Good Used Boat?

Question

I am looking for the boat maker with an outstanding reputation for reliability, the Toyota/Lexus of Boats. I will likely buy a used or new cruiser for taking the family and friends around the waters of south florida, perhaps to the keys from Miami. light fishing and maybe an overnight trip on occasion. I will obviously get a professional to check out the boat. Please provide some advise how to proceed.

Answer 1

do not buy a wooden boat... buy a fiberglass boat.. look at it out of the water.. look for collision damage.. on a fiberglass you cant cover that up..... i recomment inboard outboard.. that is the motor in inside the boat.. with outboard drive... to see what condition the motor is  in.... gasoline check the oil to see if it is dirty or clean... on a diesel see how easily it starts.. that is all you can do...

Answer 2

I would shop around, get an idea and price range that you are willing to spend.

I will mention a few boat companies that remind me of higher-end pleasure boats..Crownline, Rienell, StingRay, Cobalt, Maxum, Mariah..etc...

Cars highway speeds are around 2,000 RPMS, a boat will cruise around 3500 RPMS-so the use factor will be a major role

Find a good mechanic, make sure you check the outdrive oil-if its milky its no-good, water has mixed with the oil which causes corrosion and it will need replacing.

Answer 3

You can ruin a Toyota or Lexus with neglect. With boats it is even easier. They are used harder under worse conditions. Look for signs of improper storage and sun cracking or rot. Depending on materials. Ten to one a boat that has been stored wrong has been mechanically maintained wrong. And keep in mind mechanical condition is the least of your worries with a boat. You can have a mechanically perfect boat and if it sinks your still in the water. I don't know what to tell you else. Except keep in the mind an old joke. It goes "a boat is just a hole in the water you pour money into."

Answer 4

Be very careful....we had a couple of boats down there and lotsa folk will try sell huricane damaged used ones,etc. You could start with  boattraderonline.com...tha has thousands to choose from only don't believe all you read or here test drive them and trust your own judgement Diesel is safer and longer range, go for fully self contained with a decent size cabin. Fiberglass. Often private purchase is best, you can see if theyv'e been kept immaculate and on a lift. All metal rusts very fast near the saltwater. Remember the only difference between used car sales people and boat salespeople is one lot sells water vessels the othe motor vehicles....but a lot of these folk will take you to the cleaners if they can.!

Answer 5

Buy yourself a grady white and it will be the last boat that you will ever buy. There is not a better boat anywhere. Ask someone that owns one.

Answer 6

can you find something please let me khow if you haave some good answes

Answer 7

y

Answer 8

Besides the brands the previous poster listed, I'd also recommend looking at Chaparral, Larsen, Glastron, Formula... If you're going to be staying on the boat overnight with your family, you'll probably want a cruiser style boat. They're definitely most accommodating to families. They have a bathroom, 1 or 2 cabins, a galley, etc. A walkaround style boat is good if you're a serious fisherman since they have all the fishing amenities, but the cabin usually only sleeps 1 or 2 people and doesn't have all the amenities of a cruiser.

Check out these sites:

http://www.boats.com

http://www.yachtworld.com

http://www.usedboats.com

http://www.boattrader.com

Answer 9

SeaRay

Boston Whaler

Grady White

Find a buddy who has a boat and pick their brain, maybe even take you out on the water.

How about renting a boat for a time, or joining a boat club for a short time. This could give you an idea of what you like, and what works for you.

Contact a broker, and let them know what you are looking for. As with all used car/boat salesman take them with a grain of salt, they always have an agenda which may not line up with your's.

Are you a proficient captain? Mix in a couple boating courses and time behind the wheel before you get too crazy out there.

Above all else................have fun.

Answer 10

Short answer:

     I could tell you to stop worrying, and look no further than:

                  S&S or (Sparkman & Stevens)

                  1845 Cordova Road, Suite 205

                  Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316

                  [e-mail]

But I am not going to do that.

Long answer with advice:

     There are many good boats and vessels of all kinds "out there"...  There are also many more bad ones - problem is... you can not exempt the good from the bad because of their Brand Name.

     Based on the fact that you are asking this question, tells me this is probably your first boat - if not your first, at least your first "big" boat.  And futhermore, you mention no price range, nor do you really mention what "type" ie: Sail or Power... I can "assume" power however since you mention both "fishing" and "cruiser"... as most people associate these terms with power boats.

Asking this question to a bunch of boaters can brew up a heated argument that would put the Clinton vs O'Bama debates to shame... Coke or Pepsi?  All real boaters can all be head and heart strong and determined in our own boat and boating opinions, and of course, we all believe we are right.  So... here is my advice, so you won't get caught up or fall victim to that trap.

1. First - (if you haven't already)  Determine what you want to spend... and remember to add in about 20% of the cost of a boat for annual loving care, annual maintaince, upkeep, etc...

2. I strongly suggest - that instead of looking for a particular make or model of boat, that has an "outstanding reputation" that you instead look for an individual "boat broker" with and outstanding reputation - and let him find you - your boat...

The reputation of course, will be a result of his years in the business... and his honesty and character as well as happy customers.  Be sure to get one that has a very close relationship with just 1, 2, maybe 3 "marine surveyors" and only uses them... (this way, you are assured of not only having a broker looking out after your interests, but you will get a surveyor too! (and in case you don't know - a Certified Boat Survey - is like an insurance policy on your boat... ie: if something breaks or busts, or falls off etc. that he hasn't warned you about... he is responsible for its repair.)

3. Once you have found the broker... spill your guts out. Let him know honestly and exactly what you can afford, and what you "must have" in a boat, as well as what you would "like to have". Then... leave him alone, and except for a weekly call offering to buy him lunch... (so he knows your interested and loyal to him as a customer) just let him do his thing.  

It may take awhile, but, he is the most likely person on the planet to get you a really good boat that is worth the money you pay for it.

NOTE: When I say a "broker"... I mean an independent self- employed "broker"... not a stupid salesman that works for "any" boat dealer of any kind... these are the guys you need to avoid... you can recognize them as they all carry hankerchiefs... if they are not wiping the sweat off their brow... they are wiping the saliva from drooling at the mere thought of making enough money to afford the vessel you are going to buy.

One last thought I think everyone should consider...

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