Off-topic: Any NY/NJ Boaters?

Ken,

A couple of quick comments. I owned a 21.5 ft. Four Winns. We inherited it from my then-wife's parents. It was a total pig. If it is the cuddy cabin model, it plows through the water, almost impossible to plane off. And it sucked gas like a monster. I would never own one again. Consider a SeaRay, Cobalt, almost anything else. I've owned a lot of boats over the years, both power and sail, and until you are an experienced boater, you can be sucked into a bad boat by the thrill of the moment.

If you are a complete novice, not familiar with boats, DO NOT buy the boat first and then learn about boating. You will buy the wrong boat and regret it. Remember -- A BOAT IS A HOLE IN THE WATER YOU POUR MONEY INTO. Boats require a lot of maintenance, and older boats require more maintenance than new boats.

Before you buy a boat, take a Coast Guard Auxilliary basic boating course. In NJ, to get a boat license, you must have completed a boating safety course. The C.G. Aux. courses are the best around, generally, taught to a standardized curriculum. Go to a book store and pick up a couple of books for yourself -- one on boating safety, like the C.G. Aux. manual, and another on small craft handling. And be sure to take an on-water boat handling and safety course as well.

Until you've spent some time on the water, you won't understand how boats handle. They are not like cars. And you won't know what you like or dislike about a boat until you've spent some time in them. You really need to understand what you want a boat for BEFORE you buy one, because they are very different depending on purpose. Ski boats are different from cabin cruisers, and different from a fishing boat, and different from a speed boat. Will it be used on a lake, on the Hudson River, in NY harbor, out on the Atlantic? Fresh water only? Salt water? The requirements are all different. And safety on all of these is a major concern if you are not knowledgable about boats.

So, my recommendation is learn first, then consider buying at boat. Believe me, there are LOTS of boats out there to buy. And there is no such thing as a "bargain" in a boat. Buy the best boat you can that is suited for what you want to use it for.

Best of luck.

 

p.s. -- Check your owners manual on the Jeep Liberty for towing capacity. You must have a properly installed hitch and wiring harness, as well as a brake controller, if the trailer has electric brakes. Most small boat trailers don't, but check. That boat and trailer probably have a combined weight of around 3000 lbs. But you need to know that as well. And remember, usually, the weight of the boat is considered "dry" weight. Weight goes up when you add gear, fuel, cover, and it's water logged from sitting outside.

 

Substitute Ferrari for Boat and your statement still hold true.

 

What he said, exactly. I will only add that, not to wet blanket your enthusiasm, and your experience may vary, the novelty tends to wear quickly.

 

Ken

Also look into a group called US Power Squadron. I took a boating course with them, When I had my boat. It was a very good class and it was free with exception of the course book and nav charts. GOOD LUCK.

 

Well , theres nothing like going out on the boat, I had 6 people on my boat 2 weeks ago, 3 of them first timers, they were blown away, Its a whole different world out there, So , A four winds is not the worst boat ,not a piece of crap or anything, but its like this, a boat will deterioate much faster than a car, and the exhaust is cooled by the water, so it needs to be changed often, The more money you spend the better boat you get right ? , not really, the best boats now are single engine outboards, say 21 to 24 feet, cheap on gas, do not draw alot of water, easy to manuver,but you could go the I O route, the motor in the boat , like a V8 and the Outdrive out the back ,somtimes these boats are cheaper to buy than a outboard boat , but will use more gas and if you hit something( a piece of wood , the bottom , ) it can cost more. Just pick a boat that looks comfortable, ( enough room for your friends or family ) , take a course ( lots of them to choose from ) just take your basic course , thats all .alwways have your flares, a anchor , a horn and your boat papers in order. I have 2 boats a 27 ARONOW cat with twin big blocks ( stock 330 HP ) it goes like 65 mph , and I have a F1 boat with a 2 ltre Mercury , it goes 140MPH , its kind of delicate, so not for rough water. I have worked in the boat yard for 20 years , you can PM me any questions you might have . 30 to 40 mph is pretty good to start with, maybe under $ 15,000 just to see if you like it, and there are lots of yards that will store your boat. and you still have all of August and September to play !

 

Better start small and gain experience (see pic). I lived aboard and cruised a ketch rigged sailboat for 9 years (Bahamas & Fla Keys). My worst nightmares were with inexperienced boaters, especially power boaters!! Most don't have a clue, are rude, and should never be out on a boat, much less running one. I can't tell you how many stupid things I've seen people do in my sailing years.

Suggestion; is to go out with friends with boats, learn the ropes (or lines as they are called in the nautical world) and think hard before taking the plunge. It is a costly hobby, unless you can do most of your own work, and I've found that a lot of Ferrari guys NEVER do there own work, except to sign a check, or swipe their credit card.

I don't mean to sound sarcastic, just joking really, but serious about the experience thing.

But, the best part of the boating thing, is having the little woman hanging out topless. There should be a law; no tops allowed on boats. I used to hoist all the ladies tops up the flag halyard. No joke!!!!! Got to love it!!!!
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