My newbie boating plan

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emmetth

New member
New member here so wanted to say hi and hopefully get some feedback on my boating plan.

To start off let me say that I have very little experience with boats and have never owned one. I just had the impressions that boats where just for fishing, water skiing or really rich people. I'm not interested in fishing since I don't eat fish. Water skiing and zooming around in circles on a lake just isn't my back of tea and I'm in no danger of becoming rich :)

Things changes when I stumbled over the great loop trips people are doing. I read through some blogs of people that where doing it in 30+ trawlers and thought that was really cool but it just seemed out of reach financially for me. I then stumbled onto the Halcyon Days blog it was like a shot out of the blue. This is really something I can do... this is something I want to... this is something I will do... when i retire in 10-15 years :(

So now I'm trying to figure out what to do pre-retirement. I live in Bronxville, NY which is in Westchester just north of NYC (45 minutes by train). I work in the city and and spend really all my time in the city. My general joke is that I live in NYC and sleep in Bronxville. My girlfriend lives in Weehawken NJ which on the cliffs right above the Hudson as well.

I bought a waterways guide for the northeast the other days and seems like I've got a lot of places to explore for during the weekends. It looks like I've got easy access to Hudson river, Long Island Sound, South side of Long Island (inside barrier islands), NY/CT coast going north and NJ coast going south. That seems like it could keep me busy for a while.

Now before I get a boat I have to figure out where to park it. I live in an apartment building so I don't have anywhere to put it. Plus I don't even have a car - I just don't have a need for one. This also means that I'm limited to marinas that I can get to via public transportation from the city.

I'm just started checking out marinas. The ones near the city on the Hudson river are at $2500-$3000 or about $200-300 a month. I may be in a position of being able to afford the boat itself but not a place to keep it. Can I buy a boat without a trailer? If I did and I needed one later could I just load the boat on a standard u-haul trailer or does each boat need its own special rig?

I'm also assuming I would need bottom paint if I keep it in the water all year which is another expense.

Assuming I can find a place for the boat that I can afford the next question is what boat should I get.

Here are things that are important to me

1) Fuel efficient boat. Top speed is not important to me - MPG is.
2) I want to be able to sleep on the boat. This would just be one nighters for the most part.
3) Small boat - smaller board = smaller slips fees
4) budget of $15000-30000

Here are things that are not important to me

1) Fishing
2) Going out in the open ocean or out of sight of land
3) Water skiing, wake boarding, going fast
4) Cooking on board (at this time)
5) Multi week cruises (at this time)

At this point a late model used c-dory 16 cruiser is a the top of the list. Second on the list would be an late model used Arima 17 Ranger. The main difference seems to be soft-top vs hard-top. I like how the c-dory looks but the arima is less expensive. Typically I'd just be operating in nice weather so am wondering whether the hardtop option might be too stuffy or hot during the summer. I can see being out on the water till october/november if its 50 degress out. I hate cold weather so would just not go out once it gets into the 40s.

Those are the only two boats I know of that seem to fit what I'm looking for. I saw a bunch of boats in the UK, Ireland, Australia that I liked but almost all the US boats seem to have 200-300hp motors rather than the 60-90hp that I would like for fuel efficiency. I believe this is because gas is much more expensive in other countries.

If there are other boats I should be looking at as well please let me know.

I also thought about just about just getting a c-dory 22 as that just seems to be the ideal boat for me long-term. I'm leaning towards the c-dory 16 cruiser because I feel that when its time to retire and do the loop I'll have to refurbish it anyway. My thinking is that I get a c-dory 16 cruiser now as a training boat. I'll use it and abuse it and make all the beginner mistakes on the cheaper boat and when I retire will sell it and upgrade to a new shiny c-dory 22. Or maybe I do all this and then learn that boating isn't for me and I get all cheaply.

Anyway that's the gist of my plan. I'm still actively doing a lot of research to figure out all the details but the plans seems to be fairly solid. The biggest stumbling block will where to put the boat if I can get that linked my goal is to have a boat ready for 2011. I think it's a little too late for anything to happen this year planning wise.

As I said I'm absolutely new to this so feedback, criticisms or comments on this would help me out a lot.

Wow that was a long post - thanks for listening.
 
emmetth, do not rule out a bigger boat at this time. A CD 22 Cruiser or angler is sweet... It is quite nice to get inside and turn on the heater when it is cold and rainy outside.

I had an Arima 17 Ranger, and where it was good for fishing (two people), it is not a boat that I would choose to cruise. I don't think it tracked well at low speeds.

Another boat that I would like to toss in for consideration is the Ranger 21EC tug.

Good luck in your search!

Regards,

Steve
 
Wandering Sagebrush":3qqn1vvz said:
Another boat that I would like to toss in for consideration is the Ranger 21EC tug.
Click to expand...

I concur -- I think you would be much happier with it than with a 16, for the uses you have indicated. And you will have efficiency the likes of which you cannot imagine! Those things' fuel consumption is measured in quarts per hour...

Warren
 
Welcome Emmetth,
When you discovered Halcyon Days you were infected with what is affectionaly known around my house a Ell..itis.

I was exposed a few years back and I can attest to the fact that there is only one cure.....and your on you way to finding it based on your post.

Understanding your excitement and your desire to get on with the plan let me suggest you take a deep breath...and consider a few other choices you have available to you.

Boat owernship cost much more then the sticker price you pay upfront. And with your limitations in lack of tow rig, trailer and real estate to park her on and lack of any other boating experience please consider a boat club.

Boat Clubs allow membership on an annual basis, with a fleet of different type and size boats available to it's members at a very affordable price. They take care of the maintaiance , repairs and storing of the boat...you just call them up...make reserve a boat for a given time frame and show up with cooler and sunscreen and sun shades.

This will allow you to get the time on the water to learn a lot of the basics and takes the hardship of ownership out of the picture right now.

I just Googled boat clubs in nyc area and you have several to pick from...here is one to check out:

http://myfreedomboatclubny.com/?_vsrefdom=g1&gclid=CLq94JTutaACFclg2god1yt8Tw

Fair Winds
 
emmetth, welcome to the forum.
Bypass incrementalism, go straight to the 22 Cruiser even if your finances will delay purchase for a couple years.
Dunno how much time you have spent browsing the site but most of your questions have been answered and many more have been asked.
 
emmetth,

Welcome to the C-Brat, pocket cruising, and the eternal dilemma. Enjoy.

Like milehog said,

"Bypass incrementalism, go straight to the 22 Cruiser even if your finances will delay purchase for a couple years.
Dunno how much time you have spent browsing the site but most of your questions have been answered and many more have been asked."
Click to expand...


The 22 Cruiser is like the VW Bus or the military version of the Jeep. It will do it for you, but your situation may be a bit unique, storage and towing access, but it's not like they have never been done before. You are starting off right. Dream, study, plan and save, and then when the time is right go for it. Mean time, the boat club sounds like a viable option, also a partnership, and by all means make a point to get to a CBGT and really see the boats.

Again, enjoy,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
when you are looking around at marines, look for dry stack storage. Better then keeping your boat in the water and removes the need for bottom paint.
 
emmetth,
You do have some great cruising water nearby. The Hudson offers many interesting destinations as does Long Island Sound. IMO a prerequisite for a long cruise like the great loop is thorough knowledge of the vessel. This includes the location of all elements that may need repair or maintenance including items that are currently okay but suspect. Finding repair services while cruising in unfamiliar water adds significant downtime and an unsatisfactory level of dependence to a trip. Better to know your boat and be prepared to make your own repairs. The longer we own a boat the better we know it's current state of affairs and repairs. Cruising time is precious and represents a minority of ownership days. To maximize those cruising days purchase the boat now that you think you are going to cruise aboard, learn the boat and how to manage the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the vessel.
Mike "Levity"
 
Emmm,
I think you need to plan for a ride on a 22' Cruiser. Right here on this site you need to ask for someone to take you and your girl friend for a little trip to get your feet wet. As mentioned a place with rack storage might be a great option for you. You could keep the boat in Jersey and probably save a little if you go south oof the New York metro area. This would still allow you to travel to the boat by train. I would also think about taking some boating courses starting with a safe boating course offered by the Coast Guard Auxillary and others. This site offers all the help you will need. If you wanted vacation to the Pacific northwest I'm sure there are C-Brats from there who would offer to take you on your first trip aboard a C-Dory. That goes for almost anywhere in the country. You have landed in a good spot. Good luck on following your dreams. In your spare time cruise the photo albums. They are a trip in themselves.
D.D.
 
I agree, you can find a good used C Dory 22 within your budget. It will hold its value and if you want to repower, upgrade to a 25 or even go to a bigger boat later, you will have lost little if any money. The larger 22 is a much more capable boat for overnighting, and much more secure--which is an issue in your area! The 16 is a great little boat, but mostly for day use.

I have done a little cruising in your waters, and the 22 is ideal. I purchased a C Dory 25 at Liberity Landing in New Jersey--they do have slips for the summer and dry storage for the winter on blocks in their yard. I don't know the charges there, but they were good to work with when I bought the boat. I bought a trailer in Florida, and they loaded the boat onto my trailer with their fork lift. There may be cheaper marinas further out from the city--but Liberty Landing is very close to public transprotation. You might find other marinas in NJ or even on Long Island in close proximity to transport. (I was cruising on a 62 foot motorsailor in that area, and was able to anchor and dinghy ashore to marinas on LI and walk easily to take a train to NY.

The 22 and 16 will be similar in ease to handle, and you need to take a power squadren or Coast Guard Auxillary course anyway to learn boat handling. Certainly the clubs are another option, but in the long run, it is probably as cheap to own your own boat, if you use it often.

Of course, we all think that C Dories are the "best" boat for anything, but I think you will be most happy with a 22! The older boats are just as good as newer ones; just have the engines checked out well. Tough to find a boat with better fuel economy and resale value!
 
Emmeth- I agree on on avoiding incra-itis if you can. Being a newbe myself, we bought three boats in three years.

As to not having a car or trailer, not a problem. Check out marinas on NY side of Hudson and north shore of Long Island Sound. Both areas are serviced by trains out of NYC and most marinas would probably be a short cab ride from the train station. The would be cheaper than local marinas. Look as far as your willing to commute.

If you have picked up the Halcyon bug, you'll find a way to do it. Good luck and enjoy the search .

For those of us who are presently boatless, we live thru this site and the accounts posted by fellow C-Brats. I hope to hear about yours. :thup

Allan
 
Welcome aboard Emmetth,

"The Dream" has to start somewhere. If you want advice about C-Dorys, you've come to the best source. Lots of good suggestions regarding which boat to buy. Keep in mind that the 22 is the most popular C-Dory model, and human nature being what it is, owners will generally recommend the model they have.

From you immediate wants and future needs, it sounds like an enclosed cabin would suit you best. Like you, I don't like to be cold. Our C-Dory has provided plenty of comfort in all kinds of weather. Of course, the addition of a Wallas stove/heater makes a world of difference. The smaller boats, 16 and 19, don't have a solid aft cabin bulkhead; this makes a difference in comfort, sound, and security. Even though your immediate plans are for occasional one night over-nighters, with your long range plans of doing the Loop, you will be extended living on the boat.

You could start small and work up or just go to the size that will suit you best right from the get-go. Your budget, your plan. Once you start using the boat, you will find more ways TO use the boat. In the meantime, having a "cabin on the water" may change your life.

While the trailerability of these boats is one of the major advantages, having a trailer isn't a necessity. It does give you many more options, but a tow vehicle is necessary. When we cruised in your area last summer, we passed many marinas on the Hudson... and saw plenty of trains passing near those marinas. Sounds like it's time to do some homework and visit some of those marinas to check out the costs and see if a slip is available (some have waiting lists). Armed with exact costs, you will know better how much you can spend on the boat itself. Then the real fun begins... shopping for the right boat.

You will hear this phrase frequently: all boats are a compromise. Well, sure. But basically, bigger costs more and gives you more comfort. Three extra feet in a boat makes a very significant difference, considering the additional volume gained with additional beam. You will also hear: buy small, buy now, and go. I think it's better to buy the best boat for the way you will use it. Too small and you will feel cramped and be less willing to head out; too big and you may feel overwhelmed and over-spent. You can walk the docks and ask others how they use their boats, but each situation is unique.

Besides visiting dealers, brokers, boat shows, and walking docks, I'd recommend that you find the nearest US Power Squadron or Coast Guard Aux and find out what kind of classes are available. You will learn a lot about running a boat, and will meet lots of new people who have boats... good contacts as you begin your search for "the right boat."

Most people buy a boat, THEN realize how much they don't know about boating. Going into the process with some education is a much smarter way to go.

Lots of decisions, lots to learn. But, it's a wonderful process that (if you're one of us fortunate ones) will change your life. Good luck on your journey through this process. This forum is a great place to start.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
starcrafttom":2fkd8het said:
when you are looking around at marines, look for dry stack storage. Better then keeping your boat in the water and removes the need for bottom paint.
Click to expand...

I never met a Marine who could tolerate dry stack storage for more than a week in transit, Tom. Store 'em for two weeks and they need re-training. By the third week they're get so ripe even us Submariners could only stand to be around them for more than a few minutes, but yer right, they don't need bottom paint. They got all that face paint. Too bad it doesn't contain Right Guard...

:mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Don

ETCM(SS) USN Ret. DBF
 
emmetth,

We live in Connecticut and launch our boat in Long Island Sound around Stratford, or even closer to NYC. If you can catch a train up the coast, we can offer you a ride this spring or summer. That way, you can check out a 22' cruiser, and see some of the marinas in the area. We'd be glad to show you the sights. Long Island north shore also has some great marinas and boating that is accessable by train. Maybe a place to start. Let me know if you are interested.

Dun
 
when you are looking around at marines, look for dry stack storage. Better then keeping your boat in the water and removes the need for bottom paint.
Click to expand...

And on the front of the building it will say "Can of whip-ass. open in case of war only. No navy personal should be present"
 
Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendation I really appreciate the help. CTYankee I'll pm you about your kind offer on the c-dory ride.

I'm going to start checking the Marina's outside the NYC metro area that are accessible by public transportation. I'm hoping that as the distance from NYC increases the marina prices will decrease.

I'm also going to check out the Power Squadron and CG auxiliary to schedule some classes.

After reading through everything I'm leaning toward the c-dory 22. I'm not in a hurry and am looking at a purchase next year so am hoping that I can just patiently wait for a great deal to come along.

I checked out the freedom boat club and a few others in the area. It just isn't comfortable for me. I'm a firm believe of living within ones means. If it turns out I can't afford a boat now so be it. It just feels too much like buying on easy cheap credit which in the long term is never easy nor cheap.

I like the ranger tugs but for now will be operating on a schedule during my trips for the most part. I expect to putter around for the most part but the extra speed will come in handy when the unexpected happens.

Thanks again for all the help. I'll probably have some additional questions as I learn more.
 
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