Suggestion on first boat

J

JeneBk

New member
Joined
May 30, 2025
RO Number
37144
Messages
7
Hi, I am looking to buy a used boat, sail around Far Rockaway, New York, family of four.
Is Silveton 34C 1985-1990 a good boat for begginer? Do you recommend another reliable family boat?
Not planning long trips to Hudson Canyon
 
Welcome to Boatered.

Let's get some more info flowing to spawn more advice.

What are you planning to do with the boat?

Are you cruising? Fishing? Day trips? Overnights?

What is your boating experience?

How mechanically inclined are you?
 
We should also know, how old are the kids?

Can everyone swim?

Have you taken a boating safety course?
 
Brian and boatbum both asked some really good questions that we need answers to.
 
sugilbert said:
Whatever you do, get a professional survey!
Click to expand...
Absolutely and not just an insurance survey, but a full pre purchase survey…and one that includes a seatrial. Wouldn’t hurt to have a mechanic give the engines a once over as well.
 
Perhaps more important, are you familiar with the boaters' maxim regarding the two happiest days in a boat owner's life? 😎 Or "If it flies, floats or f***s...you're probably better off renting."?

Welcome to BE! I'll show myself out...
 
If approached wisely and prepared there is nothing wrong with going with a 34 as a first. I have always thought inboards were easier to dock and maintain. Just be sure to go after a clean, well maintained boat that has been surveyed well. There are a gang of oldy moldy boats out there.
 
Brian N said:
Welcome to Boatered.

Let's get some more info flowing to spawn more advice.

What are you planning to do with the boat?

Are you cruising? Fishing? Day trips? Overnights?

What is your boating experience?

How mechanically inclined are you?
Click to expand...
Hi Brian,

No experience, never owned a boat. Looking to cruise with family and definitely fish a little. Nothing crazy. I am handy, installed my own boiler, electrical, never worked on marine motors or engines in general.
 
boatbum said:
If approached wisely and prepared there is nothing wrong with going with a 34 as a first. I have always thought inboards were easier to dock and maintain. Just be sure to go after a clean, well maintained boat that has been surveyed well. There are a gang of oldy moldy boats out there.
Click to expand...
thank you. i looked at a couple boats and felt like the engines were out of it. i don't have enough experience to spot any mechanical or body issues
 
speedo said:
Perhaps more important, are you familiar with the boaters' maxim regarding the two happiest days in a boat owner's life? 😎 Or "If it flies, floats or f***s...you're probably better off renting."?

Welcome to BE! I'll show myself out...
Click to expand...
Thank you! Yep, very familiar. I am past that point, married)
 
First, take the Boater Safety class most states require as well as most insurance companies. Then take the Seamanship Class that both the Coast Guard Aux and the US Power Squadron offer. Well worth the time and effort you put into them. As mentioned above, absolutely get whatever boat you are buying a survey. It will cost you some coin, but could easily save you thousand$ in the long run. If you have any boating savvy buddies you can enlist to help you, do it.
 
JeneBk said:
thank you. i looked at a couple boats and felt like the engines were out of it. i don't have enough experience to spot any mechanical or body issues
Click to expand...
Well take your time and learn. Tons of info on this site and others.

For what you’re looking to do, maybe a newer, smaller cruiser will be better. Something like a Sea ray 29 sundancer or similar. If you’re more serous about fishing, maybe look at something more fishing oriented, like the sea ray amberjacks, or wellcraft coastals.

If I was looking at an older boat, I would go with a tiara 31 open with crusaders. A lot will depend on your budget.
 
Welcome to BE. No experience, first boat? An old 34 footer is just about the worst choice especially if you are not mechanically inclined.

Your first major hurdle is going to be insurance. I doubt you will get coverage on a boat that size having no experience. Check that first and see what they will require, at the very least a few months of training with captain

For instance, you will need help ha doing the boat so your wife will have to learn how to handle lines as you will be up on the FB and it takes a few seconds to get back down to handle lines. Even worst on a light boat with a flat bottom and a large sail area.

Maintenance on a 40 year old silverton isn’t going to be an easy thing. Be ready for issues to pop up regularly even with a thorough pre purchase survey. Even minor issues will ruin the week end… air con… generator… head… (toilet)… water pump etc also, inboard gas boats can be very safe but you need to be aware of the gas fume dangers and how to mitigate them.

Budget permitting You re probably much better off with a smaller newer outboard powered boat. Something about 10-15 year old, twin outboards, 28-32’ with a small cabin.
 
Agree with what Pascal said
Im on Long Island as well and one of the first things you should look into is where are you going to keep it??
Dockage on Long Island can be difficult to find at any cost!

If u find something that might fit your needs I agree a survey is a must,
BUT you might want to get a pre purchase inspection to see if it’s even worthy to spend the bigger $’s on a full survey- much less than a full survey and can weed out if it's even worthy to move ahead with
I don’t do that but have a few recommendations
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top