OT: Wanted - Small Boat

[cm11599ps]

Hey guys.

I haven't been around in a long time. My tank has been going well and I have no problems at all that are fish related. Marriage problems on the other hand are plentiful. :headwally:

Anyway, there are two camping trailers in my family so we spend a lot of time at Smith Point camping from April-October. This past summer was actually the very first season we had campers in the family so we're still fairly new at this.

While at Smith Point I couldn't help but notice quite a few people taking an assortment of small boats out in the little strip of bay there. I've seen everything there. Small inflatable rafts, jet skis, small rowboats, small sailboats, kayaks, and motor boats.

I'd really like to look into getting a small 2 person boat that I can safely take out. Probably a rowboat with the option of a small motor to help me along. Ideally, I'd like something that I can put on top of my van without too much trouble by myself. Someone told me that even anything with a motor needs to be registered, even a small inflatable raft with a trolling motor.

I have ZERO experience in any of this so I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I'm not looking to go fishing, I just want to be able to spend a few hours out on the water when camping. I'm also not looking to break the bank either, not sure if that's possible.

Thanks!

 

[quagmire]

Look into sit on top kayaks. I recommend a comfortable aftermarket seat.
Sports Authority has decent prices for one and two person models.
This link tells what boats need to be registered. Kayaks don't.
http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/boat-registration.php#Boater-License
There was some talk last year on the news about boaters being required to take a saftey course.
The link below has a lot of info about the course but I'm not sure its mandatory.
http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/education.aspx.

 

[Gsxr600]

this probably breaks the bank but i thought it was cool either way. craigslist is probably your best bet just check it daily and nows the time to buy summer toys if you want to get a nice price.
http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/3543812060.html

 

[GSMguy]

Yea I think liscences are going to be require in NYS this year or next.
I have mine as they have been required to operate PWCs for a few years. The class is 16 hours split into two days if I remember correctly.

I think a canoe might be your best bet if you don't want to register and get a boaters liscence.

 

[cm11599ps]

Yea I think liscences are going to be require in NYS this year or next.
I have mine as they have been required to operate PWCs for a few years. The class is 16 hours split into two days if I remember correctly.

I think a canoe might be your best bet if you don't want to register and get a boaters liscence.

That craigslist ad would be awesome if it were about $500 and came with the trailer! It's just a bit too much more then I'm looking to spend.

As for registering and taking a course, I actually wouldn't mind doing that. If I'm going to be out on the waterways the least thing I could do is learn the ropes.