[digga]

Ok fellas...Basically this is the deal..

My dads had his 23' 1987 Citation for a while, but due to owning his own business(more on this in a second.), we've been out on it...****, I can count on 2 hands how many times we've been out on it. He's now recently retired and is vacationing over in his native Sicily for months at a time..

Now, I've been getting more serious with fishing in the past year..I've always been an outdoorsy kinda kid..Fishing, hunting, you name it..But truth of the matter is this boats a peice of garbage thanks to us.

With owning his own business, my father had little to no time to maintain the upkeep that comes with owning a boat...1st engine never got winterized, we never had it shrinkwrapped, etc..The wood on the inside is kinda warping, leather is deteriorating, carpet is peeling off the sides, etc...It'll take alot to make that boat be back in its heyday. I know it wont get much if I sell it, but whatever it is, I'll take it.

I got the OK from pops last night that if I can sell it, then so be it. Then the topic of getting a smaller, less pleasure/more sport boat came up and he said that I can take the money from the sold boat and put it towards a new boat, but hes not putting in a dime. Fine I said, with my baptism, communion and working over the summers $$, I should have a pretty penny.

I know that owning a boat isn't a cakewalk, but I think I could do it. I'm not looking into a boat that goes into the Canyons, cause as stated with my age, thousands for gas is not an option..I'm just looking for a 15'-19', CC, Outboard, no upholstery....I've been looking at either a Carolina Skiff DLV 178/198, DLX 1655/1780/1970, 1800CC or pretty much any Whaler that fits into that size category, new or used. But I'm open to any boat consideration, I wont discriminate.

Now I'll be going up to college next month, only 1 1/2 hours away, so I can be home often if needed.

So basically what I need from you boat owners is would you recommend me to just sit tight for a few years and then go for it, or just get it now? Like I said, alot of this money is in the form of bonds from when I was younger, so it's not like its salary money, or money that is being spent when it shouldn't. I have a feeling 99% of my replies are gonna say to just sit tight because I'm sure the replies are coming from parents who know a helluva lot more than I do...But its like, seeing that boat on its trailer in my driveway, and being someone who loves to be out in the water soaking a line, it's like a smack across the face. Even if its to just go out in the bay and screw with those robins for a few hours, then so be it. I just wanna fish.

Thanks in advance,

Dominick.

This post edited by digga 06:44 PM 07/20/2008

 

[kirk12]

Life is really short.. if you have the money go for it. I have owned a boat for three yrs and I love every minute on it.

 

[GoodChance]

I'd never suggest that you shouldn't buy a boat. In fact I could give you many, many reason TO buy a boat. But I'd suggest that you buy a USED boat. The used boat market is extremely good right now and you can get a great deal on whatever you want.

 

[digga]

Thats what I told my father...You never know when its your last day...You gotta have fun, you gotta laugh..Plus, you can't spend that money if your dead.

Every time I've been on our boat, I loved it. My best times with my pops was either being decked out in camoflauge or getting all excited that I go a fish on, and it turned out to be a bird..

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[digga]

GoodChance wrote:
I'd never suggest that you shouldn't buy a boat. In fact I could give you many, many reason TO buy a boat. But I'd suggest that you buy a USED boat. The used boat market is extremely good right now and you can get a great deal on whatever you want.

I've done my looking on craigslist..They've got some deals..

 

[sparky1871]

digga wrote:


Now, I've been getting more serious with fishing in the past year..I've always been an outdoorsy kinda kid..Fishing, hunting, you name it..But truth of the matter is this boats a peice of garbage thanks to us.

With owning his own business, my father had little to no time to maintain the upkeep that comes with owning a boat...1st engine never got winterized, we never had it shrinkwrapped, etc..The wood on the inside is kinda warping, leather is deteriorating, carpet is peeling off the sides, etc...It'll take alot to make that boat be back in its heyday. I know it wont get much if I sell it, but whatever it is, I'll take it.

Dominick.
I think you answered your own question"Piece of garbage thanks to us"
Now this isn't a dig at you or your family.But I don't own a boat but have friends that do and with gas an just basic maintance I know its alot of money.After all BOAT Really stands for
B-Break
O-Out
A-Another
T-Thousand
Just to have something fixed will cost ya.
I know being 18 you belive you can do it.But take that money you have an keep saving for a house.I'm sure you don't want to hear this but just my opion.
Good luck
John

 

[digga]

Oh believe me, I know that money can be used to be put towards a new house..I completely agree..

When I said that it turned to P.O.S cause of us, I mainly mean pop dukes...Up until a few years ago, I had no idea what an Inboard, Outboard and I/O...No idea on how to take care of a boat...Aside from engine work, I could definitely make sure the upkeep is being done.

 

[gino0902]

To Boat or Not to Boat

Salute to your father for being able to go for an extended period of time to Sicily. I just came back from Italy to visit my family and vacation and I hemorrhaged cash with the exchange rate. What busines is your father in?

Besides that, I think I have the perfect solution: A 17' Boston Whaler "Outrage" with 150hp Yamaha Salt Water Series V-6 2 Stroke engine that is a tiger but relatively good on gas. It has a lot of extras and the trailer is in good condition-a little beaten up but the main thing is that the bearings have been replaced just last fall and runs very well. The boat and engine are amazing. Although their both from 1996, they are looking and running like new. It's a perfect inshore platform for fishing and cruising. I have it listed on "Craig's List" at: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/762684221.html.

The only reason I'm selling it is because I had my fun with it and prefer not having a boat any longer but I never regretted it because I've had a lot of fun with it and still do. So, take a look at it and read the listing and if you're interested just reach me at [email protected].

Ciao,

 

[gino0902]

To Boat or Not to Boat

I think you may hit a wall with the web pageI gave you so try this one: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/762684221.html

 

[digga]

gino0902 wrote:
Salute to your father for being able to go for an extended period of time to Sicily. I just came back from Italy to visit my family and vacation and I hemorrhaged cash with the exchange rate. What busines is your father in?

Besides that, I think I have the perfect solution: A 17' Boston Whaler "Outrage" with 150hp Yamaha Salt Water Series V-6 2 Stroke engine that is a tiger but relatively good on gas. It has a lot of extras and the trailer is in good condition-a little beaten up but the main thing is that the bearings have been replaced just last fall and runs very well. The boat and engine are amazing. Although their both from 1996, they are looking and running like new. It's a perfect inshore platform for fishing and cruising. I have it listed on "Craig's List" at: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/762684221.html.

The only reason I'm selling it is because I had my fun with it and prefer not having a boat any longer but I never regretted it because I've had a lot of fun with it and still do. So, take a look at it and read the listing and if you're interested just reach me at [email protected].

Ciao,

Gino0902, thats basically my dream boat. 100% What I was talking about when I started this boat..It's a beauty..

My father owned a pizzeria/restuarant...Same spot for 33 years. Amazing for the town we were in. Had to sell it cause the old man was just plain tired..Many times he's worked 12+hours a day for weeks at a time...With me going off to college to become a teacher, and my younger brother only 15, he couldn't do it for a few more years..

 

[Bigkeepers]

If I were you I wouldn't spend Communion, Baptism, etc money on a boat. I'd open a Roth IRA with it now and in 50 years you'll have a pretty penny to retire on.

What I would do is clean up your old boat as best as possible and see what you can sell it for. If it runs well and reliably, if the lights work, switches and gauges are okay you should be able to get a few grand for it. Faded vinyl is okay, torn up is not. If the carpet is beginning to peel, oh well as long as its still there. Don't spend money on fixing things that can sneak by. If a vinyl seat is destroyed, fix it. You're going to college in a few weeks so forget buying anything this summer. You can probably forget about selling your old boat too since its not going to get you as much money as if you sell in the spring.

I'd take the next few weeks before college to clean up your old boat and try to get it ready to be winterized. Get some kind of cover for it, even if its a tarp from home depot. Rig some kind of 2x4 beam so the cover won't cave in and empty rain water back in the boat. Make sure the engine gets winterized. Maybe schedule a weekend here and there to come home and see to it that the boat isn't neglected. It doesn't get real cold until like never around here these days so Thanksgiving Break is a fine time to winterize the engine and really wrap it up good for winter.

Next spring when you have sold the old boat see what you can get with what you have. Keep in mind that not only do you have to pay for gas and upkeep, you have to trailer it someplace I'm guessing. What do you have to tow with? I agree with getting like a 17' CC or something with no carpet that is self bailing. There are plenty of fishing boats out there. Don't worry about having to buy a boat. If you don't get enough from the sale of your old one, take the money & put it in a savings account so at least it makes some positive interest and try to work to save enough for what you want.

You're a college kid but if you are realistic you can make this work. You may have to earn some more $$$ to get a boat that won't need a lot of work but if you can't get in the water in '09 you should be able to find a nice used one in 2010. I'd expect to pay at least $4000 for a decent boat that is pretty much seaworthy and sea ready.

 

[bluefinn240]

Cha-Ching- money pit

 

[Fishbust]

There is only one equation.....

...if you have money for a boat.......old boat + new motor. Most bang for the buck, most fun for the buck. Do the math comparing this equation to the new boat (don't forget to add the extras/$$$ on the new boat that are already included with what you would buy used) and the math will speak for itself, very clearly.

Go boat shopping!

 

[newbie]

trust me when i say, no ammount of posts on nor'east will prepare you for what the cost of owning a boat is really like. docking, insurance, gas, bait, safety equipment, seasonal maint.....

on the other hand, your free to fish when you want, how you want, for what you want. bored at 12am?? make sure your boats equipped for night fishing, and your off for a few hours. may take quite a few frustrating times when your the captain who's trying to find the fish on your own now, but much more rewarding at the dinner table knowing you SEARCHED and then CAUGHT that guy.

it also dont hurt when ya meet a new girl that you can tell her you own your own boat, and can take her for a ride to see stuff, or check out the private islands/beaches

 

[Captneilf]

Hi,

Some good points above. I tend to look at things a bit different.

You stated that you are going to college. BINGO!!! Great move. The next 4 years are most important and should be your biggest priority. College is your full time job for the next 4 years. How much you put into it determines how much you get out of it. Your full time job is to do the very best you can. To go to college is a fantastic opportunity that many could not do. It is not an entitlement like so many believe. A good education is the forerunner to better employment, self or working for a corp. It should also mean greater accomplishment, happiness and pay. This education will cost a bundle so get as much for your money as possible. Look at it as an investment, an investment in yourself. I don't think you will want to cheat yourself.

The 4 years will go by very fast. Hopefully you will get a good job, with good pay and that will place you in position to get your boat, the boat of your choice. Education first and then the boat.

Like I said at the top. I look at things differently.

Good fortune in your endeavors.

Capt Neil

 

[digga]

newbie wrote:

trust me when i say, no ammount of posts on nor'east will prepare you for what the cost of owning a boat is really like. docking, insurance, gas, bait, safety equipment, seasonal maint.....

on the other hand, your free to fish when you want, how you want, for what you want. bored at 12am?? make sure your boats equipped for night fishing, and your off for a few hours. may take quite a few frustrating times when your the captain who's trying to find the fish on your own now, but much more rewarding at the dinner table knowing you SEARCHED and then CAUGHT that guy.

it also dont hurt when ya meet a new girl that you can tell her you own your own boat, and can take her for a ride to see stuff, or check out the private islands/beaches

Wellll...I know that running a boat isn't cheap, but what is now? Thats why I'm looking for a small boat..Couple gallons per hour..

And telling a girl I've got a boat is a perk that I've thought about anyways

And about older boat+new engine is another thing I've looked at..I'm sure I'll save a few grand that way..Hard to make everything kosher by doing it yourself?

 

[657383]

Boat fishing is so 2007! Join the new trend (that you will start), by fishing from helicopter!

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

What about paying for college with those bonds instead of taking out loans and getting out after four years, six for your masters for teaching, with a little less debt.

If that's already taken care of for you, then the boats you suggested are good and economical and don't require a lot of upkeep. Palm Beach boats are also a good option.

 

[gino0902]

To Boat or Not to Boat

Digga,

My family was in thesame business. I went to college & then went into the restaurant business for 20 years. I don't blame your father for spending all that time for himself. He worked like a cucce (excuse the spelling) for too many years. Believe me. I never saw a weekend in those 20 years but I was lucky to make some money during a time when you still could.

College is an important time and I don't know if your going away or not. If you are looking at a boat that's too big to trailer than your going to spend a lot of money just parking it. Tht's why I bought a 17' boat so I could put it on my property and not pay all those fees. Yes, it is a little more involved to trailer but if your close enough to launch it you only need to invest about 2 hours ahead to get ready and off you go. I choose an outboard because its easier on the pocket and easir to service than an inboard and I choose this engine because it has a great reputation and it's reliable and healthy as I am even if I'm 52 years old!(Thank God). The engine eats good, like I do (Mediterranean diet). In this case Yamalube oil, the best money can buy. It well taken care of (like my Siciliian wife takes care of me) and it sees the doctor regularly (like I do...colonoscopy, ugh!). Of course its a Boston Whaler. Very rugged and very low on maintenance except for the occasional light bulb and cleaning.

If your staying local you will get to enjoy it during the season when you wish you had it the most. If you think about what you spend to go out and party versus taking a couple of friends, a couple of Italian heroes and a bottle of vino with some Pellegrino water to stay hydrated your way ahead of the game.

 

[645957]

My advice:

There's a big difference between spending $5k and $15k. I think you can get something that meets your needs at around $5k. This makes your hobby more disposable should you decide to spend more time in another area, or if you don't want to come back one summer form college because of a new chick you met. And the increase and cost of maintaining a cheaper boat for first couple years sholdnt approach the $10k spread. While it may be more expensive in the long haul, I'd encourage you to think about the next cuple of years of your boating (and not the next 10 - things change, quickly) and go with a cheap option.

RE: 15-19', I'd urge you to get something 17-19'. Personally I found a big difference, I always felt cramped on 15s, 17+ was more manageable.

I've owned a boat since I was in my early teens, and on and off since then for the last 15 or 20 years. I've lived all over the US, and it's much easier to sell a $5k boat (even if you take a small loss, a 20% loss on $5k is easier to stomach then a 20% loss on $15k) and then buy one again if you come back to the area.

I would assume your life is going to change significantly, possibly once every couple of years for the next few years -- and plan accordingly.