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Newbie Looking for Advice

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by tedford1088, Apr 18, 2009.

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  1. tedford1088, Apr 18, 2009
    #1
    tedford1088

    tedford1088 Guest

    I am a newbie to this site and large boating. I have been around fresh water lakes and ski boats, runabouts and sailboats all my life but now I am making a change. I live ‘UP NORTH’ and want to spend some of my working time during the winter “down south” where the weather is warmer. I’ve looked at condos and houses and think I am better suited to a floating, non fixed address. I am looking for a 35-42 foot motorized boat (as opposed to sail). I would like to use it as living quarters during the winter months and commute (by air) up north when necessary so I need some livable space. I want 2 motors in case I go out into the ocean and two staterooms would be nice but I really just need something comfortable for myself. I would rather buy something newer that I can count on than a good deal on something older. A friend has mentioned a Carver in the 36-41 foot range. I don’t fish so don’t need all the fishing gear. Someone else mentioned a Grand Banks for its generous interior room.
    Can anyone tell me how to focus in on a boat that would suit my purpose and find a good broker? I’ve been told there are good brokers and bad brokers (same as in any business). I need someone to walk me through the paces to arrive at a good decision.
    I know this is a wide open question but I need to start somewhere. Any assistance would be appreciated. I have the interest and love of boats, just not the knowledge in this kind of boat.
  2. Capt Bill11, Apr 18, 2009
    #2
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2006
    Messages:
    1,459
    Location:
    Sarasota/Ft. Lauderdale FL
    Wow, that is a bit tough. In that those are two very different types of boats.

    If I were you I would spend some time going and looking at a lot of different brands and styles of boats and see if certain layouts and styles start appealing to you more than others. So you can start narrowing down your search.

    There are a lot of good buys out there right now, so I wouldn't rule out well maintained older boats where you can get a lot of boat for your money.

    Like for example, 50+ Hatteras's. Lots of room for a live aboard. With nice aft deck "porches". Way better live aboard room and over all quality than a Carver IMHO.

    As to a broker, I would recommend Chuck McMahon of the Marine Group and our own Tucker Fallon of Bradford Marine.
  3. Pascal, Apr 18, 2009
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,546
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    welcome...

    myth debunking time: newer doesn't really mean you can count on it! it all comes down to built quality and most importantly how the boat was maintained and upgraded. generally speaking an 8 year old boat will not necessarily be more reliable as a 30 year old one. many systems need attention around 10 years old (I know I'm painting things with a wide brush here ) so if you get an older boat with recent upgrades you will be fine.

    your best place to start is yacht world. go to advanced search and search by size range, price range, year range, etc... and see what YOU like... selecting a boat is very personal thing.

    one thing you need to consider is what you are goign to do with the boat in summer... If your'e going to spend the summer north, storage during hurricane season can be a thorny issue. Insurance is high and hard to get esepcially for absentee owners.

    If you are going to use the boat a lot (i mean taking it out, not just as a condo) then your plan makes sense. Otherwise, if you're not gettting into this to enjoy being out on the boat, renting a condo will be cheaper and present less hassle. Last thing you want is spending a lot of time and $ maintaining and repairing for very little use. For instance, you can find great condos in luxury buildings in So Fl for $1500 or less a month... nice building, great locations, all amenities (pools, gym, concierge, etc...). When you travel, no worries about a storm coming, a bilge pump failing, etc... turn the key in the lock and you're done.

    dont' get me wrong, I love boating (owner for 30 years, living aboard for 6 years) but unless you're in for the boating itself, it may not be your best option.