Conference vicki::boats

    In the Great Lakes, I've seen a boat known as a "SportCraft." 
    
    It has many of the characteristics you're looking for.
    
    The fishing charter folks seem to like them because of their wide
    beam,and large cockpit area.  It also has a cuddy cabin.
    
    They have I/Os and come in many configurations.
    
    Regarding used vs new -- The only thing I'd worry about in a "Basic
    Boat." is the power system -- And that's fixable.
    
    For "budgeting," I'd reserve $1,100 - $1,300 for engine swap, and $500
    for an I/O rebuild.
    
    Then I'd do my spreadsheet.
    
    Also, in your new yaachettt, U R going to have to put in all of the
    stuff that you will eventually swear that you need  
    -- Radio, Depth Sounder, LORAN/GPS, Trim tabs, refrigerator, lines
    fenders, life jackets -- It all adds up and chances are they are
    already on that used beast. 
    
    Then I'd finish my spreadsheet.
    
    My take is to let the other owner take the depreciation hit on the deal
    and have that person buy all of the "go-withs." You take the platform
    with go-withs that magically have next to no value in the deal.  
    
    Did you ever look at Government Dope Boat auctions -- You might find
    get the best of both worlds -- Cheap and quality.
    
    My .02
    
    
    Dennis

    Thanks Dennis.  I really didn't want a used boat but have begun to look
    at classified's in OFFSHORE magazine.  I'll keep an open mind about it
    as I look at the the new offerings Saturday at the boat show.
    
    - pete

I think dennis is on the right track.  First off let the former owner take all

the depreciation. Secondly, and most times, you will get a lot of the

extras that don't come with a new boat.  Thirdly, most of the bugs 

have been dealt with by this time.  Yes repower is a possibility,

but only if you were to buy a 20 year old.

One thing for sure, the fiberglass stays put.

And lastly, you can probably afford more boat with a used one, than

a new one.

From what i understand, most of the depreciation has been taken in

a 5 year old boat, so this may be a good starting point.

JIm

    
    
       I put a boat in the for sale section that would be right up your
    alley, except for its on the market as used but almost all of the add
    on equipment in already there.
    
                                                     FWIW
    
                                                   Lee
    

    Lee,
    
    	Thanks for the tip.  I looked at the note but two items worry me.  
    
    Chris Craft - note 268.98-101 indicates some Chris Crafts have broken
  	 	  up due to poor construction.
    
    Transom Bracket - several notes in this notesfile have mentioned
   		      transom brackets cracking and since I plan to
  		      trailer it rather than moor it, this option is not so
   		      desirable.
    
    However, I will try to look into the construction aspect more. 
    Frankly, I always had thought of Chris Craft as one of the "Cadillac's"
    of the boat industry.  Aside from these two items it sounds like a
    great boat.  Thanks,
    
    			peter
     

    
    
    Peter,
    
       That too was one of my concerns about resale but I think its been
    stated in here also that CC have fixed those problems of hulls
    splitting. and as far as the sea drive bracket breaking I havent heard
    of one doing this. the one on the CC is heavy stainless steel so if it 
    broke I would venture to guess that something was being done that
    shouldnt have been.
    
       As far as trailering, and the construction, that is the one drawback
    of this boat the freekin thing is HEAVY!! and I mean HEAVY! you arent
    gonna pull it with a small vehicle. but I will say it handles like a
    dream when you are on the water.
    
                                                          Lee
     

    Trailer Boat Mag arrived yesterday in the mail.  It has a comparison
    test of three walk-around cuddy cabin fishing boats that you may want
    to check out, if not for the particular brands, then maybe for some of the
    features that they deemed important when searching.
    Wayne

    Peter,
    	Did you, by chance, pick up that old Thompson from me a decade or
    two ago??
    Regards,
    Paul

    Salt water boater -- The heavier the boat, the better the ride -- The
    Scurvy Queen weighs in at a svellte 20 ton -- Rides great -- no
    pounding.  
    
    I think U B getting the drift that used may be better - good luck
    
    Dennis

    Hi Paul:
    
    	Yes indeed!  It served me well for the time I had it.  Nice to hear
    from you.  I still keep in touch with Dave H. and he told me about your
    shark escapade several years ago.  Wish I could have seen that!! Since
    I saw you last (and that was some time ago) I've been doing a lot of
    Bonito fishing around the Vineyard.  Just recently, the family acquired
    a taste for Blues so my in-laws and I have been fishing them more
    frequently.  But I hate to depend on someone else to go out so I think
    it's time I captained my own again.  BTW, the Thompson went to the
    scrap yard just two years ago so it lasted quite a while.  It could
    take pretty heavy seas too though I tried immensely not put it that
    position.  Things can happen fast even in-shore which is where I have
    done all my fishing to date.  
    
    	This year we may charter out for a day to try for some yellowfin or
    what-ever.  Whatever else, I hope you have a great fishing season.  If you
    motor down to the Vineyard this year, let me know and I'll give you
    address and phone so we can get together.
    
    - peter
    

    Right, I'm getting the drift and I'm back to looking at used as well as
    new.  I have a line on a used boat at Gifford Marine, So. Dartmouth,
    MA..
    Anyone have a line on them as a dealer/broker? ( reliable, not
    reliable, etc.)
    
    Thanks,
    
    	Peter
    

    	I will be going to the boat show tomorrow also. I'll keep an eye
    out for you, though I must admit I'm not sure I'll recognize you after
    all these years. As for me I'm bearded and grey now. I'll be with two 
    others,shamelessly drooling over fishing boats. 
    	By the way, Dave H may swing in on his way home from work. I'd
    guess between 3:30 and 4:00. I don't know if I'll still be there at
    that time because I need to get back to Maine and its a long way off,
    especially if I spend too much time at the beer stand ;^).
    Hope to see you tomorrow,
    Paul   
    

    Paul:
    
    	I wish I was just gray, I'm also losing it!  I'll keep an eye out
    for you too!!  BTW, I've been "shamelessly drooling" at boat shows for
    3 years now.  Enough is enough!  Hopr to see you there.
    
    - peter
    

    Well folks we did it!  Just bought a used 22' Grady White.  It's nice
    to have my own command again.  Thanks for all the advice and tips.  As
    you said about used boats, this has many extras, a very good trailer
    and a marine survey turned up very little necessary work to be done. 
    The boat's name is "RELL JOB" though we're thinking of changing it. 
    Perhaps I'll see some of you (or you'll see me) out on Vineyard Sound.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    		Peter
    
    P.S.  Paul - let me know if you head down my way this year.
    
    

    
    re: Peter
    
    	Congrats on the "new" GW! What does "RELL JOB" mean? Seems like
    the first "L" should be an "E" for "Reel Job"
    
    Rick

    re -1>
    	Will do. If I head down that way I'll get in touch through David H.
    
    Paul
    
    P.S. Good luck with the boat.
    

    Yeah, the name is "REEL JOB". Hope I can boat better than I can type.
    
    - peter

    Well folks, 
    
    	Just got my VHF call sign from the FCC.  If any of you are cruising
    Vineyard sound, give me tug:
    
    		Whiskey Charlie Juliett 5112
    
    I'm usually out fishing early weekend mornings ( took two 12-13 # blues
    yesterday.  It felt real good ;-) ).              
    
     - Peter 
    

    I meant to say "reel good"!! {;-)
    
     - peter