What is a good starting model for a boat owner.

I've seen many interesting posts around here and I think this is the right place to ask my question. I'm planning to get my first real boat. Something I'm very proud of, but a little confused. How to get started in finding the right one for me? I believe a I want a small, maybe used, boat with an engine of around 100-200 HP. I am willing to put in some fixing up work. What prices should I expect and what would be a good source to find some?

 

First question, what is the intended use? Cruising the Norfolk Broads is another game than visiting the Orkney´s.

 

Hi RiverRider, welcome aboard

As apex has pointed out, successful boat-owner matching starts with the question "what do you want to do with it?"

What appeals to you? Do you want to water-ski? How about fishing?
Are there canals and lakes near you that look appealing, or do you have your eye on the English Channel?
Who will come cruising with you- just yourself, or a couple of fishing buddies, or a family?
Do you only have time to go out for a few hours a week, or will you cruise all weekend (or all week)?

Start by getting a clear idea of why you want a boat, and what you will do with your boat if/when you get one. That makes it much, much easier to pick out one that will make you happy.

 

Now you're talking

I assume it's for the sea... two motors and don't go too small. A boat is always too big on land and always way too small on the water.

Sailboats are always nice if you care to look at multihull's, they can be powered or sailed. If you never sailed, it's quite pleasurable, and the whole family can be involved.

 

Whoops... no fishing for him in the fresh, Mat, they killed the only worth while fish they had

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...rs-mourn-Benson-lord-lakes.html#ixzz0Nnw5NlTU

 

Thes is a self exploratory exercise where you follow a path something like this...
1 * what will I be doing on my boat (why do I want a boat)
2 * where will I go in my boat (an extension of what and why) - how far out to sea, stay out for more than a weekend, will it normally be kept on a trailer or in a marina, do you need to sleep on board (how many beds, a toilet and a deck shower), Special facilities for bait fishing gear, chill/freeze fish caught.
3 * write down the amount you can afford to pay WITHOUT BORROWING and put that number inside an envelope and give to your wife (they will ensure you don't go mad with the "spend spend" disease)...
4 * continue refinement until either you get bored with the project and buy a rubber-duckie for your bathtub or can achieve your desires within budget without borrowing any money... can you afford the fuel and maintenance if fuel price triples?
5 * thoroughly scour all the online boat sales sites and get a feel for the market (3 to 6 months) a "displacement" type boat will be far more economical to run and enjoyable to be on...

Definition of a boat is a hole in the water which demands endless streams of money to keep afloat... Good luck in your insanity, which most of us have...