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
icarius31 gave this response on 5/11/2000:
Hi Novice:Best trawler type boat?Check out the Saber or re,not sure.Their boats start at 40 ft and I think they now have a special order 52 in the works.They are powered by twin diesels and are purported to be the fastest trawler on the market.Their appointments are total class and the boat is one you would fall in love with.Besides they are made about 1 mile from my home.They must have a web site.New they would cost near a million pretty much rigged out.Look for a used boat by all means.Pick up a copy of the Florida Boat Trader.Lots of deals there. In order to take passengers you must be licensed.You will have to take a test proving your knowledge of boat handling,engines,plotting etc.etc.Look for a school that provides sit down instruction,not mail order.I took my courses down in TX.That place closed up about 12 yrs back. You can make a buck doing chartering to divers.Dont rely on anglers they{we}are basically a cheap bunch and competition is rough.Trying to start up now is tough.Seemed they were giving licenses away a few years back. If you have no experience it may be impossible to get your ticket.You have to document your time on the water.Believe its about a couple hundred hours per yr over 4 or 5 yrs as being in command.Good luck .I envy you.Get back to me if youd like.icarius31.pls rate my reply if it has helped,thanks.
The average rating for this answer is 5.
Anonymous rated this answer a 5.
Thank you for your answer to the questions I posed and for some I had not thought to ask,like about manufactures websites. I will try a find a school as soon as possible.