Advice for buying and owning a boat

[NonHyphenAmerican]

Wishing,
The Motor is a MAJOR percentage of the price of a boat.
The bigger the motor, the bigger the price.

For example, the Yamaha 90hp on my pontoon has an average retail price of $8,550 while a 150hp Yamaha has an average retail price of $11,970

So if you buy a boat for $6000 and the motor craps out on it, a new 50 hp motor to replace it would have an average retail price of $6,135 or basically the total cost of your used boat.

Oh, and the "Muffs" are available at WalMart.

[Wishing]

I hear ya. I would go used for a replacement motor. I should basically pay pennies for the thing if the motor doesn't go.

I wish I knew anyone good at this to drag with me! I have a fair idea what to look for on the boat itself.

[Wishing]

There was a big old dent in one of the pontoons and it's been uncovered for a year, so all the seats are really mildewed. They were not willing to negotiate at all.

There is one in Dallas I'm calling about now, at a boat dealership.

[Wishing]

It's this one.
http://www.dfwboats.com/site_page_306/i ... dex_1.html

Obviously the budget has gone up a little.

Does anyone see anything of potential concern? I offered $7,500, hoping they'll meet me at 8. But I think the list price is probably a fair price based on what I've seen.

The good thing is that if we agree on a price, the consigning agent will let us take it out on the lake.

On my (attainable) wish list for a boat this has almost every last thing. Leisure setup instead of fishing, the back sundeck(?)/changing station, and space in front outside the playpen! I really prefer the front for getting in and out of the water. CD player/mp3. Literally the only thing missing is a second bimini (Texas is brutal, y'all!) and that is probably the easiest thing of all to add.

I can not thank you all enough for your help thus far. You probably prevented me from making a mistake with the boat from the OP.

[Wishing]

Oh, does anyone know anything about pontoon slides like this? Basically, any reason we shouldn't get one? I suppose I should do a search and see if it's been discussed before.
http://www.amazon.com/Rave-00001-RAVE-P ... toon+slide

The 5 year old is trying to give us the hard sell.

[Wishing]

Small bump. I am hoping for a call back today from the consignment place. I've been going back through this forum, reading everything that looks informative or interesting (Boat ramp shenanigans was fun. Should be us pretty soon.) I've been around forums a long time but I don't think I've ever seen one where everyone is so across-the-board helpful.

[PlaynDoc]

If they don't say if they include a trailer, they probably don't, right? But most of them are sitting on one.

That '95 at the car lot seems like my best bet. I think the kids and I will drive down there tomorrow, with $6000 in my pocket. Or maybe under my seat because that's a rough part of town. Is there a crash course in looking at a motor anywhere on the internet? I realize there are no guarantees.

You are so nice to help me like this! I looked on boat trader but I was (am am still) worried that people won't accept so much less for such (generally) nice boats.

If you're buying a used boat/motor... I'd recommend, in the sales contract - or even better, before you spend the money... make sure you can take it to a marine mechanic for a look... get a 14 day return clause... IN WRITING... that says something like, "after marine mechanic inspection, if I'm not satisfied, I can return this item/boat/whatever, for full refund, within the next 14 days".... i'd spend $100 or so for the peace of mind that the motor seems to be ok... sure, the mechanic can't guarantee it, but.... he can sure find some 'wrong' things... if someone won't allow that.... run.

[jediger]

It's this one.
http://www.dfwboats.com/site_page_306/i ... dex_1.html

Obviously the budget has gone up a little.

Does anyone see anything of potential concern? I offered $7,500, hoping they'll meet me at 8. But I think the list price is probably a fair price based on what I've seen.

The good thing is that if we agree on a price, the consigning agent will let us take it out on the lake.

On my (attainable) wish list for a boat this has almost every last thing. Leisure setup instead of fishing, the back sundeck(?)/changing station, and space in front outside the playpen! I really prefer the front for getting in and out of the water. CD player/mp3. Literally the only thing missing is a second bimini (Texas is brutal, y'all!) and that is probably the easiest thing of all to add.

I can not thank you all enough for your help thus far. You probably prevented me from making a mistake with the boat from the OP.

I see from another thread that you did find a boat. That's awesome. I've been thinking about you and your family a lot in the last week or so. Is this the boat you ended up getting? Inquiring minds want to know. Well, actually we're just nosy and want to be able to celebrate with you!!!