Tips when shopping for a new boat
We are looking at buying a boat in the next two years and have little experience other than on large cruises, but love the water and all that goes with it.
We don't want any more work than is needed, so should we consider a sail boat or be better off with a power boat?
If we move a lot, will the operating cost for a power boat be very much more?
Also, if we live on the boat for long periods and travel a lot and go far away, is power cut out for this?
Are they limited on fuel etc? Should I consider a sail boat, or are they a lot of work during travel and expensive to maintain?
Welcome to the wonderful world of boating. Let see if we can can get you going in the right direction.
If you are thinking about purchasing a boat in the next couple of years, this is a good time to start your doing your homework.
The questions are endless:
- Should you go power or sail?
- Do you buy new or used?
- Gas or Diesel?
- What options?
- Electronics?
- How many persons on board?
- Will you be able to live in close quarter for long periods of time?
- Is storage important?
- Do you have lots of personal posessions?
- Pets?
- How much cruising do you plan to do? And where?
- Are their time constraints?
- Maintance Cost?
- Operating Cost?
- Money, And how much?
The type of boating you will enjoy is strickly a personal preference. As you start to answer some of these questions, (this will generate more questions) but little by little the type of boat and the type of boating will easily become more apparent.
I have three easy suggestions, especially to new boaters, that will get you headed in the right direction.
(1) EDUCATION.
Enroll now in a Boaters Safety and Basic Seamanship Course
(these are offered by The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadron).
This will give you an opportunity to start learning basic rules of the road, navigation, and beginning seamanship.
They also offer more advanced courses.
(2) WALK.
Spend as much time at the marinas taking to boat owners as you can.
They love to talk about their boats.
They will tell you what they like and what they dislike.
This will also give you an opportunity to see how well the different models are holding up.
Ask questions about maintenance and operating cost.
In the process, you might just make a new friend.
(3) READ:
Magazines; such as Motorboat and Sailing, Yachting, Power and MotorYacht and a host of other pulbications that offer articles about cruising and live aboards.
Check out books from the library.
Go online to YachtingNet (www.yachtingmag.com/).
The object here is to learn as much as you can about boats and boating.
This will greatly shorten the learning curve.
As I mentioned earlier, for each question, an answer, for each answer, a better question! It will all start to fall in place.
Power versus Sail
Having owned both sail and power for over 40 years of boating, my personal preference is power.
I like speed and performance.
The more horsepower the better.
I must admit for the pure fun and enjoyment and being one with a boat and the water, you can't beat the quiet and solitude of sailing.
Imagine the rush of your boat reaching hull speed (7 to 9 knots) being driven by nothing but the wind.
Sailing require more skills and attention to details.
You are constantly tuning the boat, paying attention to tides, wind conditions, adjusting sails, tacking to take advantage of wind changes.
Your senses will become more in tune with the boat ( how it responds to every little change ).
You are in command.
All boats require maintenance; whether sail or power.
Neglect it and you will pay the consequences.
On sail boats the sheets and lines need to be checked for chaffing.
Rigging and stays regularly checked for tension and wear.
The kicker,(auxiliary motor) and generator will have to be kept in tune and in good running order.
Fiberglass must be waxed.
Teak needs to be oiled.
On power boats pretty much the same except their are no sails to mend, no halyards or stays to adjust. And no mast to climb.
In my area, (Hampton Roads) most of the boats are in the 30 to 40 foot class.
Most of the marinas here are designed to handle this size. Also most boaters can single- handle this size quite easily. This size also provide enough space for living aboard.
You mentioned about going far away.
How far?
If you are thinking trans-Atlantic; go sail.
Most power boats generally have a fuel range of 8 to 10 hours running (250 to 300 Miles).
Sail boats harness the wind; sometimes it blows, sometimes it doesn't.
Most kickers will push the boat an appox hull speeds of ( 7 to 9 Knots).
They generally carrying 40 to 80 gallons of fuel:
Appox. 15 to 20 hours, maybe more, maybe less: depending on sea conditions, wind, and current.
To gain experience charter a few boats; both sail and power.
Get the feel of handling the boat to start building confidence in yourself and in your abilities.
Just remember the fun of boating is not the final destination, It's the adventure of the journey.
Good luck and Safe Boating... David
Special Thanks To:
David H. Gwaltney, Certified Sea Ray Sales Executive with Browning's Marine in Virginia Beach, Virginia for his experienced insight into the business of new boats.Visit David and get a great discounted deal on a new Sea Ray!
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