Wife got bit by the boat bug...
- Thread starter thatguy
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midlf
Platinum Member
My uncle had a place on Smith mountain Lake (right at the C2 marker) that we went to for several weeks each year for 20 years. He had a outboard ski boat to start with. Then he had a pontoon boat. Final boat was what we called a deck boat, brand name "Hurricane". The ski boat was too small. The pontoon had the size but was way too slow for a lake the size of SML. The deck boat took care of the slow problem (100hp outboard).
shaley
Platinum Member
Take a look down at lake Gaston for used pontoon boats. It's not too far and there are a lot to choose from. I'm in the market also for a 22' used. I don't think I can get anything longer in the boat house.
patrick_g
Elite Member
I have heard it said that I/O powered boats have all the worst attributes of the inboard and outboard. The engine is attached like a car engine so taking the engine off at a repair shop and using a loaner or spare is not feasible like it is with an outboard. I/O's that I have operated don't steer well around docks and such at low speeds because there is little or no rudder action and you have to use throttle to get "directed thrust." I have helped rescue a few I/O boats taking on water at the seal around where the outdrive penetrates the hull.
Boats can be GOOD MEDICINE but you need to know what symptoms you are trying to cure before deciding what boat is best. Want to go fast, feel the wind in your face. maybe feel spray in your face, or have a party platform that will not pull a skier?
Pontoon boats give a lot of deck space for their displacement (AKA weight and therefore cost) and are much more stable then just about everything else. Terrific swimming and party platforms and great for slow or medium speed sight seeing cruises. They permit fishing but they aren't for hardcore bass fisherman. With a porta potty, ice chest, and BBQ grill you can sleep out on the water and not set foot on dry land for the weekend. Takes HUGE outboards to pull skiers and boy will they guzzle gas.
Cost to buy, maintain, and operate tend to increase at the square of the length of the boat (within a particular type, not comparing say a pontoon to a bass boat.)
I was in USCG AUX coastal SAR (search and rescue) for 10 years. I also did vessel safety exams, and taught boating classes. We towed nearly 10 I/O boats for every inboard we assisted. Sure there were more I/O than inboard but not 10 to 1. As this was ocean work it isn't fair to comment on the lack of rescue work with pontoon boats as targets as there weren't many out in the ocean to begin with. We also worked cases inside the bays and areas where pontoons were more popular but I never personally heard of or was out on a case involving one.
Did I just miss it or didn't anyone mention the definition of a boat?
"A boat is a fiberglass hole in the water into which you dump large quantities of money." (Can also be a wood lined hole.)
Pat
Boats can be GOOD MEDICINE but you need to know what symptoms you are trying to cure before deciding what boat is best. Want to go fast, feel the wind in your face. maybe feel spray in your face, or have a party platform that will not pull a skier?
Pontoon boats give a lot of deck space for their displacement (AKA weight and therefore cost) and are much more stable then just about everything else. Terrific swimming and party platforms and great for slow or medium speed sight seeing cruises. They permit fishing but they aren't for hardcore bass fisherman. With a porta potty, ice chest, and BBQ grill you can sleep out on the water and not set foot on dry land for the weekend. Takes HUGE outboards to pull skiers and boy will they guzzle gas.
Cost to buy, maintain, and operate tend to increase at the square of the length of the boat (within a particular type, not comparing say a pontoon to a bass boat.)
I was in USCG AUX coastal SAR (search and rescue) for 10 years. I also did vessel safety exams, and taught boating classes. We towed nearly 10 I/O boats for every inboard we assisted. Sure there were more I/O than inboard but not 10 to 1. As this was ocean work it isn't fair to comment on the lack of rescue work with pontoon boats as targets as there weren't many out in the ocean to begin with. We also worked cases inside the bays and areas where pontoons were more popular but I never personally heard of or was out on a case involving one.
Did I just miss it or didn't anyone mention the definition of a boat?
"A boat is a fiberglass hole in the water into which you dump large quantities of money." (Can also be a wood lined hole.)
Pat
ToadHill
Elite Member
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The two happiest days in a boaters life.
1. The day he buys his boat.
2. The day he sells his boat.
1. The day he buys his boat.
2. The day he sells his boat.
ToadHill said:
Thats what I have always heard as well.. BUT my wife grew up with boats and being so close to SML it would be a good way to spend some time on the lake..
My biggest concern in buying used is getting someone elses problem, but I dont really care for the new prices.... I also dont want to drop big money on a boat and then find out that isnt as fun as it was when she was a kid LOL..
thanks for all the great advise..
brian
HappyCPE
Gold Member
Introduce your wife to horses.
Then your bankruptcy will be complete.
Then your bankruptcy will be complete.
HappyCPE said:
Been there, done that (sorta)... I was into Saddlebreds during high school and college, and even wanted to be a trainer right after college..After less than a yr of shoveling manure and rubbing down hot horses i decided there had to be a better way to make a living..
Brian
JESSE1
Veteran Member
Boats are definately a money pit but there's nothing like being on the lake on a beautiful day. I sold my boat April '06 due to the fact we were in a severe drought and the lake levels were at dangerously low levels. Now the lakes are 4' above normal and they are recommending people stay off the water because of debris and high levels of bacteria. Just can't win!
I learned how to ski when I was 4 years old behind a '60 75 hp Evinrude. I have had Ski Nautiques since '84. I miss not having a boat. They are expensive between the original cost, insurance and fuel. Not easy to take when you have a new boat in the garage and it's winter, or it's raining, or it's too windy to ski. It may be a few years but another Ski Nautique will be in my future.
I learned how to ski when I was 4 years old behind a '60 75 hp Evinrude. I have had Ski Nautiques since '84. I miss not having a boat. They are expensive between the original cost, insurance and fuel. Not easy to take when you have a new boat in the garage and it's winter, or it's raining, or it's too windy to ski. It may be a few years but another Ski Nautique will be in my future.