new boat-looking for opinions

MAXUM · 04-21-2010, 09:17 PM

I just recently purchased a "new" used boat for myself. Disclaimer... no it's not a Maxum. That was my former boat. No slight on Maxum either, I loved my old boat and have nothing but good things to say about it. Slightly used is the way to go, let somebody else take a bath on the depreciation and save yourself a wad of cash. Thing with used is you really need to know what your looking at, what it's worth and what to look for in regards to the cosmetics, structure and mechanical aspects of a potential boat purchase. Do not expect any dealer no matter how nice to do you any favors.

The thing with boats or anything for that matter is that it's a huge investment and while everyone has their ideas of what works for them it may not work for you. Also it's worthwhile to spend a good amount of time researching different makes and models and understand why some may be much more expensive than others. Here are some things to consider, research, understand and weigh as you ponder your decision. The more educated you are about boats the better off you are.

First, do a little research on basic boat construction, hull design and materials used. Price variations usually are explained by these three factors more so than any other. For example let's assume you're looking at a glass boat. What kind of resins, fibers and gel coats that are used will make a huge difference in the overall strength and longevity of the boat. Hull design such as dead rise, beam, Vee depth and angles will greatly effect the overall stability and comfort of the ride.

Secondly for me when I look at anything I pay close attention to the little things. Fit, finish and quality of the materials used goes a long way. I like to see all stainless steel hardware, period. No plastic handles, deck fittings or rub rails. I like to see nice heavy duty stainless steel cleats, foward, aft and mid boat. I like to see things like really good heavy duty vinyl, upholstery with no exposed reversed threading, but piping along the seams, and any seams should be double stitched. When you look at these things you'll soon begin to pick up on the differences between the manufacturers. I also like to maneuver the seats, any lids that go to compartments, try everything look how it's constructed and whether or not you'll think it can take years of use or if it looks flimsy and might last a season or two before it'll start to fall apart. Little features and doo dads are nice, but one thing I find you can't get enough of is storage space. What good is a boat that doesn't have the space to carry anything much beyond the usual essentials. While sun pads are nice to have, they waste a ton of room too, I don't understand why so many boats these days have ginormous sun pads at the expense of seating. One thing I wish my boat had is an extended swim platform. Super nice option to have IMHO. Covers, got to have them too and better off with factory snap tight tailored covers than cheapo after markets. It's not any cheaper to have them custom made and if they aren't made of good fabric like sunbrella they will not last. Cockpit and bow covers are a must. Bimini tops are also a must have on those really hot sunny days.

Finally, get a good reputable power plant. Talk to several marine mechanics to get their opinion. They work on them, see what kind of problems occur and nobody will be able to advise you better, certainly not a salesman.

I'm way to opinionated to give you an objective piece of advice as to what to specifically look at brand and style wise. What I will say is that I spent a good amount of time looking before I pulled the trigger. I also found that a significant amount of money can be saved by browsing the internet looking at boats once you have an idea of what you're looking for even if it means going out of state to fetch something. I ended up narrowing my search to a particular boat model, year of manufacture and power plant. Had a shot at one at a marina on the lake, price was sky high, ended up saving about 6K by picking up the same boat a year newer, far less hours and a 6 hour drive to PA.

Good luck in your search...

Grady223 · 04-26-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I just recently purchased a "new" used boat for myself. Disclaimer... no it's not a Maxum. That was my former boat. No slight on Maxum either, I loved my old boat and have nothing but good things to say about it. Slightly used is the way to go, let somebody else take a bath on the depreciation and save yourself a wad of cash....

When I bought my Grady White, I found that the price difference between a 2 to 3 year old Grady and a new one was insignificant. Went with a new one, got the equipment I wanted on it, one that was never in salt water and to this day (9 years later) know that it has been maintained properly. I think whether you buy new or used depends on which boat and how long you plan on keeping it. I understand that in today's economy used boats are in far greater demand than new boats indicating that you should be able to make great deals on new ones.

codeman671 · 04-26-2010, 01:52 PM

I have owned just about everything under the sun. I would suggest Rinker or Monterey. Stick with something if possible that has a marina presence in the area for your first boat. Silver Sands is listing a leftover 246 which is a great boat. I previously owned a 226 R1. For smaller boats the Monterey 214FS is a great bowrider (yep, had one of these too) and Shep Browns gets a thumbs up. I am in the process of buying my third Monterey now, a 302CR (used). I have had the 214FS as mentioned as well as the 298SS (which was an awesome boat I must say).

Even thought I just sold my infamous yellow go-fast pontoon, I am still a huge fan of Manitou pontoons and would certainly look at a tri-toon. Rochester Sports has a few leftovers which are good deals. My 24' was good for 50mph and was as good in rough water if not better than anything else in its size range, plus was more comfortable, roomy and versatile.

Dave R · 04-26-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

I have had the 214FS as mentioned as well as the 298SS (which was an awesome boat I must say).

I love the 298SC. One of my favorite boats.

codeman671 · 04-26-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

I love the 298SC. One of my favorite boats.

I have the SS (bowrider). The SC is the sport cuddy. Great boats, but this time around I need more of a cabin.

04-21-2010, 09:17 PM	#1
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	I just recently purchased a "new" used boat for myself. Disclaimer... no it's not a Maxum. That was my former boat. No slight on Maxum either, I loved my old boat and have nothing but good things to say about it. Slightly used is the way to go, let somebody else take a bath on the depreciation and save yourself a wad of cash. Thing with used is you really need to know what your looking at, what it's worth and what to look for in regards to the cosmetics, structure and mechanical aspects of a potential boat purchase. Do not expect any dealer no matter how nice to do you any favors. The thing with boats or anything for that matter is that it's a huge investment and while everyone has their ideas of what works for them it may not work for you. Also it's worthwhile to spend a good amount of time researching different makes and models and understand why some may be much more expensive than others. Here are some things to consider, research, understand and weigh as you ponder your decision. The more educated you are about boats the better off you are. First, do a little research on basic boat construction, hull design and materials used. Price variations usually are explained by these three factors more so than any other. For example let's assume you're looking at a glass boat. What kind of resins, fibers and gel coats that are used will make a huge difference in the overall strength and longevity of the boat. Hull design such as dead rise, beam, Vee depth and angles will greatly effect the overall stability and comfort of the ride. Secondly for me when I look at anything I pay close attention to the little things. Fit, finish and quality of the materials used goes a long way. I like to see all stainless steel hardware, period. No plastic handles, deck fittings or rub rails. I like to see nice heavy duty stainless steel cleats, foward, aft and mid boat. I like to see things like really good heavy duty vinyl, upholstery with no exposed reversed threading, but piping along the seams, and any seams should be double stitched. When you look at these things you'll soon begin to pick up on the differences between the manufacturers. I also like to maneuver the seats, any lids that go to compartments, try everything look how it's constructed and whether or not you'll think it can take years of use or if it looks flimsy and might last a season or two before it'll start to fall apart. Little features and doo dads are nice, but one thing I find you can't get enough of is storage space. What good is a boat that doesn't have the space to carry anything much beyond the usual essentials. While sun pads are nice to have, they waste a ton of room too, I don't understand why so many boats these days have ginormous sun pads at the expense of seating. One thing I wish my boat had is an extended swim platform. Super nice option to have IMHO. Covers, got to have them too and better off with factory snap tight tailored covers than cheapo after markets. It's not any cheaper to have them custom made and if they aren't made of good fabric like sunbrella they will not last. Cockpit and bow covers are a must. Bimini tops are also a must have on those really hot sunny days. Finally, get a good reputable power plant. Talk to several marine mechanics to get their opinion. They work on them, see what kind of problems occur and nobody will be able to advise you better, certainly not a salesman. I'm way to opinionated to give you an objective piece of advice as to what to specifically look at brand and style wise. What I will say is that I spent a good amount of time looking before I pulled the trigger. I also found that a significant amount of money can be saved by browsing the internet looking at boats once you have an idea of what you're looking for even if it means going out of state to fetch something. I ended up narrowing my search to a particular boat model, year of manufacture and power plant. Had a shot at one at a marina on the lake, price was sky high, ended up saving about 6K by picking up the same boat a year newer, far less hours and a 6 hour drive to PA. Good luck in your search...

04-26-2010, 01:52 PM	#3
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,506 Thanks: 221 Thanked 817 Times in 490 Posts	I have owned just about everything under the sun. I would suggest Rinker or Monterey. Stick with something if possible that has a marina presence in the area for your first boat. Silver Sands is listing a leftover 246 which is a great boat. I previously owned a 226 R1. For smaller boats the Monterey 214FS is a great bowrider (yep, had one of these too) and Shep Browns gets a thumbs up. I am in the process of buying my third Monterey now, a 302CR (used). I have had the 214FS as mentioned as well as the 298SS (which was an awesome boat I must say). Even thought I just sold my infamous yellow go-fast pontoon, I am still a huge fan of Manitou pontoons and would certainly look at a tri-toon. Rochester Sports has a few leftovers which are good deals. My 24' was good for 50mph and was as good in rough water if not better than anything else in its size range, plus was more comfortable, roomy and versatile.