Small learning boat suggestions
- Thread starter willhave1day
- Start date
Otter-BelleHavenMarina
Moderator
I loved reading this book, the Outboard Boater's Handbook: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007023 ... 4?n=283155
when I was looking around and thinking about getting a boat bigger than a kayak. (I believe one of our C-Brats actually contributed an article to this book.) It conveys a spirit along the lines of your discussions with your wife -- that is, that one can get into boating with a modest, inexpensive boat and have a heck of a lot of fun with it. It talks about different types of hulls and styles, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
I recommend it. Good luck!
when I was looking around and thinking about getting a boat bigger than a kayak. (I believe one of our C-Brats actually contributed an article to this book.) It conveys a spirit along the lines of your discussions with your wife -- that is, that one can get into boating with a modest, inexpensive boat and have a heck of a lot of fun with it. It talks about different types of hulls and styles, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
I recommend it. Good luck!
Pat Anderson, I was wondering why you suggested not using Boat Trader? I can understand not going thru a dealer, but I thought that many listings on boat trader were private party.
I'll have to admit I have never used Craig's list, but have purchased some boats I have found on Boat trader.
Regards,
I'll have to admit I have never used Craig's list, but have purchased some boats I have found on Boat trader.
Regards,
Pat Anderson
New member
Boat Trader is probably fine, I don't mean to imply there is anything wrong with using it...in this neck of the woods (and quite a few others) though, craigslist.com is THE way to go to find the most and the best private party "for sale" offerings quickly and conveniently. The listing is free to the seller, and you will see a LOT of offerings that would not make it into a paid commercial listing like Boat Trader. On almost any given day, SOMEBODY has just listed whatever it is you are looking for.... I have also used it to solve what I considered a disposal problem - on any given day, somebody WANTS that junk you were about to haul to the dump, and will come and get it and say "thank you"! It is uncanny!
[On edit - thought I would see what might turn up on craigslist today for "C-Dory" - how about a 1990 16' Angler with a 40 hp Johnson and an 8 hp kicker, on a trailer, for $11,500? Somebody should JUMP on this one! Victor in Redmond sold his 1985 22' Angler with a 2005 90 hp E-Tec with kicker, listed August 18, but is taking back-up offers!]
[On edit - thought I would see what might turn up on craigslist today for "C-Dory" - how about a 1990 16' Angler with a 40 hp Johnson and an 8 hp kicker, on a trailer, for $11,500? Somebody should JUMP on this one! Victor in Redmond sold his 1985 22' Angler with a 2005 90 hp E-Tec with kicker, listed August 18, but is taking back-up offers!]
thataway":1hd1sfrk said:
Pat Anderson":a78wuxgf said:
Not only boats, LNP. My truck tires were tired (2001 originals) and I found 4 new takeoff tires from an 06 Silverado Duramax that included the new deluxe ($271 each) alloy wheels for $500 total, and the seller even mounted them for me. Yes, I saw the truck they were removed from, so they hadn't "just fallen off a truck".... Did have to drive 30 miles to get 'em though.
Don
willhave1day
New member
Yes craigslist!! Beware people who want you to drive your free junk to them (could you bring that free TV to me in Renton?? HECK NO it's FREE for &*$#^@ come and get it!).
I can't even remember how I operated 10-15 years ago now because of the internet. I don't remember how to read a thomas guide, don't know the way to the dumps any more; and surely don't waste gas driving 100 different places comparison shopping to save 50 cents, and know my local UPS delivery person intimately now
I can't even remember how I operated 10-15 years ago now because of the internet. I don't remember how to read a thomas guide, don't know the way to the dumps any more; and surely don't waste gas driving 100 different places comparison shopping to save 50 cents, and know my local UPS delivery person intimately now
Ron Bennie
New member
Here's another angle on this discussion...I have been boating this season with a 17' runabout I inherited. While I'm happy to be on the water again after selling my 22' sailboat, both my wife and I realize the best part about boating for us is the cruising aspect... overnighting, preparing meals onboard, anchoring in a quiet spot and watching the sun go down, hearing the rain at night, breakfast the next morning, reading a book in a comfy berth...you get the picture. We want to expose our kids to this lifestyle and continue enjoying something we cherish thinking about all year and are trying to make do with a boat that really is intended for a pleasant days fishing or waterskiing.
Having this boat is a much different experience. I find myself avoiding using it on weekends when I know the launch ramp will be at its busiest. Having a port-a-potti (wife and kids) on board with no privacy from other boaters is getting old really fast. There isn't as much protection from the rain or sun as we'd like and I really find anchoring awkward without there being any provision for it on the boat. I used to enjoy having a dinghy to use for exploring but that stays home now. These day trips we're doing are actually more expensive than before with our sailboat because we do the round-trip every day we're out on the water. I think we're using the boat less than we have time for because of this. With a cruising boat we'd be there in an hour and spend a few days and then spend an hour coming home.
I've whined and taken the long route in saying this boat is a disppointing compromise. I'm going to have to put money into it if I keep it which will delay our C-dory future even further. I'm not quite sure if I've done the right thing taking this boat into our lives.
Ron B.
Having this boat is a much different experience. I find myself avoiding using it on weekends when I know the launch ramp will be at its busiest. Having a port-a-potti (wife and kids) on board with no privacy from other boaters is getting old really fast. There isn't as much protection from the rain or sun as we'd like and I really find anchoring awkward without there being any provision for it on the boat. I used to enjoy having a dinghy to use for exploring but that stays home now. These day trips we're doing are actually more expensive than before with our sailboat because we do the round-trip every day we're out on the water. I think we're using the boat less than we have time for because of this. With a cruising boat we'd be there in an hour and spend a few days and then spend an hour coming home.
I've whined and taken the long route in saying this boat is a disppointing compromise. I'm going to have to put money into it if I keep it which will delay our C-dory future even further. I'm not quite sure if I've done the right thing taking this boat into our lives.
Ron B.
Pat Anderson
New member
Ron - sell that sucker fast and buy this guy for $11,500 (USD of course). Honestly, I don't know why it hasn't been snapped up overnight. Of course, I don't know anything about the condition of the outboards, but it is sure worth a look.
Just search seattle.craigslist.org in the "boats" category for C-Dory, and you will find it. Not sure is there is a calgary.craigslist.org, but you'd enjoy the drive out here anyway!
Just search seattle.craigslist.org in the "boats" category for C-Dory, and you will find it. Not sure is there is a calgary.craigslist.org, but you'd enjoy the drive out here anyway!
Ron Bennie":yhowgq63 said:
Or... look for that used CD25....as a long range "investment"...get the boat you really want to have... and write it off as a second home... and go boating!!!! Look at what you really spend when you buy a boat...particuarly one that you know you do not really want...just to have a boat...spend money on it to fix it up a bit....or which most of that money you will never get back... Do the math for the long run. Just go boating.
Ron Bennie
New member
I don't mean to steal this thread but I appreciate the suggestions. Pat, we do have Craigslist.com in Canada and I've been using it since I heard about it from your post...fabulous resourse I wouldn't have know of otherwise. We've had a discussion previously about making a CD22 work for 4 and I pretty much realized that the CD25 is the most comfortable way to go. I can imagine that the 22 could be made to work especially after seeing that amazing couch/double bed conversion. But the 16...the price is right but I'm 6'2'' and my kids are growing like weeds and we're tripping all over each other already on this 17 footer.
It's crappy that we don't have that "second home/ write off the interest" deal here in Canada. But my thinking does run alone what Brydman says and in a few years I think we can start making it happen. Hopefully the Livingstons will keep stalling on the C-Ranger production schedule and the used C25s will keep being delayed from hitting the market too soon for us and guys like "willhave1day"...LOL.
Meanwhile, I SWEAR NEVER to sell a boat again without the replacement in the driveway. I was high and dry for 3 years and that's the worse case scenario. At least I have a boat that isn't costing me much, it's running like a dream and I can tow it with my Highlander. Everything in it's own time, we just need more money...
Ron B.
It's crappy that we don't have that "second home/ write off the interest" deal here in Canada. But my thinking does run alone what Brydman says and in a few years I think we can start making it happen. Hopefully the Livingstons will keep stalling on the C-Ranger production schedule and the used C25s will keep being delayed from hitting the market too soon for us and guys like "willhave1day"...LOL.
Meanwhile, I SWEAR NEVER to sell a boat again without the replacement in the driveway. I was high and dry for 3 years and that's the worse case scenario. At least I have a boat that isn't costing me much, it's running like a dream and I can tow it with my Highlander. Everything in it's own time, we just need more money...
Ron B.
willhave1day
New member
Ron Bennie":3n7z42ep said:
I saw the Andersons were kicking the C-Ranger around and if they do I'll probably be camping in their front yard chomping at the bit for their 25 :smilep
AMEN!RonBennie":3n7z42ep said:
If I can talk my mom and dad into moving up from the bay area sooner we can pool our resources and mom will be happy on the C-Dory while Dad and I sail his Lido around.
Ron Bennie
New member
Hey wannabe! It is actually possible to pester someone into selling their boat. I know because I've done it before. Karma caught up with me though, and the whole hull blistered after the second season, so it's not a method I recommend.
R.B.
R.B.
Ron Bennie
New member
Dave: That's a very tidy solution...and I like how I end up with the C-Dory...
R.B.
R.B.
Squarehead
New member
My "other boat" is a 98 Larson 180 SEI bowrider - great boat! 18' L with an 8' beam, tons of room & rated for 8 ppl. It's the sport layout with 2 swivel buckets and a nice wide bench seat aft which easily seats 3, 4 if you're well acquainted =). It's an I/O and the one I have came with a 305 V8...pretty funny watching the look on "fast boat" guys' faces when I either keep up with or pass em at 60 mph 
At any rate, they're a good boat with good hardware. Only gripe I've had was some of the accent vinyl is silver & oxidized over the years. Other than that, I'd say you could find one of that year range in your budget - they also made em with 6's, 4's & Outboards.
At any rate, they're a good boat with good hardware. Only gripe I've had was some of the accent vinyl is silver & oxidized over the years. Other than that, I'd say you could find one of that year range in your budget - they also made em with 6's, 4's & Outboards.