How to find the perfect boat

Subject: How to find the perfect boat
Answered By: auxjim
Asked By: Anonymous

Anonymous asked this question on 5/11/2000:

To my chosen panel of experts: Although I enjoy most activities connected with the water,I must say,I know little to nothing about boating. I intend to start taking instruction,probably on my next vaction. Is it to early to be thinking about the typ of boat to purchase or am I getting ahead of myself? Should it be a new or used vessel? How large should it be? I have some vague ideas about semi-retirement ocean travel and using my boat to supplement my income by carrying passengers to go fishing,snorkel, diving,etc. I have been looking at some of the mulititude of magazines on the subject and a Trawler about 47' to 55' seemed to fit the bill,am I on the right track? Which company manufactures the best boat of this type? About what should I expect to pay? I thank you in advance for any and all advice you Have to offer. Novice

auxjim gave this response on 5/12/2000:

I wish that your question could be answered in a short concise statement. There is no one boat that will fill all of your requirements all the time. A boat the is rigged for fishing may not fill the ticket for snorkling. I would suggest that you first off, get some qualified instruction from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Power Squadron in your area. This "Boating Safety" course is broad based and will introduce you to the basics of boating. You will also have the benifit of associating with knowledgeble boaters in your area. Then you will have to take a course, put in some "Seatime" (I'm not sure how many days it is right now), then pass your Captain's test from the Coast Guard. I'm really sorry that I can't help you with a certain brand of boat, but I would try to go aboard as many different types and brands as possible and talk to the locals. They will probably be the greatest source of "SEA-SMARTS".

The average rating for this answer is 4.9.

Anonymous rated this answer a 5.

Thank you for pointing me in the direction of the U.S.Coast Guard. I think taking my boating instuction them will be the best course of action for me.

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