New Member from Miami

[Hankster08]

Greetings all.
Forgive me in advance for all the dumb questions I may ask, because we (my wife n I) are "potential" newbies.

We are just now considering buying a power boat later this year, in order to make a ICW trip next year, early summer.

So I am looking around for all sorts of info, not just on boats but the trip it self to see if it is feasible to do for someone so inexperienced. Other than driving a runabout, no larger boat experience. Our plan would be to buy a boat later this year and then man it regularly until early summer, then take off North.

Looking for something 31' to MAX 39'; probably can't really afford anything larger than 34-36'. Used of course

Working on a FL License right now. Reading ICW posts etc.

So, first is it feasible to do for someone so inexperienced?

Second, how old a boat can you really trust? 10yrs 20yrs 25yrs ?

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard. Look at all the boats you can, make a list of must haves and must not haves. Buy the boat you want/need. Then take the time to learn how to run it safely. Check on insurance because with a lack of experience you may have some hoops to jump through. As to how old, it depends entirely on the individual boat. Find one that is in the best condition you can afford, and then most importantly, have fun!

[GregBrannon]

Welcome! Of course it can be done. Get the training, if needed, and the experience to be confident in most things enough to fake the rest, and assume an attitude that every outing is an adventure to be enjoyed and learned from. Make sure your dreams are shared by your wife and ensure that she has an equal share in making the experience a reality. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Greg

[OldDan1943]

Look at an American Tug 34/36
separate shower checked the block for me. Dont have to wipe down the bathroom after you finished showering.
Everything just fell into place.

[Hankster08]

ok, but would a boat like this be considered (EXAMPLE ONLY)

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/197...assic-3670345/

mu initial budget is $100k, or am I totally wrong.....

[Keysdisease]

Welcome aboard Hank. The GB is a classic, Lehman pretty bulletproof.
Like Comodave said, look at all the boats you can, it's the best way to educate yourself about this style/size boat as well as the market.
What you want to do, your budget, and your lack of experience, your willingness to learn all make an ICW trip very doable.

Good Luck

[menzies]

Hank, when you say you are working on a Florida license, what exactly are you doing?

[OldDan1943]

Originally Posted by Hankster08

ok, but would a boat like this be considered (EXAMPLE ONLY)

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/197...assic-3670345/

mu initial budget is $100k, or am I totally wrong.....

Fine looking boat. Get it surveyed before falling in love with it.
I dont like the GB because of all the exterior teak.
The 'wet head' is a bit discouraging.... gotta wipe down the head after each shower.
The Lehman engine is very basic. It works or it doesn't, end of story. Plan on 7knts... Fuel economy will be fantastic.

[Hankster08]

Originally Posted by menzies

Hank, when you say you are working on a Florida license, what exactly are you doing?

first
a BOAT US Foundation FL Boating Safety Course

[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

[Keysdisease]

You can get a suitable boat that will serve your purpose well for your 100K budget. All the advice so far is good. Age isn't really a factor as much as condition and how a vessel has been cared for. The GB in your example is a '77, classic with a bullet proof engine. At 43 years old she should be considered. For the price you can afford to upgrade what you have to and when ready there will still be some resale value.
Another example, There are a lot of the same vintage Mainships out there still running original Perkins power, and perhaps good candidates as well.
Your target size and budget are very reasonable, there are lots of potential boats available, you seem to have a good basic understanding of whats necessary. Knowing your own limitations is very valuable.
The trip is straight forward, well marked and discussed all over the internet. Your fellow cruisers will be helpful, and you will be in range of help all the way.
Get Tow Insurance, great peace of mind for someone like you and maybe invaluable

Good Luck

[Pete Meisinger]

You have plenty of money for a used boat, even some new or nearly new boats would fit into your budget.

Boat age is relative. Older boats are often "better" boats. Get a well cared for boat and the loop is waiting.

Join the GLCA (Great Loop Cruisers Association) it is an invaluable forum type of group where you will find a wealth of Loop information, including used charts, boat info, places to tie up, anchor or stay.

Go For It.

pete

[Hankster08]

Thank you for the follow up, that really starts to answer some of my concerns and my wife's, as she was worried about a boat that old.

however, just for grins, we're going to take a look at this
https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/200...ridge-3657500/

it's in Ft. Lauderdale and we're in Miami; the GB is way up in St. Augustine

[Hankster08]

I am curious about this boat and it's pricing:
this is 2004 review of this boat, apparent value mentioned $400k
The one up in Ft. Lauderdale is a 2006, "marked down" from $225k to $149k

why would the pricing drop so much??
does the fact that it was made in Australia and imported here have an impact, in that parts might be an issue?

https://www.boatsales.com.au/editori...lybridge-9576/

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Hankster08

I am curious about this boat and it's pricing:
this is 2004 review of this boat, apparent value mentioned $400k
The one up in Ft. Lauderdale is a 2006, "marked down" from $225k to $149k

why would the pricing drop so much??
does the fact that it was made in Australia and imported here have an impact, in that parts might be an issue?

https://www.boatsales.com.au/editori...lybridge-9576/

Price drop could simply be that it was greatly overpriced. I have no idea what apparent value is or means. Apparent to who?

Yes, being an Australian brand that is unknown to US buyers would play a role in it's market value.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Hankster08

Thank you for the follow up, that really starts to answer some of my concerns and my wife's, as she was worried about a boat that old.

however, just for grins, we're going to take a look at this
https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/200...ridge-3657500/

it's in Ft. Lauderdale and we're in Miami; the GB is way up in St. Augustine

You need to really think of your use of the potential boat. My observations on that boat are a good lake boat, good local ICW boat perhaps. However, not a cruising boat. A couple of reasons. Only 128 gallons of water, 20 gallons holding, 264 gallons fuel.

I'd suggest you slow down a bit in the purchase quest and get some boating experience. Find a school that will take you out and train you a bit or a charter to do the same.

[Hankster08]

$400k was listed at the bottom of the (2004) review; how ever if that was Australia $$ then the price would be 32% less in US $$ or $272k
I doubt that I would buy it, especially now, since there seem to be many acceptable used boats available for under $100k right now; who knows how far the market might drop later this year. So I will be waiting and shopping. But I do want to start looking in person rather then just online. I am very leery of "sinking" even $60-$100k into a boat, because I know that's just the start. Some "fixup" $$, insurance, boat slip, equipment, etc, etc etc. All that b4 I turn the key. This is a scary process for us.

[Pete Meisinger]

Catamarans have numerous advantages but remember they also have disadvantages. A primary disadvantage is that finding transient berths for something that wide is sometimes difficult and occasionally you are even charged for two slips because of the width. Also you want to look into the fixed radar arch, it might be too high for some of the low bridges along the loop. Most bridges will lift to allow tall boats to pass but some are on a schedule and require a wait. It is nice to just glide on through.

I would recumbent to keep looking.

pete

[Knot Fast]

Consider chartering a boat for a week and see how you and your wife enjoy it. Google Grand Banks charter and there are several hits, including a 36'. We chartered a Mainship single engine 3 years ago and learned alot. We purchased a totally different boat but the charter confirmed my gf's excitement and clarified our priorities for features. The most expensive boat is the wrong boat.

[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