Greetings. I've just joined this forum & am enjoying the repartee & information immensely. My wife finally retired from public teaching last month so we are now trying to fulfill a life-long dream--cruising the ICW.
Here's my question, which I suppose, has been uttered more than once on these electronic pages: What is the best way to buy a used trawler? By best I mean: getting good value for the price, avoiding rip-offs & unpleasant surprises, and feeling good about the transaction 9 months after the purchase.
And while I am imposing on your experience and judgment, are marine surveyors worth the price (by the way, how much do they charge for their services?). What are the advantages of documenting a boat? Lastly, and this is crazy, how does one evaluate a good marina as far as safety, services, etc. is concerned?
Let me thank everyone in advance for your thoughts. I am eager to get started on our new adventure, but want to insure that it is not marred by avoidable mistakes or stupidity. The last one is especially hard to avoid...at least for me.
Appreciatively,
Bob "Betch" Boettger
Here's my question, which I suppose, has been uttered more than once on these electronic pages: What is the best way to buy a used trawler? By best I mean: getting good value for the price, avoiding rip-offs & unpleasant surprises, and feeling good about the transaction 9 months after the purchase.
And while I am imposing on your experience and judgment, are marine surveyors worth the price (by the way, how much do they charge for their services?). What are the advantages of documenting a boat? Lastly, and this is crazy, how does one evaluate a good marina as far as safety, services, etc. is concerned?
Let me thank everyone in advance for your thoughts. I am eager to get started on our new adventure, but want to insure that it is not marred by avoidable mistakes or stupidity. The last one is especially hard to avoid...at least for me.
Appreciatively,
Bob "Betch" Boettger