Age of a Motor

[hickslawns]

Hand me $5000. Go rent a boat when you need it. You'll be money ahead. Follow me for more "how to increase Phil's retirement account tips."

Good luck. Sounds like good input. I don't know squat about boats, but I'm curious what they do on interest rates. Sales manager at local Ford dealer told my wife the best he could do was 6.5-7% on a like new (but used) Bronco. Not sure if he could do better on new or not.

@Bigcountry40 Greasy Chuck.

 

[TinyTucky]

@Bigcountry40 I haven’t gotten that ad yet, i will definitely take a look. Pretty much what I’ve been looking at.

@giles not A forever boat. I anticipate 5ish years then I may be looking into something a little bigger/ family oriented as the wife has plans for kids (she hasn’t sold me on that yet). The “upgrade” down the road will likely be along the lines of a Fish-N-Ski that can handle more than just my fat ass, a buddy and my dog.

@hickslawns I have yet to hear back from the bank, but I would have to assume there’s a good variance in rates between new and used. I will definitely be shopping around for the best deal. My employers credit union runs a week long special in May, 2.99% on all new purchase rec vehicle (boats included) purchases. I do know that boat loans get stretched out a crazy length of time, i think standard is 10 years, and some places will do a 20 year- which is insane to me, but thats how people can afford $100k bass boats i guess.

 

[hickslawns]

I figured a credit union or even just a local bank could beat the dealer on a year old vehicle. I like your thinking of it is a boat to serve needs "for now." Find the used one someone took the depreciation hit on. See secure best local interest rate. Run the math of new versus old. If you pay 6-8% and it cost an extra $500-1000 over the course of a loan, I am guessing that is less of a hit than buying new. I don't know boats, but I can swing a calculator.

Have patience. People dump their luxury items first when things get tight. Campers, hot rods, motorcycles, boats, snow mobiles. . . Happens all the time.

 

[giles]

Buy a beater that you can turn into a duck blind. Power it with whatever will help you learn about your forever plan. Money is easier spent before kids. Adventures are made with junk, old used up shit. Live that and bank your money for the real purchase.

The old man out on a boat with 40 year old parts and a couple of hand tools. He's doing it because he knows his equipment. Not that any of it can be trusted, but because he trust that he can get himself back. Those are the lessons worth learning before a kid is involved.

 

[Jackalope]

The only advice I have is don't go big on your first one. Get one that'll suit you just fine then later if you want a bigger one go get it. I was originally looking in the 27-foot range. I'm thankful all the time I went with a 19.5. Easy to store, trailer, and launch and doesn't suck fuel like a big 27 would.

No matter what you go with get it inspected. I forget the agency maybe BoatUS has a list of certified inspectors. Well worth the $300 or so.

As for motors. I don't think it matters. It's a boat motor and they all eventually have problems, even the new ones. Just go read reviews on the new yamaha or mercury motors and you'll see. As for me, I like an older two stroke. The main reason is that I can work on them and it doesn't take a $4,000 diagnostic computer to figure out what's going on with it like the newer motors that are almost completely computer-controlled. Mine is a 2000 Mercury 2 stroke EFI. If something is wrong, it's either air, fuel or spark. I would be lying if I told you I haven't been towed in. Every boater has. But I was quickly able to locate the problem and fix it. Parts are also very available and reasonably priced compared to newer models. AKA it's not sitting at the dealer waiting on 2k in parts that are in national backorder. I'm not worried about needing a tow. SeaTow here is like $170 a year, all I would have to do is pick up the radio and key the mike.

I just ran out and fired mine up after 5-6 months.

 

[Jackalope]

I had to run out and try my other one. This one surprised the heck out if me. I guess it shouldn't though because I completely rebuilt the spark and fuel system last year after it sat in my dads shed for 20 years. I did the, fuel pump fuel lines, rebuilt the carb, new plugs and wires and points, point arms, condensers etc. pretty much all of it. . I'm sure using non-ethanol gas, quality 2 stroke oil and always pulling the fuel line at the ramp to let it run the float bowl dry helps too.

Ignore my breathing like a fat cow the pine pollen is dropping and I'm a stuffed up mouth breather.

 

[TinyTucky]

@Jackalope beautiful! I’m just imagining the wonderful smell of 2-stroke now. I’m not sure if this makes my decision any easier. I appreciate everyone’s input, thanks guys.

 

[Fletch]

Did a quick search of boats by me... Here's a nice StarCraft for sale.. looks well kept...

north jersey boats - by owner - craigslist

north jersey boats - by owner - craigslist

newjersey.craigslist.org