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Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by JohnnyBuoy, Jul 10, 2008.

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  1. JohnnyBuoy, Jul 10, 2008
    #1
    JohnnyBuoy

    JohnnyBuoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2008
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Rideau System - Ottawa Ontario
    Hi Everyone;

    First post ever........apologies in advance if this is in the wrong place or poorly crafted. I represent a family of four that would love to spend more time on the water, we have rented houseboats recently and would prefer to rent a yacht (nearly impossible according to my research) in the 36 foot range (does that qualify as a yacht?).

    While looking at used boats in various places two models seem to satisfy our basic requirements specifically that it is large enough to entertain a group of 6-8, easily sleeps four adults without using tables or couches and has a walk through transom for easy entry.

    Frankly we have found the layout in somewhat older boats to be more to our liking hence:

    37' President Sedan Double cabin circa 1987
    and
    36' Carver Mariner circa 1988

    These both have a queen pedestal bed in the forward cabin and bunk beds in another cabin.

    So now finally my questions............

    Does anyone have any experience or words of wisdom with these boats in particular and boats of this age in general.

    Secondly are there other models that we should be looking at that are likely to meet our basic needs.

    Lastly, anyone in eastern Ontario want to rent or lease their beloved boat for a week or a month? My hopes are not high on this last one.

    Thanks in advance for your advice and comments, wishing I was out on the water right now.

    John
    Ottawa
    Ontario
  2. NYCAP123, Jul 10, 2008
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,208
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    John,
    Your idea of renting before buying is very sound. There are several companies as well as individuals who will do this. Pick up some magazines that lean toward the type of boating you like and look in the back. Also Google Yacht Charters, boat rental, boat clubs. The dealerships and marinas in your area should be able to put you together with any individuals looking to charter either crewed or bareboat.
    As for the boats you mentioned, are you handy? The price will be right for a starter but make sure she's sound, and when you make repairs always use marinized parts. They're more expensive for a reason. If the gas tanks are fiberglass and the engines gas there may be problems as the gas currently used is melting the tanks causing big headaches. Again have a thorough inspection or better yet survey done. Good luck.
    A final note: The best boat in the world is the one your friend owns.:D
  3. Loren Schweizer, Jul 11, 2008
    #3
    Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2004
    Messages:
    1,352
    Location:
    Coral Gables/Ft. Laud., FL
    JohnnyBuoy:

    Welcome to YF. Don't worry too much about how you get your family out on the water. Just do it. Right now, you have no idea about the wealth of experiences and sheer enjoyment your kids will glean from what you are about to do.
    Find a way, make mistakes--as everyone does--and have a whale of a time with tons of memories to come.
    Ten years down the road, or creek, as it were, you will come to realize that boating with your family is one of the single-best things you ever did in your life.
  4. NYCAP123, Jul 11, 2008
    #4
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,208
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    John,
    Loren tells it straight. The best memories I have of growing up all involve boating. I was 6 when my father bought our boat. It was just a 14 footer with a 25hp. Half a century later I make my living on them, and have for the past 20 years. Thanks dad.
  5. JohnnyBuoy, Jul 13, 2008
    #5
    JohnnyBuoy

    JohnnyBuoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2008
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Rideau System - Ottawa Ontario
    Thanks for the encouragment everyone.

    As it turns out NYCAP123's suggestions for a google search turned up a charter company on Lake Huron. I have no idea why I couldn't find it before.

    They want our sailing resume (ours will not be particularly impressive) and of course a checkout voyage before sailing.

    We will have to find someway to practice before going up there.

    Thanks again and if anyone has particular info on the models we are looking at, we are still interested.

    John
  6. NYCAP123, Jul 13, 2008
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,208
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    John,
    Just pay attention to the details; move inch by inch (no big moves); check the wind and stay away from the down-wind side and remember you're steering with the gears (like with a tank or lawn tractor) not the wheel at slow speed. Finally, my 3 favorite words in boating "SLOW IS CHEAP'. Good Luck