OT: buying boat
- Thread starter ladyfsu
- Start date
deschlayer
New member
I would say a deck boat should do it, I would not go with a skiff they ride a little hard and dont realy feel like a fmaily boat. even a smaller deck boat will seat 7 or so. they are like pontoon boats that can go more offshore
deschlayer
New member
here is a good looking used one
[url]http://www.usedboats.com/powerboats/2002/26[/url]'-ft/four-winns/four-winns-264-funship-deck/deck-boat/inboard/32444/1282973.htm
that should hold 14/15 people no problem. here is a new modle that is smaller so you can read the specs it holds 14 people
http://www.fourwinns.com/model/F244/specifications
that should hold 14/15 people no problem. here is a new modle that is smaller so you can read the specs it holds 14 people
http://www.fourwinns.com/model/F244/specifications
forddna
New member
I put pics of ours in my photobucket page. This link should take you to the first one, and then you can scroll through them. Didn't want to fill up this page with pics. 
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v704/forddna/Miscellaneous/?action=view¤t=20.jpg
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v704/forddna/Miscellaneous/?action=view¤t=20.jpg
Derek03
New member
A deck boat will easily pull a tube. My in-laws have a 115 an we have used it for tubing and skiing. The only complaint it that we cant go out as far as we would like while fishing. I believe their boat seats 7 but is only 19' long. The fuel seems to last a while as well. We can usually fill up once and go all weekend. Way better than my wake boat which is loaded down with ballast and a V8. It has a 40 gal. tank and you can burn a 1/4 of it in just a couple of hours. With gas prices the way they are I am going to have to get a third job so I can afford to go out.
forddna
New member
West Marine. There's one on 19 near Hudson. I can't remember the exact location, but if you search it, I'm sure you'll find it. It's been since we bought ours that I've been there. They have a membership thingee, too, where you get credit back when you spend so much. They have lots of locations, too.
WalMart also used to stock some supplies...ropes, couple of tubes. I say "used to" because I haven't looked in a year or so. West Marine should have everything you could possibly need, though.
Oh, we also got some tubes and ropes at Sports Authority. Not sure if there's one out that way or not, though.
WalMart also used to stock some supplies...ropes, couple of tubes. I say "used to" because I haven't looked in a year or so. West Marine should have everything you could possibly need, though.
Oh, we also got some tubes and ropes at Sports Authority. Not sure if there's one out that way or not, though.
Thanks I'm going on a test ride Friday afternoon on a Hurricane 201 Fundeck. The boys both have birthdays over the next week, and we thought we'd buys some goodies for them if (when plz plz plz) we get a boat.
I'll be trying to keep this thread going, because if (when plz plz plz) we get the boat, we're going to be asking some locations of things. We used to live on a boathouse that was a boat rental and the guy let us take out his boats all the time. But that was 12 years ago and on the east coast of Florida.
I'm going on a test ride Friday afternoon on a Hurricane 201 Fundeck. The boys both have birthdays over the next week, and we thought we'd buys some goodies for them if (when plz plz plz) we get a boat.I'll be trying to keep this thread going, because if (when plz plz plz) we get the boat, we're going to be asking some locations of things. We used to live on a boathouse that was a boat rental and the guy let us take out his boats all the time. But that was 12 years ago and on the east coast of Florida.
Anyone know about the trailer laws or where I can find out info. This boat is just over 20'. When we add up everything that will be on this (battery, motor etc) it is just under 3,000lbs. The trailer has brakes lights and but no brakes. Someone says that in Florida we have to have brakes for things over 3,000lbs. Also, someone else said if it is under 21' we don't. Any ideas?
BlitzK
New member
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes...e&Search_String=trailer&URL=CH0316/Sec261.HTM
It's 3,000 lbs...
You're probably under 3,000. If you plan on towing long distances, a lot of stop and go, or using it a lot, get a trailer with brakes or get brakes added later.
Chances are you'll be OK though. Just take it easy and make sure the tow vehicle's brakes are in good condition.
Some boating tips: Get a GPS. Even a hand held one...
Learn the local waters. You can EASILY get stuck if you stray outside of the channel in many places.
Make sure you have ALL current USCG equipment, extras are always good.
Keep some basic tools on the boat.
Keep spare V-Belts on the boat (I/O motors) and know how to replace them.
If the boat has 1 battery, add another, or at least bring one of those portable battery tenders.
I keep a spare prop, nut, floating prop wrench, and prop hardware on my boats.
Finally: GET SEATOW! $150+$10 for their trailer service. (if you're AAA member you get 15% off first year). Depending on where you're at, a tow back could easily be $600+ for non-members.
Locally I'd shop at West Marine (make sure you signup for their free "New Boat Owner program"). Online there are many... but boatfix.com tends to be the best bang for the buck on parts/etc.
remember: There are 2 good days for every boat owner: The day you buy it and the day you sell it!
That being said... I'll be selling my 19' Fourwinns Horizon 180 soon (probably not what you're looking for)... and looking to buy a ~22-25' Center Console Fishing boat, anyone know of one?
It's 3,000 lbs...
You're probably under 3,000. If you plan on towing long distances, a lot of stop and go, or using it a lot, get a trailer with brakes or get brakes added later.
Chances are you'll be OK though. Just take it easy and make sure the tow vehicle's brakes are in good condition.
Some boating tips: Get a GPS. Even a hand held one...
Learn the local waters. You can EASILY get stuck if you stray outside of the channel in many places.
Make sure you have ALL current USCG equipment, extras are always good.
Keep some basic tools on the boat.
Keep spare V-Belts on the boat (I/O motors) and know how to replace them.
If the boat has 1 battery, add another, or at least bring one of those portable battery tenders.
I keep a spare prop, nut, floating prop wrench, and prop hardware on my boats.
Finally: GET SEATOW! $150+$10 for their trailer service. (if you're AAA member you get 15% off first year). Depending on where you're at, a tow back could easily be $600+ for non-members.
Locally I'd shop at West Marine (make sure you signup for their free "New Boat Owner program"). Online there are many... but boatfix.com tends to be the best bang for the buck on parts/etc.
remember: There are 2 good days for every boat owner: The day you buy it and the day you sell it!
That being said... I'll be selling my 19' Fourwinns Horizon 180 soon (probably not what you're looking for)... and looking to buy a ~22-25' Center Console Fishing boat, anyone know of one?
mrferrit
New member
LOL hey Blitz thanks for the compliments lol
yes laine before you go out let me know and well get ya set up it will save alot if you ever need help out there
GPS please get one they could save your life
VHF also a must have
good charts
all very good and responsible stuff there blitz i wish soume people took those words and actions before they went out but hey i guess thats my job security lol
yes laine before you go out let me know and well get ya set up it will save alot if you ever need help out there
GPS please get one they could save your life
VHF also a must have
good charts
all very good and responsible stuff there blitz i wish soume people took those words and actions before they went out but hey i guess thats my job security lol
Tampa Aquarium Service
Premium Member
Here is the perfect boat for everything your looking to do!!
http://www.dreaming.it/p115/
http://www.dreaming.it/p115/
BlitzK
New member
I forgot to add to my list: a compass! I agree with the VHF radio, but I'm just used to them being on the boat anyways.
Along with the GPS (if its hand held), EXTRA BATTERIES. GPS won't do you any good when you can't turn it on.
I need to get with you mrferrit and ask a couple q's... can you PM me your email or ph#?
Gotta go to sleep... headed out to Dunedin reef in the morning.
Thanks VERY much for all the info here guys! I hope you don't care, but I have LOTS more questions to ask in the coming dates (like Dunedin reef?).
Well...we bought the boat
We pick it up Wednesday. I took it out yesterday about 3 miles and it was actually pretty rough and windy out at 4, and it was AWESOME! I didn't want to test drive on a super smooth day. I can't believe I can see things in Hudson and see Tarpon at the same time!!!!!! Driving on US 19 makes it seem so far! I think my husband feels bad now. All we used to do on the east coast is play on boats, but he grew up over here. He never realized that I've never been out on the Gulf even though all I ever talk about is fishing/boating etc - we've been here since '98!!
It comes with the latest USCG "package" -- lots a goodies.
A cool fishing/ski package.
Compass, sink and another freshwater holding thing, little potty, storage, livewell, stereo, canopy, rod storage under floor, depth and fish finder (not a GPS), 150 free days of SEATOW.
I'm going out today to buy charts, first aid type stuff and cleaning supplies to try to keep it nice. It will be kept in the in-laws big yard. GPS and radio are on the list soon.
Friday we have no school, and we'll go play. This is funny --- hubby wants to practice a couple hours on Thursday in his parents yard backing in and parking the boat because he doesn't want to look like an idiot at the boat ramp (hee hee that's makes me laugh).
My next thing will be to:
1. find boat ramps from Hudson to Dunedin mostly, but we also spend some weekends south of that with family.
2. Find cool places to go. Places to fish, snorkel, learn to scallop, goof off with the kids!
It's 6am and I'm going outside to dig out my cast net and fix my fishing poles
Well...we bought the boat
We pick it up Wednesday. I took it out yesterday about 3 miles and it was actually pretty rough and windy out at 4, and it was AWESOME! I didn't want to test drive on a super smooth day. I can't believe I can see things in Hudson and see Tarpon at the same time!!!!!! Driving on US 19 makes it seem so far! I think my husband feels bad now. All we used to do on the east coast is play on boats, but he grew up over here. He never realized that I've never been out on the Gulf even though all I ever talk about is fishing/boating etc - we've been here since '98!!It comes with the latest USCG "package" -- lots a goodies.
A cool fishing/ski package.
Compass, sink and another freshwater holding thing, little potty, storage, livewell, stereo, canopy, rod storage under floor, depth and fish finder (not a GPS), 150 free days of SEATOW.
I'm going out today to buy charts, first aid type stuff and cleaning supplies to try to keep it nice. It will be kept in the in-laws big yard. GPS and radio are on the list soon.
Friday we have no school, and we'll go play. This is funny --- hubby wants to practice a couple hours on Thursday in his parents yard backing in and parking the boat because he doesn't want to look like an idiot at the boat ramp (hee hee that's makes me laugh).
My next thing will be to:
1. find boat ramps from Hudson to Dunedin mostly, but we also spend some weekends south of that with family.
2. Find cool places to go. Places to fish, snorkel, learn to scallop, goof off with the kids!
It's 6am and I'm going outside to dig out my cast net and fix my fishing poles
GrouperGenius
Liscensed Unit
I usually put in at Hudson Beach. There are only a few boat ramps between Hudson and Dunedin.
Theres one next to Hooters in Port Richey, Anclote Park in Tarpon Springs (which I do not suggest if ya'll are new) and I think there is one in Dunedin.
A GPS is definitely handy, but a VHF radio is a must have like life jackets.
Theres one next to Hooters in Port Richey, Anclote Park in Tarpon Springs (which I do not suggest if ya'll are new) and I think there is one in Dunedin.
A GPS is definitely handy, but a VHF radio is a must have like life jackets.
Similar threads
