NEED ADVICE

[huntertd]

I am going to be moving to Florida this summer and I want to buy a boat I can take fishing and my wife will like for a cruiser we can spend weekends on and dive from. I am trying to find the best combo of operating cost and comfort. I have owned sailboats and fishing boats, but never a power cruiser. Looking to spend under 30k. Inboard, stern drive, outboard??? Any help for the dummy dmsholding@earthlink.net

 

[Chris]

Welcome aboard Hunter - nice to have you with us.

Have you tried browsing sites like Boat Trader to see what's available at your price point?

-Chris

 

[huntertd]

Hi Chris:

Thanks for the reply. I can find plenty of boats in my price range, but I was more looking for knowledge about operating costs, inboard vs. outboard - how large a boat can be trailered in Florida without a permit? Sea Ray vs. Bayliner or other cruiser. How well the take the rough water. etc.

 

[Chris]

Hi Chris:

Thanks for the reply. I can find plenty of boats in my price range, but I was more looking for knowledge about operating costs, inboard vs. outboard - how large a boat can be trailered in Florida without a permit? Sea Ray vs. Bayliner or other cruiser. How well the take the rough water. etc.

There are so many choices involved, it's almost hard to answer without narrowing things down.

Outboards have their advantages as do I/O's. It really depends on what your priorities are. Sea Ray is probably a better brand of boat overall versus Bayliner, but in the end they're both owned by Brunswick.

One important starting question will be, do you plan to use this boat in Salt Water or just Fresh?

-Chris

 

[huntertd]

Hi Chris:

Thanks again. I mostly will use the boat in salt water. diving and fishing mostly. I want something I can haul out and trailer. I am not aware of the Florida laws about towing,, ie. width without permit.

Thanks,

 

[Chris]

If you're going to use it this boat in salt, then you'll want to look out for an outboard that is set up for salt water. Most of the manufacturers have ocean and saltwater models that use parts that are more corrosion resistent.

If you're going I/O, you'll most likely want to look for a boat with a closed cooling system that is set up for ocean use.

Keep in mind that boats used in salt water generally depreciate faster than ones only used in fresh water. So if you're buying one used, salt water models are generally cheaper and if you use a boat in salt, it will be worth less if and when you decide to sell.

As far as the trailering rules go, unfortunately, I don't live in Florida so really just can't help out in that regard.

-Chris