Looking at a boat

[cyrus buelton]

my retirement plan involves a houseboat.

Wake up, get some coffee and go fishing without leaving the kitchen.

I've got a friend who's parents have one on Cumberland.

holy shit, that thing is nice!

[somegirl]

Feedback from MrIncredible (edit: who can't respond himself as he is in Kazakhstan right now):

There's a number of things that would turn me off that boat.

1) No mention of a rebuild at any point. That motor is most likely tired as shit.

2) No mention of recent bottom paint. We used to do it every season.

3) It's dirty. No self-respecting boat owner keeps a boat dirty. It's not like a naked bike with a million nooks and crannies-bust out the hose and the scrub brush. To put it another way, the most slovenly person we've ever known keeps his boat clean.

4) That price is high for what it is. To put it in perspective, about four years ago I bought a 27' Bayliner for $1500. Granted, the floor needed to be redone and I replaced the motor, but given that this one most likely needs a new motor anyway, that should tell you something.

5) From what I hear about century boats, the ride is wet and rough, more so than the average small boat.

6) A cuddy cabin that size is essentially useless. It just accumulates crap and would be too stuffy to want to shelter from the elements anyway. AKA you're buying a 21' boat but not getting 21' worth of space.

7) It's fuggggly!

I would keep looking-it's end of season there-deals can be had. Things to look for and consider in a boat:

- Recent survey-has it had one? You *need* one. Expect about $20 a foot in terms of cost to have one done. I would not trust one more than 6 months old-it may have developed new issues which are not in the survey.

- Do you see any apparent water lines inside the boat or on the engine?  If there's a line of rust on the motor, with a mush less rusty area above it, it indicates it's had too much water in there at some point.

- Does the prop move up and down or to the side? If so, your outdrive needs work.

- The deck should not have soft spots.

- There should not be cracks in the gelcoat.

- The tilt should work smoothly, so should the steering. The transmission should not clunk.

- Check the motor-sniff the oil-look at the transmission fluid. Is there good water flow through the motor?

- Mismatched paint is a sign of repairs.

- The cuddy cabin should have no smell of must, or signs of leaks around the portholes/cabin door. These things would require additional work.

- Make him take you out in the boat. See how it feels underway. You should be allowed to drive it. Check all the gear,  including the radio.

- Boat must be inspected out of water.

- Check the hull identification number, check the boat/trailer paperwork.

In other things, trailering is a royal pain in the ass. Takes more time, a number of additional costs, and typically causes  the boat to be used less. Consider a slip or a mooring. There's something nice about merely needing to fill the cooler, check the gear, and take off.

If you buy something let me know-I can give good outfitting advice.



You can also build a boating simulator. Just put on all your clothes, stand in a freezing cold shower, and tear up $100 bills. 

[Norm]

Wow - you're good.........and a chick as well!!!

[somegirl]

Wow - you're good.........and a chick as well!!!

Thank you, I wish I could take the credit but actually that is from my husband who is overseas for work right now.
He spent several years working on boats.

[JEFF_H]

i want a boat too.
something like an old glasstron in metallic green or orange. 

lucky for me wife said no.

you should be able to get a pretty decent older boat for $3k.

quick example on first page of CL
1984 Bayliner $3000

[redxblack]

The fishing boat I go on occasionally is about the same age and size as the one from the first post. I can tell you the cuddy cabin is nothing more than a rope locker and a spot to store unused tackle boxes. Being under deck with the hatch closed is a very claustrophobic experience. 

[NAKID]

Here's the most recent one I have been looking at:

http://worcester.craigslist.org/boa/1326904366.html

It's a 91 the guy says they are flexible on the price (good, I don't want to pay that much) it has been ran this year, rebuilt motor 5 years ago but "not a lot of miles on it since then", never been in salt water.

I was thinking of offering him $3k once he send a few more pics since it's 2 hours away and go from there. I think the most I would offer is $4k...

[somegirl]

Do they have a survey?

[NAKID]

Oh, another thing. I called the base marina. Slip fees are $25/ft for the winter season and $50/ft for the summer season. Not bad compared to the other areas around here. It's on base (read: secure) and 24hr access...

Do they have a survey?

I'm not sure what a survey is. I didn't ask him, but he has not responded to my least email yet (~30 mins ago).

[B.Rock]

I like that the motor and outdrive were rebuilt. 305s are not my favorite motor in, well, anything, really, but if it's rebuilt that's reassuring. And outdrives can be expensive as all get out to rebuild.
That being said my experience is more in ski boats.

[mitt]

Why are you looking at cabin cruisers?   

mitt

[NAKID]

Room to grow.

[JEFF_H]

I'm On A Boat (ft. T-Pain) - Album Version
(sorry...reminded me of this)

[NAKID]

I'm keeping my options open. Bowriders are on the plate as well...

[herm]

even though i might get punched in the head later.....
i think you would be pretty happy with a bow rider, given size and expectations.
otherwise, pushing up toward 25 feet will give you a cuddy that is actually useful.