we will do with it, I don't know enough to know
that. That's why I"m starting with a very small purchase amount (under
$5K). I have my wife and two pre-teen boys. The tubing sounds
interesting.

-Robert- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

OK then, let's try this. Tell us about your boating options and at
least we can probably point you in the right direction. Where will you
be boating as in Lakes, river, sound, ocean and if so, how big of a
waterway, what are the typical conditions and water temps (very
important you answer this), and what is the weather usually like in
your part of the country in what you consider boating season? (even
more important you answer this). Understand that winds of even 5-15
mph can change your boating conditions and needs dramatically so try
to provide as much info about the above question as you can.

I live in Folsom, CA and am about 5 minute from a launching point into
the lake. The lake contains 10,000 surface acres of water.

How much time will you actually be on the water in a typical trip out?
Will you be towing or renting dockspace/already own some? I mean if
your boating is an hour away but you would actually be on the water
for more than three to four hours at a time, or want the ability to
overnight, you may want something than can support a potty, and a
couple of small bunks. If you are going to be heading to the lakehouse
for tubing and fishing, a small open bow may be better, the boys can
pee over the side. If you will only be on the water a few hours at a
time when the the wife or other friends are on board (longer for
fishing with the guys) you could still probably get away with a nice
open bow.

Open bow (I think that means with the cool seats you can sit out on)
is what what I was thinking.

-Robert