Buying a Boat
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Anonymous
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Can anyone tell me what to consider in buying a boat? I want a small, reliable motor boat, doesn't have to be fast, for amateur fishing and touring around. Boat will be docked on a shallow canal in OBX and we'll putter around the shoreline. I am a single mom and not interested in high tech or repairing motors. I should not need to trailer it.
I've been searching for months but I see so many options - and prices! - as to be very confusing. Used is OK. Can anyone suggest a particular manufacturer/make/model or particular/reputable boat dealer? Thanks! |
Anonymous
| Look at Boston Whaler |
Anonymous
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It looks like the National Capital Boat Show is coming up in March in Chantilly. That's a pretty good option to get a feel, in-person, for what the differences are.
I'm a boat owner, and I'm always dreaming about additional boats, and within 10 years, we'll have a small yacht. I don't fish, just have no interest whatsoever. So any advice I give there may have a huge blindspot. Usually, when people say small boat for inland and coastal fishing in the Outer Banks, that leads them to single-engine center console boats. Grady White is like the Mercedes Benz of this style. There are other options that are probably better values. The other thing to ask yourself is how many people you want to be able to carry. And of course price, new, or used? As a very general rule in boat design, when you have a deeper "v" in the hull, that is better able to handle any waves, because it cuts through them. But this can also mean that it draws more water (it sits deeper in the water). You didn't say how shallow the shallow canal is. Modern, four-stroke outboards have become extremely reliable and low-maintenance. On my 6-year-old Yamaha 150, I've done nothing but annual oil changes and it has never given me the least bit of trouble. Starts and runs perfectly every time. When you look at this boat, what are your thoughts? https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2017-sportsman-island-bay-20-7720280/ |
Anonymous
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PP here. Sticking with the center console style, there's plenty of room for upgrading:
https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2019-grady-white-456-canyon-7605670/ And as the other PP said, if you're partial to Boston Whaler, their version is the "Outrage": https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2019-boston-whaler-420-outrage-7543172/ |
Anonymous
Only 1.4 Mil!!! 
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Anonymous
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Same PP. I could talk boats all day. The late President Bush had a soft spot for those oversized, ultra-fast center-console boats that can easily split the waves off the Maine coast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQtndJo1FU |
Anonymous
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An important thing to remember about owning a boat is that it is not just trips out on the boat. You need to allocate time and $$$ to boat maintenance, repair, storage, supplies, etc.
Approach the concept of boat ownership like parenting vs. being the fun uncle. As long as you are prepared for the effort and expense, it can be really rewarding. It really helps to have the mindset that you can enjoy the work too, otherwise you can start to resent the time and $$ it takes for boat ownership (and/or parenthood for that matter.) |
Anonymous
Now, you want really simple, affordable, good quality, reliable engine, easily trailer-able, you can fit four people? https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2017-boston-whaler-130-super-sport-7665826/ Just this morning I was looking at this model that I can tow with the minivan and bring it a whole bunch of places. I would use it like a four-person kayak that you don't have to paddle. I want to explore more rivers and creeks. |
Anonymous
| Not sure if this is what the OP is looking for, but we rented a pontoon boat and it was really easy for us to handle. It seats a lot of people, is very stable, and was great for motoring around near the shoreline. |
Anonymous
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This is great info guys! Thanks! I'll digest it for a while...
I am thinking three to four people and less than $25k certainly. Used. If I can get it down tot $15k even better. My kids are used to sailing dinghies so this will be an upgrade  - OP
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Anonymous
| Also, checkout Craigslist. A lot of folks trying to sell their boat this time of the year |
Anonymous
we have a tritoon on a lake that's great for everything you can do on a lake -- skiing, tubing, cruising, drinking, swimming. the reason I didn't mention pontoons earlier was your location, and you said near the shoreline. A lot is riding on what you meant by "shoreline," and whether that includes taking the boat out the inlet into the ocean on calm days, or if you meant you're strictly staying in protected waters. If it's the latter, then I agree, take a look at pontoon options, as well. |
Anonymous
I don't think I'd ever go on the ocean, but the Pamlico Sound, yes. It does get rough from what I've seen. - OP |
Anonymous
| Boats are a hole in the water capable of absorbing an unlimited amount of money without ever being filled. |
Anonymous
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2 days boat owners never forget, the day they get it and they day they get rid of it.
if u must get one get a used pontoon boat perfect for the sound. |