Moving Up Questions

[Capt Ron B]

With the prices dropping on most of the boats on the market, I am thinking about jumping on a bargain if one comes along.

All my ownership experience has been with 23 foot and under outboards. Other than the obvious expense increases for fuel, insurance, slip rental is there anything else I should have to factor into my budget for a 32 foot twin diesel. Is the winterizing cost higher? can I do a lot of the work myself?

Anything in particular I should be looking for when I inspect the boats I am looking at? I do plan on having any boat I might purchase surveyed but I want to eliminate any boats that I can before I pay a surveyor.

Thanks in advance

[Luna Sea 5]

why don't you buy the Luna Sea 3

[Luna Sea 5]

http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=3763.0

[Luna Sea 5]

going to a boat that size.. REMEMBER.. Diesel  is more money then regular gas.. there will be an increase in your slip because you will be needing also a larger size slip, and a boat that size will burn a larger quantity of gas as well..

[Capt Ron B]

I am looking to be able to sleep on the boat on weekends etc. This is a boat I am keeping my eye on http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?&units=Feet&id=1928705&lang=en&slim=broker&&hosturl=jerseymarine&&ywo=jerseymarine&

I have factored in the additional fuel cost.

[Luna Sea 5]

very nice boat.. just keep in mind, not only the cost of fuel, but also the mpg on the boat as well, and storage, wet and dry cost.

[Capt Ron B]

That is part of my queston, what can I expect to pay for winter storage on a boat that large? I pay for winter storage for my boat now, but I am not sure if there are high haul out fees etc.
I just don't want to be blind sided by anything.

[Luna Sea 5]

most charge by the foot when it comes to covering, washing, waxing, bottom painting,etc.  I am sure the hauling will be more also. There will be more maintance with all the other in-cabin things, like frig, stove, electric, etc. When you go from a basic CC in the 20' range to a 30' range live aboard.. expect to pay for the difference.

[Capt Ron B]

I really didn't think of those items but it still should be cheaper than buying another shore home. I just need to convience the wife that she can spend a weekend on it.   

[Hotrod]

Wow.  Nice!!>.  DO it!!!  you only live once!!!!

[Luna Sea 5]

OH, well.. its definatly cheaper then a shore home, and with the way the market is at the moment, the house and boat will both depreciate at the same speed..

[Capt -Jerry P]

Buy teh boat with the way things are you will get the best price you will ever see on a boat.

so that will make up for all the extra ya have to pay for haul outs etc......

winter storage isnt what you have too worry about

summer slips fees should be your main concern.

if you wanna be in a nice marina it will cost ya

Good luck

[IrishAyes]

Nice to stay on the boat during the weekends but keep in mind if the wife is staying over also and you have a trip planned with buddies you need to do something with the wife.

Will she be on the beach all day? Go shopping? Spend her time in the car waiting for the summer home to return from a fishing trip? Just something to think about if your intentions are to fish with buddies and have a place for you and the wife to stay.

I did the best of both (my opinion anyway). I purchased a mobile home that is only three minutes away from the boat. Also only five minutes from the beach. Much cheaper than a 'real shore house' but just as comfortable.  Now the wife can remain sleeping while I get up to take the guys out fishing, etc. 

With that being said, if you are intent on moving up, as Captain Jerry advised, now it the time to do it with the prices down. It will offset some of the extra expenses of the boat. If you don't like it in a year or so, the price may be up at that time and you will be ahead of the game. 

[Capt Ron B]

IrishAyes

What price range is a trailer and camp ground space.

[IrishAyes]

Capt Ron, you have a PM. 

[Hotrod]

Hey Capt Ron..

I have a 35' Travel Trailer on RT 72..  We love it.. home away from home.  10 minutes from the boat..

We pay 3000$ a year  for the 7 Months.

[CapBob]

Just remember it is a BUYERS MARKET....do your home work, decided want you want.....most of all don't get all hot in the pants for a specific boat and start sacrificing what you need or start paying more.

Look into the southern boating market, right now Florida is flooded with repossessed boats with no market. Boats are going for about half of what they are up here.

Do not let emotions cloud your judgement....there is a big difference in what you need in a boat and what you want in a boat!

Remember have the boat examined from the keel to the foretop!

[Capt Ron B]

Thanks Capt Bob.  My search is not limited to NJ or for that matter the middle Atlantic area.

I fully intended to have it surveyed by a professional. I have my present Mako surveyed before purchase and it was money well spent.

Anyone have any suggestion on a good professional surveyor in coastal NJ?