New Member from Miami

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Hankster08

Yes, i would have it completely surveyed. I presented this only as an example, as in, I would hope that this Forum's collective knowledge would be able to tell me:
don't consider a boat older than (??) because ie. electrical/electronic system would be so far out of date, or the plumbing, etc etc.
No way will you (me) be able to find a suitable boat for under $100k; or $150k or $200k etc

Lots of stuff on boats can be replaced on your schedule.

Electronics is an example. If the existing stuff works and is sufficient enough so you don't get stuck in dirt all the time... and that doesn't take much... it often doesn't really matter all that much that it's "old." It's not uncommon to use what you get for a while as you decide what would be "better" and then eventually begin replacing a bit at a time or en masse depending on budget.

Plumbing is sorta ditto. If it's not leaking and water flows, that's great. If it starts leaking, PEX to the rescue. Or if a pump goes south (it happens), replace the pump, get on with life.

When you're shopping, of course you want everything there to be working... but bones are the more important criteria.

-Chris

[Hankster08]

ok, ranger 42c, thanks
I really wasn't aware of the PEX, but guess that's what they're using on shows like TOH when they are installing these brand new plumbing systems using the blue and red hoses. Been an "old house" home owner since '79 but never used anything but copper.
SO, that leads to my next "newbie" question, would you have a coil of PEX and maybe electrical wire too on board?? and what else?? space is a premium. I had a garage full of stuff and 5 mins from a hardware store, won't have that luxury on the ICW lol.
Now granted, we will be in a berth every night (I assume) so, I only have to "limp" along 1 day at a time w/o sinking.......

[Gmarr]

Originally Posted by Hankster08

currently see nothing like that in Miami, even just excluding GB and going for just charters. seems only hourly around here in Miami
I'll keep looking tomorrow. thanks

Look for Ask Captain Chris on Facebook and watch his podcasts

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Hankster08

ok, ranger 42c, thanks
I really wasn't aware of the PEX, but guess that's what they're using on shows like TOH when they are installing these brand new plumbing systems using the blue and red hoses. Been an "old house" home owner since '79 but never used anything but copper.
SO, that leads to my next "newbie" question, would you have a coil of PEX and maybe electrical wire too on board?? and what else?? space is a premium. I had a garage full of stuff and 5 mins from a hardware store, won't have that luxury on the ICW lol.
Now granted, we will be in a berth every night (I assume) so, I only have to "limp" along 1 day at a time w/o sinking.......

I had some leftover PEX onboard from a flushing project I did once, but that's the only reason I kept much. A few Flair-It fittings seemed useful to have on hand, but I never actually had to use any of 'em. And PEX and Sharkbite fittings are easy enough to find at the local big box store, courtesy of an Uber ride if necessary.

Ditto, not much electrical wire onboard, aside from maybe a few project remnants.

I'ts not all that difficult to source stuff along the ICW...

-Chris

[Pete Meisinger]

I keep a little electrical wire on board. Mostly left overs from other jobs. It is never the right gauge, color or length, but it doesn't take much space. Same for water supply pipe. Never the right stuff. Carry some hose clamps and maybe some duct tape. Leaking water pipe won't sink your boat, mostly just annoying.

I keep a few alligator clip "jumper" wires on board. Good for emergency and trouble shooting.

pete

[amapola]

As others have said, make sure this is a dream of both you and your wife. In Florida, boats 30+ years old are considered antiques and registration is less than $10 per year. Also, in Florida, boats must be registered with the state even if they are documented.

[Hankster08]

Thanks amapola, my wife is totally "on board"....

but, what do you mean by "even if they are documented" - I had assumed the state registration upon purchase, just like a car

[amapola]

Unlike Florida, some states do not require you to register your boat if you are USCG documented.

[Exctyengr]

My suggestion is, like some others, slow down before you make that investment in a trawler. I would take a course on trawlers and boating and there are several hands on, multi-day courses in Florida. You will learn all about boat handling, as well as living aboard for several days. You may find that you love it, you may find you don't or you may find that you love it but your wife would rather be home quilting or playing bridge. In any case, you will not have made a capital investment and taking on a long term maintenance expense.

[auskiwi]

The 06 Voyager is a well respected boat here in Australia, well laid out, economical to run and holds its value, sells for around $300k in Au. The only problem is difficult access to the engines, but most Cats are the same.

[mickand]

There's a charter company in the less COVID area of Sarasota that will bareback a 42 Grand Banks.