New to Boating

[Descant]

If you buy from a dealer and he owns the boat, he may offer some sort of warranty. If he's a broker or you're buying privately, a licensed surveyor can be worth a lot of money to you. My last purchase, a 30 footer, the survey took about six hours including a sea trial and pulling the boat out of the water to inspect bottom and running gear. I used the survey to negotiate some work to be done by the seller, and paid a small fee to have the surveyor come back and reinspect. He also pointed out several items for future preventive work that we did this winter, and gave an estimate of fair market value. Many insurance companies will want a survey after you reach a certain size/age/value. As you might surmise, I was very happy with my surveyor, Bob Gallagher. I talked to a few; they specialize. Although he's from MA, he loves to come to Winnipesaukee. gallaghermarinesurveyors.com

If you rent or buy a slip, check out the policies of the condo/owner/landlord regarding who is available or allowed on the property to work on your boat.

[jetlag100]

Not sure about the boat but Quayside Marina in Moultonborough has great amenities. We rent our slip there.Granted we don't sleep on our boat (we live very close to the place) but we do see lots of families and there's a lot of people sleeping on their boats..I noticed that there are some slips for rent right now and there's some for sale too! Good Luck

[8gv]

About the boat brand and size...

I have two smaller (18' and 20') Sea Rays and will attest to their quality.

Back in '98 I bought a 28' Bayliner for my family of five. The kids were 8, 5 and 1.

My search for a cruiser led me to the Bayliner because it had more interior space for its length. At that time, and I suspect now, the other brands had styling that was curvatious and sexy. The Bayliner was more boxy inside. The others had an 8'6" beam, suitable for trailering sans permit. The Bayliner had a 9'7" beam thus making trailering an event.

I doubt you'll trailer at all. That requires a trailer, a place to store the trailer and a vehicle powerful enough to tow a 24' or larger boat.

Here's the big and in my opinion, important difference for a family of four:

Fancy, expensive boat has tighter aft cabin, a narrow forward v-berth and minimal galley table that converts to a minimal berth THAT YOU NEED because the other sleeping areas are small.

Non fancy, cheaper (Bayliner) boat has a queen aft berth, generous v-berth and a full size table that sleeps two kids or one, shorter adult.

In the non fancy boat, dad can snooze in the aft cabin while mom sits at the table drinking her coffee while the kids snooze up front. Later, when everybody rises, all four can eat breakfast at the table. At night, the kids can watch TV from the table and then crawl off to sleep in the v-berth while mom and dad watch TV at the table. Later, mom and dad crawl off to the aft QUEEN SIZED berth, which is far away from the kids, for adult playtime.

Get 28' or more.
Forget about trailering.
Be sure the boat has three good sized sleeping areas.
Curves in the cabin are pretty but waste space!

[MiFi]

Couple of points, one could argue a twin engine cruiser actually is easier to maneuver in tight spots/docking than a single engine sleeper. Don't let the size of the boat be a deterant until you take one of each out for a trial.

I had a 25ft overnight sleeper, sleeping four on a 25 is doable however very tight quarters, especially as you invite guests up for day trips and such. After one season we decided to get serious and move up to a searay 34 but as other have noted 28 on up have good space. (Still less expensive than a lake front home).

Plus a smaller boat you need to constantly make the bed to a table and back again, painful. Also, most 25's don't have a/c, for overnight sleeping during the summer it's a must. Don't get the trailer, I did and never used it on the 25, look at the weight of the boat and trailer and consider the size vehicle you will need to haul it, and for what, the lake is where you want to be!

[Rinkerguy]

I would recommend going bigger. 26-28'. You will outgrow a 24' quickly and lose your shirt trading up. spend a little more now, to save a lot later.

Try West Alton Marina, great marina, with room for a gazebo behind your slip. Gas and service on site, can service and store your boat for you, all at a reasonable price

[RLW]

BMAB, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

[VitaBene]

Welcome to the forum and lake!

There is a lot of great advice above. Look for a good deep vee hull that will cut through the lake as opposed to pounding. You may be aware, but you cannot overnight on the lake unless at your slip or a friend's dock (no overnight anchoring).

Hope to see you out there!

[MikeF-NH]

I know you are mostly asking questions and getting answers about the specific boat you are shopping for BUT some of the other considerations are important too.

As posted above West Alton Marina is a GREAT place to consider for overnighting for the season. I only launch there (don't rent a slip) but the community of gazebos there looks very fun, the marina is well protected and in a great area, it has easy access from 93, grocery shopping is not far away in Alton or Laconia, outlet shopping in Tilton and "chain store" shopping in Laconia is convenient, the onsite facilities (laundry, toilets, showers) are clean and modern and the staff is friendly and professional. The West Alton sand bar is right there an the entrance to the marina also. Access to other major points on the lake (Weirs, Wolfboro, Alton Bay) does require a bit of a boat ride across sections of The Broads which can be intimidating when its stormy/windy though.

Since you are new to boating you will probably want to enroll in a Boaters Safety class asap in have someone else in your family go with you (so you aren't the only qualified boater). The lake is a very dangerous place with several unexpected offshore shoals. Pick up a bizer map and understand where these hazards are (for instance when going to Weirs past the Witches). Personally, I use both the bizer map (when planning my route) AND a Navionics chip for my Lowrance GPS on my fish finder. The Navionics ship gives great real time insight on harzardous areas you are approaching.

You have probably considered all this above but it never hurts to be reminded. Enjoy the Lake....IF this ice ever begins to melt.

[Perfect Harmony]

I know it was mentioned above, but do not sell yourself short on the importance of air conditioning. 4 in the cabin at night, in the middle of summer, will be the absolute worst experience you'll ever have. Also beam is critical to factor in. 4 in the cabin will get very small, very quickly. Forget adults in a V-berth. Sea Rays are nice but narrow. Four Winns have always impressed.

Last MVYC is good, but year to year you can't be assured of the same slip. but the ammenities are solid. I have heard great things about Alton. Good Luck!!!

[jrc]

I can add a third vote for air conditioning. But a lot of smaller boats don't have it, especially northern boats. Obviously you can live without it and you can add it.

But a lot depends on you, do you want a plush or a more camping experience. This can also effect you choice of marina. Money can also play in these decisions. Some marinas cost more and have rules about boat maintenance that can cost you more. Some have strict rules on many subjects some are more lax. Some cater to families, day boaters, partiers, and some have a mix.

Think about what you want from boating beyond the fun of a day on the lake, what about the rest of the day and night? Peace and quiet watching TV with the kids, a campfire, dinner at a nice restaurant, a barbeque, a few drinks with the neighbors, watching the game in the clubhouse, then go find a marina that supports that.

[jrc]

BTW you can be assured of the same slip at MVYC, if you rent from the slip owner. If you rent from Irwin Marine, they only manage MVYC, they don't own the slips.

[cillovely]

We too live south of Boston, and we have rented the past 5 years in different spots on the lake. We trailer our 20' Sea Ray with a cuddy cabin. It's is 27 years old and still runs great. So I'm all for Sea Rays even though a Grady White walk around is my dream.

I never thought of getting a slip and staying on the boat the whole time. Lots to consider doing it that way as previously posted. Has it's ups and downs.

We are actually downgrading ours, hubby has a sweet deal on a slightly used Bass Tracker so he can take it out more places near home without having to trailer the bigger boat. The only time we seem to use our boat is the week we spend up at Winni. We did take it out on the ocean and down the Charles river many times but I really hate salt water. And there aren't any decent size lakes without traveling an hour or more. I personally am not thrilled about having a boat without a port a potti and I do not fish so I don't think I'll be on the other boat other than the week up Winni, so nothing changed there for me.

Also make sure you know what your doing. Being new to boating with a big boat can be tricky. And Winni has many tricks to it. I always study the Bizer map prior to vacation so I know what's near where we are staying. I broke the prop last year. Thankfully hubby is handy and could put a new one on.

[sum-r breeze]

If you are going to trailer a cruiser...it has to have less than a 9 foot beam. I think you'll still be under that number in a 28 Sundancer. Our 300 Dancer has a 10'6" beam and not trailerable without a special permit. Bigger is always better and consider MVYC for slip rental. As I posted in a previous thread, your winter storage is INCLUDED in your slip rental fee. It might be a better deal to buy the bigger boat, leave it in Gilford and NOT have to trailer it back and forth. Good Luck and welcome to the lake!!!!

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

[Lakeboater]

"Some marinas will only rent you a slip if you buy the boat, new or used, from the marina"
Which marinas have this policy?

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by Lakeboater

"Some marinas will only rent you a slip if you buy the boat, new or used, from the marina"
Which marinas have this policy?

Shep Browns

[BMAB]

Wow. I cant thank everyone enough. So many things to think about. We have done a lot of research and because we are new to boating this first hand advice is very helpful..
Thanks again!

[Sleezstak]

Please- Look into your options even if they are not what you think you want. Look at a smaller boat, valet and so on. Perhaps totally what you do not want. It gets expensive and big boats can tie you up. What if the kids dont like it in year two? Is the excitiment based on being on a freinds boat only a couple times a summer.
You sink some money into a big boat, rent a slip and so on the the feel to be up there every weekend will seep in.
Perhaps look at getting a smaller boat and stay up there some weekends. It will cost you less and get a better feel of the costs and commitment.
If it is a home run, trade it in on a bigger one, get slip and enjoy.

Alot of good advice here, alot of good people. Boating is expensive. Good Luck

[Happy Gourmand]

Sounds like you want a cruiser, but also would like to tow a skier and and tuber and generally cruise around.
We had owned boats for several years when we got out of boating a few years back. After a couple years of missing it, we couldn't decide if we wanted another boat or what kind of boat we would like to own.
The ABC has several boats, from a 24' Sea Ray cruiser, pontoon boats, and a couple of 21' Sea Ray bow riders...one is an SLX that goes like crazy!
We joined for a year and really enjoyed it. We used every boat they had many times and other than the membership fee, only paid for the gas we used. I think it is one of the better ways to discover if boating is good for you.
Anyways, after the first year, we decided to again get our own boat and we really enjoy it.
I recommend that you or any potential new boating prospects check them out. Great people, nice location just north of Weirs Beach, and as a boat club member you get access to all their great facilities.
Definitely worth checking out.
I have no association with them other than I was a member of the boat club 2 years ago, and a social member of the Yatch club last year which gave us use of all the facilities except use of the boats.

[tis]

Or if they can't decide Phantom, they could always buy two boats.

[jrc]

Here's my list of places to wet slip for overnight, in no real order:

Mountain View YC (condo)
Glendale YC (condo)
Gilford YC (condo)
Fay's Boat Yard (boat dealer)
Spinnaker Cove YC (condo)
Irwin Marine (boat dealer)
Shep Brown's Boat Basin (boat dealer)
Lakeport Landing (boat dealer)
Paugus Bay Marina (boat dealer)
Parker Marine (small boats only)
West Alton Marina (rental)
Meredith Marina (boat dealer and condo)
Meredith YC (condo)
Akwa Marina YC (rental)
Wolfeboro Corinthian YC (condo)
Melvin Village Marina (boat dealer)
Goodhue and Hawkins Navy Yard (boat dealer)
Quayside YC (condo)
Silver Sands Marina (boat dealer)
Channel Marine (boat dealer) do they rent slips?
Gillian Marine (boat dealer)
Thurston's Marina (boat dealer)
Y-Landing (boat dealer)

I'm sure I missed some or messed some up

[Liquorish]

We to live south of Boston, have been going to the lake for 20+ years! we're fortunate to have purchased a home on the lake 4 years ago, but spent many weekends trailering when the kids were little, certainly a real pain! Then, rented a slip for 12 years, had many boats, would definitely recommend that you buy as big as your budget allows, you'll need your space. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

[MAXUM]

Hmm...

I think you may think twice about playing around with a boat like that, in regards to pulling skiers and/or a tube. Sure you can, but good grief you are going to be burning some copious amounts of gas for one, and making one hell of a wake for the ones behind the boat to deal with. First piece of advice, get your cabin cruiser, make friends with somebody that has a boat better suited for pulling a skier or tube.

As for the rest, everyone has their opinions and it's always good to hear what folks have to say. In the end the best thing you can do is get educated, watch the market for a while so you can get an idea of prices. The more you look the more you will get an idea of what works for you. No matter the year or size this is a huge investment for YOUR enjoyment so make sure whatever you get it meets your expectations. As I always say half the fun of having a boat is shopping for one! Don't always think you have to buy locally either and be very careful in dealing with any of the stealerships around the lakes region. Oh they are nice alright, their prices... not so much.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by sum-r breeze

If you are going to trailer a cruiser...it has to have less than a 9 foot beam. I think you'll still be under that number in a 28 Sundancer.
The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

The legal width limit for any vehicle on the road whether it is a boat or a tractor trailer is 8'6" (102 inches). You can get permits very easily but anything wider than 8'6" requires a "Wide Load" sign and anything over 10'6" requires the chase cars with signage.

The 28 SeaRay has a beam of 8'10"

[sum-r breeze]

Originally Posted by Perfect Harmony

I know it was mentioned above, but do not sell yourself short on the importance of air conditioning. 4 in the cabin at night, in the middle of summer, will be the absolute worst experience you'll ever have. Also beam is critical to factor in. 4 in the cabin will get very small, very quickly. Forget adults in a V-berth. Sea Rays are nice but narrow. Four Winns have always impressed.

Last MVYC is good, but year to year you can't be assured of the same slip. but the ammenities are solid. I have heard great things about Alton. Good Luck!!!

We have been at MVYC for 14 years and have always had the first refusal option when renting a slip through Irwins. They send out a letter around Feb 1st to see if you want to rent the same slip as last year. There is always some turnover for various reasons..... New bigger boat won't fit in old smaller slip...Kid in college this year...IRS audit and the boat had to go...Wife found out about mistress...take your pick. That being said, the staff at Irwins Carol Downing in particular, have always gone above and beyond to help us find the perfect place for The Breeze. MVYC also has the best July cookout/dance party of the summer for all owners and renters free of charge. This is a REAL "customer appreciation" party, unlike another marina where we used to be that CHARGED you (???) to attend!!! We LOVE Mountain View.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be Wavin' Back

[Woodsy]

BMAB...

Welcome to the forum. Its a great place!


Just a little food for thought and break it down by cost vs usage. Especially where you are a relative newbie to boating. No offense, we all had to start somewhere.

There are approximately 12 summer weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day... undoubtedly you will not make it up for all of them due to weather or other issues(school, kid commitments etc). But lets use 12 as the number of times you actually get up here in a summer....

Maybe consider staying at a local motel for the weekend. On average rooms run $125 or so a night so for summer you are looking at $3000 cost. Maybe less if you negotiate ahead of time. This gives you plenty of room for family and guests.

A 28 ft Cabin cruiser for 4 people is a tight fit especially for sleeping... no room for you guys or the kids to have friends up etc. They guzzle fuel at an amazing rate, especially if you are trying to tube or ski.... they aren't bad at all if you just putt around... A gas bill for a single engine 28 Cabin Cruiser will be about $150/$300 weekend depending on usage.... and they are tough to trailer.

A 24-28 ft Bow Rider is a perfect boat for cruising, tubing sandbars etc... It has plenty of storage and is also a much easier boat to learn how to drive & dock. Especially on windy days. Great on gas with a small v-8 engine and a duoprop drive. A gas bill for a single engine 24 Bow Rider will be about $75/$150 depending on usage.... and its fairly easy to trailer.

A slip at MVYC or others runs approximately $3000+ or so.... a runabout lessens your cost somewhat as your docking options increase... private slips, rack storage etc approximately $2200 or so.

The boat payment is a wild card... it can be just about anywhere, but I am guessing you have a number in mind. Whatever that number is, it will go farther on a runabout than it will on a cabin cruiser.

Anyway, just some food for thought...

Woodsy

[Alton Lady]

Originally Posted by 8gv

About the boat brand and size...

I have two smaller (18' and 20') Sea Rays and will attest to their quality.

Back in '98 I bought a 28' Bayliner for my family of five. The kids were 8, 5 and 1.

My search for a cruiser led me to the Bayliner because it had more interior space for its length. At that time, and I suspect now, the other brands had styling that was curvatious and sexy. The Bayliner was more boxy inside. The others had an 8'6" beam, suitable for trailering sans permit. The Bayliner had a 9'7" beam thus making trailering an event.

I doubt you'll trailer at all. That requires a trailer, a place to store the trailer and a vehicle powerful enough to tow a 24' or larger boat.

Here's the big and in my opinion, important difference for a family of four:

Fancy, expensive boat has tighter aft cabin, a narrow forward v-berth and minimal galley table that converts to a minimal berth THAT YOU NEED because the other sleeping areas are small.

Non fancy, cheaper (Bayliner) boat has a queen aft berth, generous v-berth and a full size table that sleeps two kids or one, shorter adult.

In the non fancy boat, dad can snooze in the aft cabin while mom sits at the table drinking her coffee while the kids snooze up front. Later, when everybody rises, all four can eat breakfast at the table. At night, the kids can watch TV from the table and then crawl off to sleep in the v-berth while mom and dad watch TV at the table. Later, mom and dad crawl off to the aft QUEEN SIZED berth, which is far away from the kids, for adult playtime.

Get 28' or more.
Forget about trailering.
Be sure the boat has three good sized sleeping areas.
Curves in the cabin are pretty but waste space!

I'm glad I read through the responses, or I would have posted almost exactly what you did!

[TiltonBB]

So here are some of mine:

First, Carol at Irwin Marine is great. It's too bad she doesn't work at Mountain View any more but I am sure she follows along with everything that is going on there.

Second: I think MVYC is great. I was there for many years but now I rent my slip out because I no longer need it. There are good facilities and two nice beaches and a great view. It is centrally located on the lake and all of the shopping you could want is close by. There is nothing better than staying on your boat as many nights as your schedule will allow and enjoying the lake during the day.

Third: I would get a boat in the 26 - 28 foot range with a single big block engine. Simple to operate, minimal maintenance, and plenty of boat for a first timer.

I would stay away from the boats without two front seats. Many manufacturers are putting a double wide seat at the helm and a lounge on the opposite side. Think about a hot day: Do you want someone sitting up against you? Think about when you take a friend boating: Do you want them snuggled up against you on the "love seat"?

That is just my opinion but it always looks funny to see a boat go by with two adult men sitting up against each other on the love seat! OK. Maybe it's me!