I've always loved the water and boats, so I've been thinking more seriously about buying a boat to take out on the local lake (Jordan Lake). I'm not interested in speed and performance. I'd just like to be able to go out with the wife and some friends and our Newfoundland (if she likes boating) to hang out on the water. Bring some beer, wine, and maybe a good book. Looking more for relaxation than thrills. I also seem to like the look of the classic boats. All that being said, I found these 2 boats that intrigue me:

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/0/81828920.htm

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/8/84968438.htm.

I think I like the Lyman a little more than the Chris Craft because it looks to have a bit more open, hang-out space, despite being smaller. They both look to be in beautiful condition. So, I'd be open to any thoughts from anyone with more boating experience than me. Thanks.

 

From what I remember, owning a boat is a lot of maintenance to keep it clean and in good condition (fiberglass, no idea about wood hulls), you need to store it some place - either on land or at a dock, and if you are going to be on the water, you should take some courses on captaining a boat and the rules of navigation.

Also, I'd consider a head and some place to go below deck and change or just get out of the sun/weather if need be. Also, if you're going to be on Lake Jordan, I don't know if you want a 30' boat or not. I'd look at what boats are already on the lake and see if 30' is okay or if its too big for your tastes and the lake...

 

Yeah, I'm just starting to think about this. Not too many boaters here on s2ki, apparently...

 

how are you going to move it? those look heavy.

Get a pontoon boat. cheaper and lighter.

I know nothing about boats other than my dad bought a ~20 foot boat that he had for 3-4 years and he lost his ass selling it.

 

The happiest two days of a boat-owner's life are the day he buys it and the day he sells it!

 

I don't really plan on moving it much. I'm hoping to keep it at the lake. My home-owner's association would never let me keep it at my house (fvckers). I should think that a restored 40-50 year-old boat shouldn't depreciate much more. Maintenance could be another story, though. A pontoon boat would suit my purpose, but I just can't stomach it. Too damn rednecky for even me (that must be saying something since you know where my roots are ).

 

Yeah, definitely buy used - there are a lot of practically new boats that were too much for the current owner to handle and are now for sale.

Pontoon boats are simple, cheap, and preety easy to maintain, but have no style and no cabin or head...it depends on what you want in a boat.

If I were you, I'd start with a 16-20' boat and see if you like the boating world. Gas will be cheaper since the tank is smaller and you can fill it up at a car gas station (marine stations are $$$), you can trailer it and leave it at your house (provided you have a truck to haul it), and it will be easier to pilot. Currents and wind can make docking a very scary experience, especially when your 30' yatch is floating towards some other guy's 30' yatch and he's staring at you....

 

You'll have to see if any marinas around Jordan lake have open berths for renting, and what the rates are. Boats are like icebergs - they float, but have a world of hidden danger (ie costs) associated with them.

 

Also, wood hulls aren't used anymore for a reason - they rot, leak, and need to be resealed and painted regularly. Fiberglass may not be as romantic, but that's what I'd go with.

 

which reminds me of the definition of "boat":


boat (n) -- a hole in the water into which one throws money.