Quote:
Originally Posted by nesun326
We're looking to buy our first boat-21-24'. We have looked at Chaparral and Cobalt, and liked both. We are hoping to keep this boat for a long time, and will use it mostly for cruising, with maybe some fishing and sports. Also looking for info. on the service you've gotten from local marinas. We live in the Gilford area.
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If you're looking to buy your first boat, you may want to consider staying at the lower end of the price range. Why spend more on a chris craft or formula as some suggest and then decide in a year you don't like boating as much as you thought? BOth Chaparral and Cobalt are good boats. You can always upgrade as you become more accostomed to boating, improve your skills, and learn what features you would have liked and would want in your next boat. (If you like boating, there's almost always a next boat). And of course, consider the likelihood of dents and dings if your docking skills have room for growth.
As for service, I've had enough of it around the lake to know where I will and won't go. Feel free to send me a private message for my thoughts on that. Some mechanics at some of the popular marinas are great, and some are completely clueless and will cost you a fortune.
And don't forget: the marina isn't responsible for outfitting the boat with all the legally required gear and "stuff." You are. So don't be dissappointed with what you don't get with a new boat - but certainly try to negotiate some of it in!