Boat Show

[milehigh]

My friends really scare when they buy boats.... the price tag on new ones is sky high, they are more difficult and expensive to repair, and more goes wrong with new boats.

I'm talking $ 28, 000 to $60, 0000.



And yet you can get beautiful used boats - almost given away. Many gems $1000 to $5000.


Yet every summer, one of friends says, "I'm buying a new boat."

 

[oldjones]

Substitute the word 'car' for the word 'boat'. Same thing.

Different strokes.

 

[eldoguy]

Lake Ontario nothing smaller than 28 FT.

 

[ExerciseGuy]

I'm completely unfamiliar with boating, although it looks like something interesting that I would like to try. Are there reliable services out there that help people conduct due diligence on a second-hand boat (something akin to a home inspection)?

 

[red]

My friends really scare when they buy boats.... the price tag on new ones is sky high, they are more difficult and expensive to repair, and more goes wrong with new boats.

I'm talking $ 28, 000 to $60, 0000.



And yet you can get beautiful used boats - almost given away. Many gems $1000 to $5000.


Yet every summer, one of friends says, "I'm buying a new boat."

wow i didn;t canoe that

 

[Davenash2]

Used boats are always a better deal. Don't jump into boating with out doing some research. Spend time with a current owner and take Power squadron or sailing lessons before buying and operating a boat.
Also better be a good handy man with fixing things or have $$ to pay someone. But problem with second option is there is less people who can fix boats, as the younger generation can't seam to get motivated to learn what tools are for.

 

[blackrock13]

My friends really scare when they buy boats.... the price tag on new ones is sky high, they are more difficult and expensive to repair, and more goes wrong with new boats.

I'm talking $ 28, 000 to $60, 0000.

And yet you can get beautiful used boats - almost given away. Many gems $1000 to $5000.

Yet every summer, one of friends says, "I'm buying a new boat."

Crykie! Some of my friends think my paying $2000- $34000 is out of line. Better mileage, lower maintenance cost and they last longer.

 

[LateComer]

I'm completely unfamiliar with boating, although it looks like something interesting that I would like to try. Are there reliable services out there that help people conduct due diligence on a second-hand boat (something akin to a home inspection)?

They are called marine surveyors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_surveyor

 

[needinit]

I'm completely unfamiliar with boating, although it looks like something interesting that I would like to try. Are there reliable services out there that help people conduct due diligence on a second-hand boat (something akin to a home inspection)?

You get a boat survey done

 

[Ceiling Cat]

[HR][/HR]Two things I would rather not do. Skim across the water on a boat and hit something just under the surface of the water or skim across snow on a snowmobile and hit something just under the snow. I prefer to be stationary on a boat with a fishing rod in my hand.

 

[jiiimmm]

Boats are great toys but you become a prisoner to your possessions at some point. Unless you plan to use it a lot just rent one when you feel like it and walk away when your done. I used to own one but barely got to use it. max 3x a year, took up space, repairs, insurance. Now I just rent one wherever I want to go, don't have to worry about fixing it, towing it, etc. You can get some fun runabouts or fully equipped pontoon boats (my fav) out there for 200 to 300 per day. Depending on how often you get out, much cheaper than owning. ( think of it as an sp compared to a wife)

 

[peter4025]

One think I would like to do: buy a 30' boat and spend the summer cruising Ontario and Quebec's canals and lakes. Just a dream, cost less to visit my favorites sp

 

[wigglee]

check the buffalo and rochester craigslist for used boats....pick one up cheap ( have it surveyed first) and sail it home.

 

[milehigh]

Used boats are usually better shape and last longer than new cars.

It is a real buyer's market for used boats.... hence you can get great deals. For checking out... worth hiring a mechanic if you are unfamiliar.

Find you can do do a lot of work on boats yourself. With motors (or engines), you can get someone to show you general maintenace and it's pretty easy.

I am a real outboard fan, but member of my family love their inboards.

 

[milehigh]

Tip

Check out places like the Marinas on Lake Ontario by the Scar Bluffs that have slips and fees.

Near the end of the year some sell off extra boats to avoid the fees for following year.

I picked up a Lake Ontario Bow Rider with a dual axle trailer at a price that is so low no one would believe me.

The motor on the boat did need work, but I had a swapper motor anyway. The trailer alone was worth way more than I paid for everything.

 

[Smash]

I dont have a boat but I wouldnt mind getting a Sea Doo this summer.

http://www.sea-doo.com/ca/showroom/watercraft/overview/gtr-215.aspx