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Am really interested in wanting to get into boating. I live in Central CA and there are several bodies of suitable water all within a 90 min drive of me (e.g. Kings River, Lake Kaweah, Lake Success, Pine Flat, etc.)
Now I'll be the first to admit that I have no real boating experience to speak of save for having rented lake "party boats" a handful of times. So I know I need to start somewhere and that's why I'm turning to here for some tips and guidance.
I don't want anything super big or super fancy. In fact, I really, REALLY had my eye on a Sea-Doo Speedster 150. That is, until I found out that Bomb-A-Deer exited that sector. It was what I thought perfect for someone like me who wants something more than just a jet ski, but doesn't want or need a huge 20+ footer. It was a boat-even if in miniature. It is just the wife and I (no children) and maybe a couple friends at a time. Preliminary research I did on the vessel suggested that it wasn't all that difficult or expensive to maintain. And it was in my price range. The wife should be able to tow it with her CRV. We'd only need to have a hitch installed.
Now with that no longer being an option, what can you suggest that might be comparable? I'm still scouring the local online ads such as Craigslist and BoatTrader but am reluctant to make a move because I'm concerned about the availability of spare parts. Something similar in size, shape, performance, and yes: must be a jet. I won't even consider buying anything with a propeller.
Now I think I've done my homework and tried to think this through. I know that I can't just look at the initial purchase price of the boat; there'd be luxury taxes, insurance, registration, etc to look at. I'd also need to concrete the side of my house (something I'm wanting to do anyway) and buy or build a canopy for it so it's not exposed to the elements. What else should I know? Again, this is why I'm asking.
Would a good used one-if I can find one-still be a fair and reasonable option and will parts still be around for the forseeable future? Or should I look at something different? If so, what is in that class that would be affordable (my budget is up to 25k), reliable, easy and inexpensive to operate and maintain, and so forth?
I turn 40 in a couple months. Is this still a worthwhile venture (I really dig water sports and want to get more into them) or should I just chalk it up as a pipe dream and go out and buy a sports car and/or find a 25 year old girlfriend instead?
Get a small outboard powered Boston Whaler type boat if you must own. I think it would cost less overall to rent a boat for a few times so you can learn what you want before spending the money for a boat, trailer, motor and car to tow the rig.
Location: Finally escaped The People's Republic of California
11,306 posts, read 8,652,146 times
Reputation: 6391
Sounds like your looking for a runabout...
One question though, why a jet? Props are more efficient.
If you get an I/O with a mercruiser (Mercury) outdrive, you will most likely end up with a Chevrolet engine.. ( Parts forever)
Insurance is less that 300 a year, registration is $10.00 every 2 years, you also have to register the trailer. Ca. Has permenent trailer license but you still pay around 60 every 5 years...
Please learn how to back a trailer before going to the ramp, and have your boat ready when you get in line to launch...
Am really interested in wanting to get into boating. I live in Central CA and there are several bodies of suitable water all within a 90 min drive of me (e.g. Kings River, Lake Kaweah, Lake Success, Pine Flat, etc.)
Now I'll be the first to admit that I have no real boating experience to speak of save for having rented lake "party boats" a handful of times. So I know I need to start somewhere and that's why I'm turning to here for some tips and guidance.
I don't want anything super big or super fancy. In fact, I really, REALLY had my eye on a Sea-Doo Speedster 150. That is, until I found out that Bomb-A-Deer exited that sector. It was what I thought perfect for someone like me who wants something more than just a jet ski, but doesn't want or need a huge 20+ footer. It was a boat-even if in miniature. It is just the wife and I (no children) and maybe a couple friends at a time. Preliminary research I did on the vessel suggested that it wasn't all that difficult or expensive to maintain. And it was in my price range. The wife should be able to tow it with her CRV. We'd only need to have a hitch installed.
Now with that no longer being an option, what can you suggest that might be comparable? I'm still scouring the local online ads such as Craigslist and BoatTrader but am reluctant to make a move because I'm concerned about the availability of spare parts. Something similar in size, shape, performance, and yes: must be a jet. I won't even consider buying anything with a propeller.
Now I think I've done my homework and tried to think this through. I know that I can't just look at the initial purchase price of the boat; there'd be luxury taxes, insurance, registration, etc to look at. I'd also need to concrete the side of my house (something I'm wanting to do anyway) and buy or build a canopy for it so it's not exposed to the elements. What else should I know? Again, this is why I'm asking.
Would a good used one-if I can find one-still be a fair and reasonable option and will parts still be around for the forseeable future? Or should I look at something different? If so, what is in that class that would be affordable (my budget is up to 25k), reliable, easy and inexpensive to operate and maintain, and so forth?
I turn 40 in a couple months. Is this still a worthwhile venture (I really dig water sports and want to get more into them) or should I just chalk it up as a pipe dream and go out and buy a sports car and/or find a 25 year old girlfriend instead?
Sounds like your looking for a runabout...
One question though, why a jet? Props are more efficient.
If you get an I/O with a mercruiser (Mercury) outdrive, you will most likely end up with a Chevrolet engine.. ( Parts forever)
^This. My dad had three boats, always with a Mercruiser I/O. We traveled a lot all over the midwest and south with it. Anytime he needed parts, it didn't matter which backwoods town we were in, he found them within a day or two.
The reasons I prefer jet versus prop are 1) a jet can ride in more shallow water. I've heard that the -150 I wanted can run at speed in as little as five feet of water. Not sure how true or not that particular stat is, but regardless. I like the ability to coast up to shore without risking damage to the prop. 2) props scare me. even if you are trying to be careful, you even brush up against it such as when diving off the back end, you can really carve yourself up good. And 3) simple personal preference.
Several people have suggested renting and part of me tends to agree. But still, I'd like to still consider buying something.
Location: Finally escaped The People's Republic of California
11,306 posts, read 8,652,146 times
Reputation: 6391
5 ft is pretty deep, I run the California Delta at depths of 2 ft with a prop on my bassboats all the time with no worries...
But as you say personal preference..
Might be harder to find a runabout with a jet outdrive though...
I'd buy a used boat to start with, keep it a few years and if you find you use it enough to justify buying a new one go for it.. You can get a decent used runabout for around 5K..
25K will buy you a new entry level runabout...
My boat goes out 30 times a year or more, so some people do use them..
The jet preference throws me for a loop. I would really re-consider this requirement. This will open up many more possibilities for used boats.
Besides the drag race type jet boats, Yamahas and Sea-doos are the only ones I'm familiar with. They're all pretty much the same IMO. The shallow water advantage is a non issue unless you plan on running rocky shallow rivers (not advisable in a fiberglass boat). The props on all direct/vdrive boats are tucked underneath the boat. You wouldn't come in contact with it while swimming. Outboard boats do have the prop exposed but common sense would tell you not to get close if the motor is running.
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