Should I get into boating?

T

tully lee

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Jul 20, 2007
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27629
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Question- Getting a boat that is in Tennessee. I live in Illinois. Have a 2nd home (retirement) that we built. Center Hill Lake is a 64 mile lake 10 minutes from the 2nd home.

Got a chance to get a 2002 Regal Avanti 24 foot with a litte over 300 hours (but new crate engine just installed with just 3 hours). The boat is under a covered slip at the marina.

I know it is best to pull the boat out ever season.

My question is that I will only be able to go down ever other month for a week-end of boating. I do not have a vehicle to pull the boat. So, I thought I would get the boat at the covered slip year round- in water. This is really my only option and is a lot easier for me.

The boat is already considered an older boat at 1992. I am only paying $15,000 for the boat, not $150,000. Not looking at the boat as an investment. It has pretty much bottomed out value wise.

Is is a big deal if I leave boat in water year round? The bottom is painted with some type of special anti-foil paint? What does this do?

I am new to this and like I said- would be a lot easier since I am 550 miles away to leave in covered slip.

Your input would be of great help.

Tully
 
That 3 hour crate engine thing would have been a nice piece of information to have when I answered your post about too few/too many hours.

Oh well!

Never mind!
 
a week end every other month ? that's if all goes well... deduct the bad weather, battery is dead, wife has a cold, etc... and each hour on the water is going cost you thousands.

a boat that sits is much more headaches and cost you more to maintain than a boat that's used regularly.

also, who's going to keep an eye on the boat for you ? Marinas usually dont. you need someone to start it up at least once or twice a month, make sure the batteries are up, etc... if it has shore power and charger chances are the batteries will remain charged (important for the bilge pumps) but it still require some attention.

for a weekend every other month, you're better off renting
 
Well I do have the Illinois River/ Kankakee River here by my home in Illinois as well and would probably get more use keepin the boat here. However, the boat has a covered slip where it is at now with a very long waiting list of over two plus years. I collect cars and have 7 at present and am lucky enough to even drive them and they are in my garage. I guess if I had to base my purchase on use then I would not own anything because we all know there are never enough hours in the day and owning my own business put that at 60 plus hours a week. I thought the smart move would be to get into a starter boat with litle money and take it from there. If we enjoy and use more than we thought then we did good. If we end up using very litle then we can always move onto something else without having to take a huge hit. Just my thoughts. I do aprreciate your reply.
Roomer- Sorry about not mentioning the crate motor. But I am sure the crate motor in and of it's self does not make the entire boat 100%. I will for sure get the boat looked over. The boat and rental slip by the way is being written off on my business taxes (up to a percentage). That was another factor. Thanks again for the fast replies.
 
Is it a 2002 or a 1992? Doesn't make a difference anyway since my strong advice to you is DO NOT get into boating.

Boating is an expensive LIFESTYLE for those that are committed to it and willing to shell out the dough. 550 miles away from your boat, and 1 weekend every other month during boating season? Yikes

Even here in California my boating season up the mountain is 6 months. That means you will use the boat at best 3 times? You are better off renting a boat and then writing off the rental as a business entertainment if allowed.

So since you asked, my suggestion is to start off renting to see if the drive is worth it and then buy.

PS: Engine is the most minor item for me to worry about on an older boat. Everything else will be worn. And Regal DOES NOT support boats over 5 years old. No parts, no manuals, nothing.

My california 2 cents.
 
I'll pass on the advice that was given to me, although I didn't heed it in two of the three dictums--no pun intended--and soon maybe on none of the three. I was told that if it floats, f**ks or flies, it's cheaper to rent than to own. Well, I've always been a boater, been happily married for over 20 years and now I'm looking at airplanes, so I'm not much on following advice myself. But for what its worth, renting sounds like a better choice for you.
 
I don't see the big deal with the advice your getting here. It looks like everyone is telling you not to buy.
To me it kinda makes sense to go with your heart on this one, and after all....we're only talking 15k here.

Heck, if you made a mistake you can still sell it and recoup most of what you have in it --especially if slips are hard to come by.
As far as keeping it in the water year round in the covered slip, I would feel better if it was on a lift. Can you add a lift to your slip? If not, could you store it "on the hard" or in the marina's warehouse for the winter?

Again, for 15k you may not have a lot at risk here.
 
Ken, what do lifts go for? That sounds like the thing to do. A lift can be added since the slip is 35 x 18 with power hook-up. That was my thinking about low initial out lay of money. Im certain I could get $ back. Even if I lost $5000 over the whole experience I would be ok.

Tully
 
No, you should not get into boating. If you're looking to make a logical decision, the answer is always no because paying thousands upon thousands for a plastic toy defies logic. You either have the fever or you don't. It sounds as if you do not.

Take up golf instead.
 
Do NOT get into boating. It will cause a lifelong desire to throw money into a hole in the water all the while telling yourself what fun you are having. it will become an obsession that you cannot deny, get rid of, or put on the shelf. It will cause those around you to either endulge in your fantacy or permantely release you from their grips. It will cost you thousands while you convince yourself what a deal you got or what fun you are having. you will continue to convince yourself you are having fun and ar getting a bargain in spite of all evidence to the contrary. You will find yourself dreaming of bigger and faster....boats at night - it is at this point you know there in no return for you.... save yourself before you go down this wicked and expensive path.... From one who was swallowed by the dark side.....
 
Man, if I wanted to get beat up I would go onto some other forum. Listen, I have a half a dozen muscle cars. That is what I am into. Have a 1972 Plymouth Road Runner, 1970 Chevlle, 1969 GTO, 1973 Vette, 1970 Dodge Challenger and a 1988 Porsche 928 S4. When I am on my other forums and someone is wanting to get into the scene, I do not shoot them down or tell them they do not have the fever. Or your are throwing your money away. To maintain the above cars plus my two daily drivers takes a lot of money, insurance and work. These car are driven very limited and cost money to own and maintain. Anything worth value does. I asked a very simply question. Money is not the object. Never mentioned that it was. I do not mind spending $15,000 on a starter boat just to get the flavor. Love water. Am at the marina everytime I go and have been around that scene a lot to want to get into it. Not big time. Just enjoy it a little. The money part is zero factor. I just would not tell someone wanting to get an old car -Hey, you cannnot get parts on that old Road Runner. Plymouth will not help you out. It is going to cost you and you will prbably not even drive it all that much to warrant buying? As far as I am concerned, I could just sit in my garage look at the cars and never drive them and get almost as much joy. Same with the boat, I could just sit on the pier slip and enjoy looking at the boat and talking to people. When it all boils down to money then the fun is gone. If you have to worry about it then you probably do not have enough to put out on the hobby- be it cars, boats, autographs or hookers. If I had said, hey I have a house right on the water and I am going to use the boat each day does that make it any different than how I want to use the boat? Not trying to complain. Just thought I would get a little more - hey welcome to the club instead of - hey your not a boater or take up golf. I would rather shoot myself in the head than hit a little tiny white ball all over for hours on end. But some people would. And so it goes.
 
"should I get a boat???" is almost the same as: "should I do drugs???"
They're BOTH addictive; kinda like the cars mentioned above.

So the answer is NO!!!

(I've been hooked for 50 years, and I gave up figuring what it's cost me)
 
tully lee

Please don't misunderstand what people are saying. No one is trying to give you a hard time. Most of the answers are attempts at humorous sarcasm. We all love boating but it really is a hobby that makes no financial sense so most of us don't even try!

Whatever you decide, welcome to the club!!!!
 
If you can afford the lift, the slip fee, the maintenance, the repairs, the time to take the safety courses, etc., then do it. What price can we put on the memories we create?

You cars could be considered an investment or at worst an asset. A boat is a liability. It makes no financial sense. If you're illogical enough to join our band, then welcome. If not, I take my hat off to you and wish that I, too, had your good sense.
 
Having fiddled with both cars and boats, I have to say, altough boats are fun in a way cars are not, they are more trouble, especially ones left in the water. The biggest concern, if it is not new, is possible wood rot in the frame (stringers, transom, floor) kind of like rust in an old car but tougher to spot. If I were in your situation, and thinking of getting into boating, I'd consider either renting, or, buying a smaller trailerable boat you can pull out between uses, since leaving a boat in the water as long as you will, for as little as you can use it, is a waste and will increase maintenance costs. A 20' with an outboard (ease of draining for cold weather too) will be a lot more manageable, since you're into cars, pick up an older pick up with 4x4 to pull it. I have left a boat on a mooring here in LI and you really need to be able to check on it, things happen, batteries go dead, storms come and then you can have big problems. So I am not saying to not try it, but try a way that makes more sense for your use patterns.
Is this a 1992 or a 2002? If it's 1992 have it checked VERY carefully for wood rot in the floors, transom and stringers, that is the big money repair area in older boats, esp ones that were not kept in protected storage. Fiberglass and wood repairs are very costly.
 
Hi Tully,

I agree with Rommer here on this post... the guys are not trying to give you a hard time.. just teasing a little, with a little honesty thrown in. You asked, they're just trying to tell you what you may not have thought about.

I'd say, if you've got the money and don't mind the expense, then go for it. The boat itself is not the only expense.. you'll need to figure, maintenance costs, slip costs, fuel costs, insurance costs, and since you say you'll only be there once every other month, I'd consider a cleaning service. Just because it's in a covered slip, or even on a covered lift, it's still going to get dirty.. spiders, bugs, bird droppings etc.. we go to our boat every weekend, only to spend the first couple hours washing etc.

As others have mentioned, and you probably already know with your cars is that just sitting is not always a good thing.. everything seems to work better if you use them frequently. Picture you're one weekend, that you can make it to the boat and you get there and it won't start.. for what ever reason, you spend the entire weekend working on it... and then you have to leave and won't be back for another month or so... don't sound like much fun to me either really.

A smaller boat on the trailer in the garage might be a better option, but then you would need to have a vehicle to get it to the ramp and in the water, but at least the boat would be as you last saw it when you leave.. another option would be to do a Rack & Launch option at the marina.. in which case, that covered slip would be an expense that you probably could let go.

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make... so good luck with whatever you decide. If you do get this boat and this slip, I too, would suggest a lift for it.

If you get a chance, post some pictures of the cars.. they sound pretty nice and I'd like to see them.. :)
Regards,
 
Dude,

My sincere apologies for getting the "NO" thig started
icon_speech_sigh.gif
.

You did open with a question didn't you? We were just telling you the truth at the same time having some fun with you.

Consider it your initiation to our little club here. We welcome you enthusiatically. Now if you don't want any more hassle from me you need to do following:

1. To prove how much I LOVE you, I will take the 69 GTO, the 70 Challenger, and the 72 Road Runner off your hand so that you can have more time for your new Boat. How is that for a nice welcome. And you thougt we weren't NICE.

On a serious note, the money is not the reason I recommended against getting a boat. The Distance and infrequency of use will drive you nuts. It is such a joyful thing to do, so much that I sit at my desk staring into space thinking of how quick I can get on the lake on friday, latest saturday AM. Every weekend Dude. It will pain me greatly if I have to drive 550 miles each way and can only do so every 4th weekend.

Try starting with a boat at a Lake nearer to you first.

Now this qualifies us as FRIENDS, more reason to send me the 69, 70, and 72.
 
Tully Lee,

One other observation - I believe boating is a skill that requires a commitment to develop. At least initially you have to be prepared to put time in to develop the necessary proficiency so you can drive your boat safely and with confidence. I mean it is not fun when are worried about crashing into the dock or someone else.

For me this is a plus. One of the things I love about boating challenge of developing my skills and the constant learning and the pride of accomplishment.

That said, I believe I can relate to your situation. I am 41, have enough financial security I don't have to worry about the costs too much. I have always been interested in boating, and decided to try it. Did a lot of reading, joined the USPS, took a bunch of classes, and bought a 2007 Regal 2565 as a starter boat - kept it in the water close by for ease of use. And now I am lost.

Just my 2 cents. I would prefer local dockage initially so you can do it more frequently. But if you are able to make the commitment to develop the skills I would say go for it. You are dead a long time.

Welcome to slavery.

Vic
 
One more point I forgot to mention - I found hiring a local Captain invaluable. The classes were nice, but like reading about how to ride a bicycle. Going out with a Captain and practicing is what made all the difference.
 
It's like the old saying "if you have to ask you can't afford it" If you have to ask about getting into boating you might not be a candidate for boating. We use our boat every weekend, Have for ten years on the same small lake. But then again we love our home away from home. Every ones seems about right on the once or twice a year usage, Not a good way to own a boat.
 
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