New Boaters - Any Frugal Tips?
Serendipity
cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
out for, etc?
bicycle
Should have learned something about boating before you bought a boat.
Your post is more about bragging about your new toy than it is about
"frugal" advice. Pride does that to a person.
Don't drown.
Serendipity
Well thanks for the advice. Now I know why the appeal of posting here
is greatly diminished ;) No bragging at all, sorry. Have you ever been
in the position of being at the right place at the right time and being
able to snap up a very good deal? I can't say I'm not proud as it was
one heck of a very good deal! And we paid cash so no there are no
payments. So yes I am proud but I'm also scared and very nervous. I am
honesty asking for frugal tips or any other tips for that matter.
C. Massey
"Serendipity" <goa...@spammers.com> wrote in message
news:11a1g31...@corp.supernews.com...
With a statement like that, yes, you are bragging... I don't blame you, I
would be too!
hchi...@hotmail.com
Oh my. I did enough boating as a kid to satisfy two lives worth.
Take a safety course. In the U.S. they are sponsored by the power
squadron or coast guard auxilllary, dunno about Canada. You'll learn
the required safety tips and meet other boat owners, who can clue you
in on a lot of other tips.
With your situation, you don't want to go out on the open lake where
choppy waters put a strain on a healthy back.
You could take some nice slow trips on the canals and rivers, and camp
or stay at motels. The Trent-Severen is real good, the Rideau is also
good. The Richeleu wasn't fun for me because of all the traffic. Oh
yeah, one of those has Lake Simco as part of the waterway. DO NOT
attempt to cross it except on a good day. The chop is not standard,
the lake is shallow, it is a 20 mile diameter windswept surface, and
the combination is bad. I think there are websites describing these
and other canals in Canada. I ran across one a few years back while
researching the Champlain canal (which is OK, but nothing great except
when you get to West Point and the lower Hudson. Don't even attempt
the Great Lakes waterways until you've got _LOT_ more experience.
I wouldn't go out on any lake without having some sort of emergency
motor if the main motor fails or gets bad gas. A tiny outboard gas
trolling motor is best, but an electric one and the special battery
for it will do in a pinch. Rowing to shore against a wind in a boat
not designed to be rowed is nigh unto impossible. Cellphones or
marine radio might allow you to call for help, but they won't keep you
quartered into the waves when the water turns rough and the engine
fails or prop fouls. A GPS would be a handy thing to have if you need
help, or just want to locate yourself on a chart.
The other important tips are sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad
brimmed hat. You won't believe how quickly you can burn on the water.
Really, by far the best thing you can do is take a boating safety
course.
Lorenzo L. Love
Just burn your money. It's easier then pouring it into a hole in the water.
Andy
I just bought a boat and trailer for $200 and have exactly
the same question.
How can I save money on this new hobby ?
Andy
Serendipity
> Serendipity <goa...@spammers.com> wrote:
>
>
>>Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
>>cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
>>out for, etc?
>
>
> Oh my. I did enough boating as a kid to satisfy two lives worth.
> Take a safety course. In the U.S. they are sponsored by the power
> squadron or coast guard auxilllary, dunno about Canada. You'll learn
> the required safety tips and meet other boat owners, who can clue you
> in on a lot of other tips.
Here you have to write a special test for boat safety. DH picked up the
book today so we can study it over the weekend. He has us booked for
Monday for a boating safety class and we write the test on Tuesday.
>
> With your situation, you don't want to go out on the open lake where
> choppy waters put a strain on a healthy back.
That is a huge concern for me. I certainly wasn't blessed with a
healthy back.
>
> You could take some nice slow trips on the canals and rivers, and camp
> or stay at motels. The Trent-Severen is real good, the Rideau is also
> good. The Richeleu wasn't fun for me because of all the traffic. Oh
> yeah, one of those has Lake Simco as part of the waterway. DO NOT
> attempt to cross it except on a good day. The chop is not standard,
> the lake is shallow, it is a 20 mile diameter windswept surface, and
> the combination is bad. I think there are websites describing these
> and other canals in Canada. I ran across one a few years back while
> researching the Champlain canal (which is OK, but nothing great except
> when you get to West Point and the lower Hudson. Don't even attempt
> the Great Lakes waterways until you've got _LOT_ more experience.
>
> I wouldn't go out on any lake without having some sort of emergency
> motor if the main motor fails or gets bad gas. A tiny outboard gas
> trolling motor is best, but an electric one and the special battery
> for it will do in a pinch. Rowing to shore against a wind in a boat
> not designed to be rowed is nigh unto impossible. Cellphones or
> marine radio might allow you to call for help, but they won't keep you
> quartered into the waves when the water turns rough and the engine
> fails or prop fouls. A GPS would be a handy thing to have if you need
> help, or just want to locate yourself on a chart.
Ok, I'll get DH to look for a back-up motor. We have cell phones and
marine radio. Last night we picked up a couple of charts for local
waters just to get used to reading them. The GPS sounds like a good idea.
>
> The other important tips are sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad
> brimmed hat. You won't believe how quickly you can burn on the water.
>
> Really, by far the best thing you can do is take a boating safety
> course.
Thanks for the tips. I really do appreciate it!
Ida Slapter
wrote:
>Any boaters here?
A boat is kind of like a new swimming pool...something that you will
be dumping money in all the time...not frugal for the most part.
The happiest day in a new boat owners life is the day they get their
boat...the next happiest day in a boat owners life is when the can
finally SELL IT!
hchi...@hotmail.com
>Here you have to write a special test for boat safety. DH picked up the
>book today so we can study it over the weekend. He has us booked for
>Monday for a boating safety class and we write the test on Tuesday.
If you plan to do any significant amount of boating, joining one of
the boating organizations is a good idea.
FWIW, having a life preserver for each person on board is a good idea
only provided that you can help each other out of the water or swim to
shore fairly quickly. A lot of Canadian lakes are so cold that
hypothermia will kill you within a short period of time if drowning
doesn't. A life preserver and a folded up $2 pool float tucked inside
or strapped to it might save your life where the life preserver alone
wouldn't.
Yeah, this is stuff that goes against common wisdom. Sometimes common
wisdom isn't common, and isn't wisdom. I've been in cold water. Don't
plan on doing so again.
Mike Wilcox
Serendipity wrote:
Sell the boat for profit ;~) Do you know what the definition of a boat
is? " A hole in the water one pours money into" ;~)
Serendipity
Kind of a long reply. I am very, very nervous over our purchase. They
guys are picking it up on the 13th. The dealership needs time to
de-winterize it, clean it, and launch it for us and we needed time to
get all the proper paperwork and testing done. I'm sure things will
turn out ok but quite frankly I prefer my feet on solid ground. Gravol
is going to take on a whole new meaning. And learning to drive a boat
feels overwhelming right now. I know I must in case anything happens to
DH and if I want to go out by myself but I just don't feel like learning
how right now.
How big is your boat, Andy? Are you planning on using it for pleasure
or fishing? Are you planning on using it for water skiing or tubing?
Are you planning on staying aboard overnight?
That's what I'm really getting at. There has to be other boaters here
that are willing to share their expertise. For example, we will be able
to sleep in our boat. Can we just anchor anywhere or do we need to dock
at specific areas? We paid a heck of a lot more than $200 without a
trailer. OTOH, we have decided to give up our RV for the boat. If we
get the full asking price for the RV we will actually be about $100
richer. We were lucky that we kept the life jackets from our pool days
so at least we don't have that expense. Hchickpea pointed out we need a
back-up motor. We are smack dab in the middle of boating country so we
should be able to find a good used motor pretty cheap. He also
mentioned a safety course of which we are taking. The mandatory test
here for boating is $40 each. We are hoping to find a trailer at a
reasonable price. If not, we have three choices - docking at a marina,
mooring whips, or putting in a boat lift. DH is favouring the boat lift
and has a gentleman coming out tonight to give us an estimate. I guess
one of the big concerns is how you are going to use the boat. If used
for fishing, you of course need the fishing equipment. I've fished
since I was knee high to a grass hopper and have all the equipment I
need anyway but you may need to look at yours to see if you need more.
I'm rather a non frills fishing gal though. I have a nice rod & reel
(older but well trusted), hooks and sinkers, a couple of bobs, and a
net. It has been some time since I have bought fishing equipment. BTW,
sitting all day fishing can be quite frugal since you just kind of drift
with the water. I take a good book, sandwiches, and drinks then let the
day happen. With any luck you end up with a nice catch as well. Off
shore fishing is so much nicer than onshore! I am so looking forward to
doing that again! We are also lucky in that much of our RV equipment
can simply be transferred over to the boat at no cost. Our boat is
equipped for water skiing but we discovered the water skis we hung onto
for so long need repair and the tube is toast :( We have tow ropes and
all that equipment from when DH's father had his boat. Another thing to
consider is idf your boat is to remain in the water, the type of water
it is in. Strong waters can ruin a boat pretty quick. You might need
mooring whips to prevent this. With any luck you might be able to find
them used.
Personally, I think boating will be considerably cheaper than camping.
We were up to $24 CDN for a campsite; this year it is likely higher.
Our RV is too heavy and too big for just the two of us at 28'. It costs
us a bloody fortune to tow too. We've always preferred Provincial parks
so at least we don't pay for commercialism. It is like deja vu. We are
jumping in with both feet boating much the same as when we bought our
RV. We didn't even have a tow vehicle and had no idea what the heck we
were doing. Somehow we managed and learned a heck of a lot in the
process. Hopefully boating will be the same for us.
Serendipity
Yes, we could sell the boat for a very tidy profit but we want to try
boating. We just didn't expect it this soon. It can't be any worse
than an RV and we've owned an RV for ages. The sale of the RV should
more than cover the cost of the boat. Besides, we all pay for
entertainment whether it be cable, movies, travel, etc so unless we
become hermits, our money would be spent on some type of entertainment
at some point. It might as well be when we are young enough to enjoy it.
Shawn Hearn
Serendipity <goa...@spammers.com> wrote:
Frugal tips? Before you learn about frugality with boating, I suggest
you concentrate of learning about good safety practices. Take a coast
guard auxiliary course. The dealer who sold you the boat or your local
marina will have info on such courses.
The Real Bev
>
> Serendipity wrote:
>
> > bicycle wrote:
> >
> >> Serendipity wrote:
> >>
> >>> Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
> >>> cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
> >>> out for, etc?
Do you have the legally-required fire extinguisher, flag, flotation devices,
life jackets, etc.?
> >> Should have learned something about boating before you bought a boat.
> >>
> >> Your post is more about bragging about your new toy than it is about
> >> "frugal" advice. Pride does that to a person.
> >>
> >> Don't drown.
> >>
> > Well thanks for the advice. Now I know why the appeal of posting here
> > is greatly diminished ;) No bragging at all, sorry. Have you ever been
> > in the position of being at the right place at the right time and being
> > able to snap up a very good deal? I can't say I'm not proud as it was
> > one heck of a very good deal! And we paid cash so no there are no
> > payments. So yes I am proud but I'm also scared and very nervous. I am
> > honesty asking for frugal tips or any other tips for that matter.
>
> Sell the boat for profit ;~) Do you know what the definition of a boat
> is? " A hole in the water one pours money into" ;~)
The second happiest day of your life is the day you bought your boat. The
happiest day of your life is the day you sold it.
Long ago my son bought a 40HP outboard motorboat (and trailer) that looked
kind of like a 1956 Chrysler with tailfins for a couple of $hundred. They
fixed the engine, we painted it red and white, acquired water skis and took it
out on the lake. It went just fast enough that a person who knew how to do it
could water ski. We went around the lake a couple of times and that was it.
Ultimately he gave it to someone else, with no regrets.
--
Cheers,
Bev
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"We need to cut more slack for the stupid; after all, somebody has
to populate the lower part of the bell curve." -- Dennis (evil)
Serendipity
> Mike Wilcox wrote:
>
>>Serendipity wrote:
>>
>>
>>>bicycle wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Serendipity wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
>>>>>cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
>>>>>out for, etc?
>
>
> Do you have the legally-required fire extinguisher, flag, flotation devices,
> life jackets, etc.?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes :)
Gary Heston
Find an experienced boater to give you a few weeks of lessons. Handling
a boat is not something that you pick up in a day or two; they're
unwieldy at times and can be difficult to control, particularly in
bad weather.
Take your time--motors run quite well at other than full throttle, and
mistakes are easier to correct before they become disasters.
Practice changing a prop shear pin in shallow water and nice weather
before you have to change one in cold rain on a windy day in deep water.
Read. There are web sites, books, and probably several newsgroups that
deal with boating, ownership, maintenance, and safe operation.
Always wear your life jacket, and whoever is driving should have the
kill switch attached to themselves while the motor is running.
Assuming Canada has an equivalent of the US National Weather Service
radio system, get a portable weather radio and keep it handy; check it
if you notice anything unusual happening--more wind than expected,
sudden appearance of dark clouds, anything.
Expect to suddenly become real popular with your friends, particularly
if they like to ski... :-)
Gary
--
Gary Heston ghe...@hiwaay.net
Did you hear about the people caught falsely advertising
Star Wars memorabilia?
They were charged with Bait and Sith.
bicycle
You already have. Your $200 boat floats the same as a $200,000
boat. Enjoy it and all the money you saved.
bicycle
I would make sure I knew a little something about them before I did any
bragging. Otherwise it's just posing.
Her statement might as well have been "We are the proud owners of
something we know nothing about". Sorry, I just don't get it.
Jessica V.
Have those checked out before you count on them to save your lives.
Sun, chlorine and time give the floatation material a good beating.
Hchickpea pointed out we need a
> back-up motor. We are smack dab in the middle of boating country so we
> should be able to find a good used motor pretty cheap.
Motor and cheap I don't use in the same sentence. Being in boating
country only seems to make the prices of used motors higher, demand. I
have found good used motors that were pretty cheap but that was in Nebraska.
He also
> mentioned a safety course of which we are taking. The mandatory test
> here for boating is $40 each. We are hoping to find a trailer at a
> reasonable price. If not, we have three choices - docking at a marina,
> mooring whips, or putting in a boat lift. DH is favouring the boat lift
> and has a gentleman coming out tonight to give us an estimate.
I like the lift, if I had to dock at the marina I couldn't justify the
espense of having a boat.
I guess
> one of the big concerns is how you are going to use the boat. If used
> for fishing, you of course need the fishing equipment. I've fished
> since I was knee high to a grass hopper and have all the equipment I
> need anyway but you may need to look at yours to see if you need more.
> I'm rather a non frills fishing gal though. I have a nice rod & reel
> (older but well trusted), hooks and sinkers, a couple of bobs, and a
> net. It has been some time since I have bought fishing equipment. BTW,
> sitting all day fishing can be quite frugal since you just kind of drift
> with the water. I take a good book, sandwiches, and drinks then let the
> day happen. With any luck you end up with a nice catch as well. Off
> shore fishing is so much nicer than onshore! I am so looking forward to
> doing that again!
Don't forget the sunblock! It is a fantastic way to spend a day IMO.
We are also lucky in that much of our RV equipment
> can simply be transferred over to the boat at no cost. Our boat is
> equipped for water skiing but we discovered the water skis we hung onto
> for so long need repair and the tube is toast :( We have tow ropes and
> all that equipment from when DH's father had his boat. Another thing to
> consider is idf your boat is to remain in the water, the type of water
> it is in. Strong waters can ruin a boat pretty quick. You might need
> mooring whips to prevent this. With any luck you might be able to find
> them used.
Give those tow ropes a good checking out before you use them. Better to
buy new than get hurt if they are worn.
>
> Personally, I think boating will be considerably cheaper than camping.
> We were up to $24 CDN for a campsite; this year it is likely higher. Our
> RV is too heavy and too big for just the two of us at 28'. It costs us
> a bloody fortune to tow too. We've always preferred Provincial parks so
> at least we don't pay for commercialism. It is like deja vu. We are
> jumping in with both feet boating much the same as when we bought our
> RV. We didn't even have a tow vehicle and had no idea what the heck we
> were doing. Somehow we managed and learned a heck of a lot in the
> process. Hopefully boating will be the same for us.
>
$24 CDN today equals $19.80 USD, I don't think I have ever had a day of
boating that I have gotten out of for $19.80 and I've a smaller lighter
boat. Check the fuel price difference between the filling stations and
the marinas, marinas here are about 50% higher than filling stations.
bicycle
Serendipity wrote:
> bicycle wrote:
>
> >
> > Serendipity wrote:
> >
> >>Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
> >>cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
> >>out for, etc?
> >
> >
> > Should have learned something about boating before you bought a boat.
> >
> > Your post is more about bragging about your new toy than it is about
> > "frugal" advice. Pride does that to a person.
> >
> > Don't drown.
> >
> Well thanks for the advice. Now I know why the appeal of posting here
> is greatly diminished ;)
As if you didn't have anything to do with that for other
> No bragging at all, sorry. Have you ever been
> in the position of being at the right place at the right time and being
> able to snap up a very good deal?
Many times and many times I've passed them up. As it stands now, you
are the "proud" owner of something you know nothing about.
> I can't say I'm not proud as it was
> one heck of a very good deal! And we paid cash so no there are no
> payments. So yes I am proud but I'm also scared and very nervous. I am
> honesty asking for frugal tips or any other tips for that matter.
I'm one of those lucky people who will get to have the close call with
the
new boat owners. I should be the nervous one here.
Shawn Hearn
Serendipity <goa...@spammers.com> wrote:
Frugal and boat ownership are mutually exclusive. Sorry to give you bad
news, but of know of what I speak. I grew up in a family where my dad,
his brothers, and some of my dad's friends all owned boats similar to
the one you bought. At one time, my dad even built his own boat as a
hobby, but that was before I was born.
Trust me, the old saying that the two happiest days of a boat owner's
life are when he buys his boat and when he sells it is all too true. So
is the old one about a boat being a hole in the water into which one
throws money.
When my dad kept his boat at a marina on the Delaware River when I was a
kid, I used to go there sometimes with my dad. A majority of my dad's
time was spent maintaining his boat, not using it. Once, I asked a boat
owner who's boat was slipped near my dad's boat. I asked the guy why he
never took his boat out of his slip and he said he could only afford to
take out his boat a few days a month. Fuel and oil cost money and boats
eat up gas and oil quickly.
You and your husband should definitely take a safe-boating course before
you take your boat out of its dock. Boating really and truly can be a
lot of fun, but it can easily lead to tragedy if you're not careful. Let
me tell you, if you take the boat out of your marina a little bit too
fast, you will have a lot of nearby boat owners very pissed off at you.
I learned that lesson very quickly. I learned how to drive a boat when I
was very young, so I can tell you, handling a boat is easy in reasonably
good weather, but it can become a real challenge if the water conditions
suddenly get nasty. I learned from one of my older cousins in Florida
who is now an oceanographer and he was always into boating and aquatics.
My dad also made me take a safe boating course. As an adult, my interest
in boating has completely faded because is a lot of work for very little
enjoyment. If you want to satisfy an occasional urge to go boating, its
cheaper and easier to rent a boat for a few hours or go on a chartered
fishing boat day-trip.
So, if frugality is your chief concern, my only suggestion to you is to
sell your boat. Sorry, but that's just the way I see it.
Shawn Hearn
Serendipity <goa...@spammers.com> wrote:
> Mike Wilcox wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Serendipity wrote:
> >
> >> bicycle wrote:
> >>
> >>>
> >>> Serendipity wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
> >>>> cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
> >>>> out for, etc?
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Should have learned something about boating before you bought a boat.
> >>>
> >>> Your post is more about bragging about your new toy than it is about
> >>> "frugal" advice. Pride does that to a person.
> >>>
> >>> Don't drown.
> >>>
> >> Well thanks for the advice. Now I know why the appeal of posting here
> >> is greatly diminished ;) No bragging at all, sorry. Have you ever
> >> been in the position of being at the right place at the right time and
> >> being able to snap up a very good deal? I can't say I'm not proud as
> >> it was one heck of a very good deal! And we paid cash so no there are
> >> no payments. So yes I am proud but I'm also scared and very nervous.
> >> I am honesty asking for frugal tips or any other tips for that matter.
> >
> >
> > Sell the boat for profit ;~) Do you know what the definition of a boat
> > is? " A hole in the water one pours money into" ;~)
>
> Yes, we could sell the boat for a very tidy profit but we want to try
> boating. We just didn't expect it this soon. It can't be any worse
> than an RV and we've owned an RV for ages.
Wanna bet? You'll see.
Gene S. Berkowitz
says...
> >
> >
> > Sell the boat for profit ;~) Do you know what the definition of a boat
> > is? " A hole in the water one pours money into" ;~)
>
> Yes, we could sell the boat for a very tidy profit but we want to try
> boating. We just didn't expect it this soon. It can't be any worse
> than an RV and we've owned an RV for ages.
Gene's Top Ten Reasons Owning a Boat is Worse Than Owning an RV:
10. Gas docks typically charge 10% more than gas stations.
9. Boats are measured in gallons per hour, not miles per gallon.
8. Sea water will eventually corrode every piece of electrical
equipment on a boat.
7. You can't paint a boat with Rustoleum, and anti-fouling paint is
about $50 a can.
6. Seagulls.
5. After a collision, your RV won't sink.
4. Boat mechanics are rare, and you are almost never in a position to
"shop around" when you need one.
3. RVs don't have a bilge containing the slimiest, oiliest guck
imaginable, which must be pumped out frequently.
2. RVs don't explode after improper refueling.
1. No Satellite TV.
--Gene
Anthony Matonak
...
> Gene's Top Ten Reasons Owning a Boat is Worse Than Owning an RV:
> 2. RVs don't explode after improper refueling.
http://www.rvappraisals.com/rv-explosions.htm
RV Explosion photos
http://news4colorado.com/crimeaccidentreport/local_story_217202228.html
Explosion At Gas Station In Frisco
> 1. No Satellite TV.
http://www.kvh.com/MarineSat/index.asp
TracVision Marine Satellite TV
http://www.seatel.com/products/dbsdth.html
SeaTel Marine satellite antenna systems
Anthony
Travis Jordan
Subscribe to rec.boats.*
Boating isn't frugual. In my experience it is the second most expensive
hobby next to owning and flying airplanes. You can take this to the
bank.
B.O.A.T. "Break out another thousand"
Serendipity
Thanks to everyone who replied and offered advice. I've kept quite a few
and will follow through.
dejablues
"Shawn Hearn" <sr...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:srhi-38E3A3.2...@news.giganews.com...
LOL....exactly!
dejablues
"The Real Bev" <bas...@myrealbox.com> wrote in message
news:42A102B1...@myrealbox.com...
> Mike Wilcox wrote:
> >
> > Serendipity wrote:
> >
> > > bicycle wrote:
> > >
> > >> Serendipity wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
> > >>> cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to
look
> > >>> out for, etc?
>
> Do you have the legally-required fire extinguisher, flag, flotation
devices,
> life jackets, etc.?
Also, a boating license, which requires taking a course (at least it does
here in PA...DH had to get one in order to ride a Jetski).
Gene S. Berkowitz
@nothing.like.comcast.net says...
> Gene S. Berkowitz wrote:
> ...
> > Gene's Top Ten Reasons Owning a Boat is Worse Than Owning an RV:
> ...
> > 2. RVs don't explode after improper refueling.
>
> http://www.rvappraisals.com/rv-explosions.htm
> RV Explosion photos
>
> http://news4colorado.com/crimeaccidentreport/local_story_217202228.html
> Explosion At Gas Station In Frisco
I stand corrected. They're both lousy. How stupid must one be
to blow up a truck at a gas station?
> > 1. No Satellite TV.
>
> http://www.kvh.com/MarineSat/index.asp
> TracVision Marine Satellite TV
>
> http://www.seatel.com/products/dbsdth.html
> SeaTel Marine satellite antenna systems
We ARE a truly pathetic species.
--Gene
val189
Serendipity wrote:
> Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
> cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
> out for, etc?
The words frugal and boating should not even be part of the same
paragraph. And buying a power boat with the price of fuel today
....hmmmm..... are you budgeted for it?
That said, don't skimp on your liability insurance. Know where you are
at all times. Always have a chart on board. Don't skimp on required
safety equipment and check it often. Be sure guests heed your demands
regarding safety, alcohol. etc. Join Boat US, if you can. Get to know
trustworthy engine repair people, boatyard guys etc. Do you have a
plan for next winter's storage? Btw, a lift is great, if you can
afford it.
We've owned boats, sail and power, for about 30 yrs. and I can't say I
really miss any of 'em. I sure sleep better during hurricane season,
knowing that's one less thing to care for.
Anthony Matonak
...
> Boating isn't frugual. In my experience it is the second most expensive
> hobby next to owning and flying airplanes. You can take this to the
> bank.
The next most expensive is owning and flying spaceships. :)
http://www.scaled.com/projects/tierone/
Anthony
quietguy
boat into the water
David - who DID forget that and remembers going flat out back to shore
with his boat filling up with water - not fun
shinypenny
Serendipity wrote:
> Any boaters here? We are the proud new owners of a 22' Sea Ray with
> cuddy :) We know nothing about boating. Any frugal tips, what to look
> out for, etc?
We are the proud owners of a 4-person inflatable boat purchased last
year at a yard sale for $10. For another $160, we outfitted it with a
marine battery, trawling motor, pump, paddles, and a cooler (most of
the cost went into the motor purchased new from Wal-Mart; the rest of
the items were picked up via craigslist and freecycle).
It all fits in the trunk of our car. Just drive to the river, unload,
pump it full of air (takes 10 minutes - we clocked ourselves), and
we're off. Motor runs for about 3 hours. We recently got a second
battery so we can go a total of 6, which is what we did this weekend.
Okay, so it doesn't go all that fast, but you should see the look of
envy on the suckers who's arms are tired from kayaking and canoeing.
And maintenance only involves deflating, rolling, and storing it all
away until next time. Very low commitment, but all the fun. As for
waterskiing, no you can't do that, but we have tied on a second,
smaller raft to pull behind us so DD12 could have a space all to
herself (since she's at that age where being too close to her parents
is *so* trying! <insert adolescent eyeroll here>).
Ahhhh... the life!
Enjoy!
jen
New Leaf
thousand dollars originally. With the damage done to the frame, you
wouldn't want it out on a lake just in case, but it's perfect for her
to use on the slow little river by her house with a battery operated
motor.
My sister has a pedal boat. She bought it cheap because the seats were
ruined. She took it to a marine outfitter who fixed it for almost
nothing with some salvaged seats. We love it for the exercise. It has
drink holders and a little canopy over the top. It's called the "SS
Mullet." Like the hairstyle, not the fist- business in the front, party
in the back.
Viv
Andy
>
> Boating isn't frugual. In my experience it is the second most expensive
> hobby next to owning and flying airplanes. You can take this to the
> bank.
>
> B.O.A.T. "Break out another thousand"
Yep. I owned a boat for a couple years, and you really can't use the
word "frugal" and "boat" in the same sentence, or even paragraph.
Andy
Rod Speed
"Andy" <inevereverche...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1118110728....@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
Basically depends on the boat.
Its perfectly possible to do boating frugally.
Travis Jordan
> Its perfectly possible to do boating frugally.
I suppose that is true. I had an SMR (basically a fiberglass sailing
pram) that I paid $300 for, complete with tanbark sails. Spent another
$50 or so on equipment (anchor, life preserver, etc.) and sailed it from
a friend's backyard. Sold it four years later for $350. The key to
frugality was that the boat had no motor, no electrical system, no
electronics, no water system, no galley, no air conditioning or other
mechanical systems, and no teak surfaces. Frankly, it wasn't very much
fun, either. But it was frugal.
hchi...@hotmail.com
That was a trick I discovered over 30 years ago. I had a tiny Datsun
B-210 and an inflatable kayak with a home-made wooden battery box and
transom that I'd rigged on the box for a trolling motor. I'd drive
down to a boat landing on one of the smaller lakes, find an open bank,
inflate the kayak, insert the battery box, attach the motor, and be
off while the big boats were still being jockeyed into position for
launch. You are right about that look of envy. The owner of a bigger
boat might look down his nose at the kayak, but the family would
almost always have that wistful look in their eyes.
I was able to get into marshy fishing spots that other boaters
couldn't possibly reach, and if I got stuck on a sandbar or rock, I
could be off it in a jiffy. Going down rivers was fun. A lot of the
smaller rapids or riffles midsummer were a stopper for a regular
canoe, requiring portaging. With this gear all I had to do is shift
my weight away from the area that was hung up and I'd slide right over
the obstruction.
That boat, equiped with a cooler of beer and sandwiches, a fishing rod
and a camera, were probably the best times I've spent on the water,
with the possible short exceptions of some white-water canoeing.
What I might consider, if I was to do it again, would be to tow a
cheap raft with camping gear and a 100 or 150 watt solar panel
on-board. That would extend the range of the cruising by a huge
amount, (and totally piss off boaters that were paying a premium for
gas-guzzling inboard-outboards). :-)
Serendipity
Hchickpea, I want to thank-you personally for your great advice. DH and
I took the Safe Boater Training Program and successfully wrote the
mandatory test. The test is mandatory for anyone opperating a motorized
boat. Two experienced boaters will be going with DH when he picks the
boat up on the 13th. DH has limited boating experience from driving his
Dad's and friends' boats so at least he isn't learning from scratch like
I am. We got a great sub-let on a covered slip from our neighbour three
doors down. He rented the slip for $1800 until next spring then sold
the boat he had in it about a week later. The marina wouldn't refund so
he sub-leased it to us for $500. I know that sounds like a lot but it
is a $1300 savings, takes care of winterizing, and solves our immediate
problem. That way we can take our time, shop around, and find out
exactly how we want to set up docking for the future. The same
neighbour has offered us free boating lessons as has a couple of our
friends. All have several years of boating experience under their
belts. Our tow ropes, life jackets, and mandatory safety equipment has
been checked as one poster suggested. In return, I will likely plan
nice barbeques at the end of each lesson as a thank-you.
Our boat will be too deep to get into the marshy areas and we have often
discussed getting a canoe. There are a couple of nice marshy areas
nearby where fishing is reputed to be excellent. We may still if we can
find a good used one. OTOH, a canoe or raft would not do well in the
waters we will be mainly boating in. Much of our camping gear can be
used in the boat if need be. We are planning a five day get away the
first week of July. Friends of ours are camping in a Provincial Park
that we can boat to. We have a cuddy with sleeping arrangements so we
can "camp" off shore or find a day slip nearby. Their kids are looking
forward to skiing. We are still playing these plans day by day though.
If we feel for any reason we aren't ready for that type of boating
excursion yet, we will cancel and wait until we are ready. I'd rather
be safe than sorry.
Anyway, thanks for all your help. I really do appreciate it.
Dennis
wrote:
>Hchickpea, I want to thank-you personally for your great advice. DH and
>I took the Safe Boater Training Program and successfully wrote the
>mandatory test. The test is mandatory for anyone opperating a motorized
>boat. Two experienced boaters will be going with DH when he picks the
>boat up on the 13th. DH has limited boating experience from driving his
>Dad's and friends' boats so at least he isn't learning from scratch like
>I am.
Good start. I recently took a 4-evening boater safety course from the
local chapter of the Power Squadron, to cover the training
requirements my state is phasing in for boaters. Even though I have
been boating on-and-off for 30 years, I learned many things in the
course.
>We got a great sub-let on a covered slip from our neighbour three
>doors down. He rented the slip for $1800 until next spring then sold
>the boat he had in it about a week later. The marina wouldn't refund so
>he sub-leased it to us for $500. I know that sounds like a lot but it
>is a $1300 savings, takes care of winterizing, and solves our immediate
>problem.
That is an excellent deal. I am renting a covered slip for our new
boat (used actually, but new to us) at a local marina for the summer
months, and it costs US$88/month. That is a pretty good deal for this
area.
Beware though, a covered slip doesn't avoid the need to winterize your
boat (unless it's fully enclosed and heated). I posted some sites
with useful boat maintenance tips to this thread a few days ago, but
there was a problem with my news server and it didn't get out. I will
try to repost.
>That way we can take our time, shop around, and find out
>exactly how we want to set up docking for the future. The same
>neighbour has offered us free boating lessons as has a couple of our
>friends. All have several years of boating experience under their
>belts. Our tow ropes, life jackets, and mandatory safety equipment has
>been checked as one poster suggested. In return, I will likely plan
>nice barbeques at the end of each lesson as a thank-you.
>
>Our boat will be too deep to get into the marshy areas and we have often
>discussed getting a canoe. There are a couple of nice marshy areas
>nearby where fishing is reputed to be excellent. We may still if we can
>find a good used one. OTOH, a canoe or raft would not do well in the
>waters we will be mainly boating in.
You could always tow a dingy or pack an inflatable for use in
shallower waters.
>Much of our camping gear can be
>used in the boat if need be. We are planning a five day get away the
>first week of July. Friends of ours are camping in a Provincial Park
>that we can boat to. We have a cuddy with sleeping arrangements so we
>can "camp" off shore or find a day slip nearby. Their kids are looking
>forward to skiing. We are still playing these plans day by day though.
Enjoy your boat. IME, Sea Rays are nice.
Dennis (evil)
--
The honest man is the one who realizes that he cannot
consume more, in his lifetime, than he produces.
PaPaPeng
wrote:
>Our boat will be too deep to get into the marshy areas and we have often
>discussed getting a canoe. There are a couple of nice marshy areas
>nearby where fishing is reputed to be excellent. We may still if we can
>find a good used one. OTOH, a canoe or raft would not do well in the
>waters we will be mainly boating in. Much of our camping gear can be
>used in the boat if need be. We are planning a five day get away the
>first week of July. Friends of ours are camping in a Provincial Park
>that we can boat to. We have a cuddy with sleeping arrangements so we
>can "camp" off shore or find a day slip nearby. Their kids are looking
>forward to skiing. We are still playing these plans day by day though.
> If we feel for any reason we aren't ready for that type of boating
>excursion yet, we will cancel and wait until we are ready. I'd rather
>be safe than sorry.
What Serendipity describes sounds great. I'll never be able to own a
boat. So what will a rental alternative to S's weeklong boat
adventure cost?
hchi...@hotmail.com
>The same
>neighbour has offered us free boating lessons as has a couple of our
>friends. All have several years of boating experience under their
>belts. Our tow ropes, life jackets, and mandatory safety equipment has
>been checked as one poster suggested. In return, I will likely plan
>nice barbeques at the end of each lesson as a thank-you.
Thanks for the kind words. If your neighbors are like many boaters,
they'll probably suggest some joint outings, where everybody has to
BYOB (bring your own boat). Having two or more boats in an outing is
often more fun and is obviously somewhat safer. There is no need to
wait to the end of the season to repay the favors to them. Bring your
BBQ fixings along on your boat, and set it up onshore on an island.
That brings up another point - no boat with a cabin or cubbie is
complete unless it has at least a port-a-potty and one of those 2.5
gallon jugs of water with a spout.
Jon von Leipzig
Hey, my lucky day..my server is serving again. <fingers crossed>
Sounds like ya got a good deal. Never mind the naysayers, this may be
Frugal for you, but not for others.
On the large manmade lake N of Atlanta, the number of boaters
_increases_ every year. If boating were such as nightmare & waste of $$,
ya'd think the word would get around. (maybe the boaters are too busy
enjoying life to notice the critics??)
My bro and all his inlaws in Wisc. would pile into about 3 cars every
summer to spend a week up there (Canada). A couple owned boats, but it
was less hassle to just rent one up there. Guess they also did the
canoing/kayaking thing. I could have gone a couple times, but chose not
to. I could probably tolerate the clean air if it were accompanied by
not-so-clean wimmenfolk>
Haven't had a chance to read more in this thread yet, so I don't know
what size lakes or rivers you have in mind. Let me know if yer going out
into the ocean....:-)..have lots of experience steering 4-5oo-foot
freighters on the seven seas.
"The wonder is always new that any sane man can be a sailor"
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
shinypenny
hchi...@hotmail.com wrote:
> What I might consider, if I was to do it again, would be to tow a
> cheap raft with camping gear and a 100 or 150 watt solar panel
> on-board. That would extend the range of the cruising by a huge
> amount, (and totally piss off boaters that were paying a premium for
> gas-guzzling inboard-outboards). :-)
Ooh... tell me more about this solar panel thing. DF was just saying
this weekend, "If only we could figure out how to solar-power this
thing, then we wouldn't have to bother with the batteries."
Links?
jen
Travis Jordan
> DH
> and I took the Safe Boater Training Program and successfully wrote the
> mandatory test. The test is mandatory for anyone opperating a
> motorized boat. Two experienced boaters will be going with DH when
> he picks the boat up on the 13th. DH has limited boating experience
> from driving his Dad's and friends' boats so at least he isn't
> learning from scratch like I am.
Taking a test that you took a day or two to prepare for doesn't do
ANYTHING to prepare you to operate a power boat. You are unsafe on the
water, and you are going to hurt yourself or someone else because you
don't have a clue about what you are doing. I hope you aren't in
Florida where I might be a victim.
As others have suggested, you need to take a safe boating course.
Here's some references:
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/courses.htm
Here's a typical curriculum. How much of this did you get in YOUR study
program.
http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/bs_and_s.htm
a.. WHICH BOAT IS FOR YOU? -- boater's language; types of boats;
outboard motors and sterndrives; hull design; uses of boats; other power
plants; materials for constructing boats; your intended use; the Coast
Guard Customer Infoline; marine surveyors; buying a boat.
a.. EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR BOAT -- requirements for your boat; your boat's
equipment; legal considerations; substance abuse; boating accident
reports; Courtesy Marine Examinations.
a.. TRAILERING YOUR BOAT -- legal considerations; practical
considerations; the towing vehicle; balancing the load; handling your
trailer; pre-departure checks; preparing to launch; launching;
retrieving; storing your boat and trailer; theft prevention; Zebra
mussels; float plan.
a.. HANDLING YOUR BOAT -- leave with a full tank; fueling your boat;
your boat's propellor; cars and boats; twin screws; jet drives; loading
your boat; getting started; leaving a pier; "man" overboard; docking;
mooring to a permanent anchor; anchoring; towing a skier; heavy weather;
small boat safety.
a.. YOUR "HIGHWAY" SIGNS -- protection of ATONs; buoyage systems;
waterway marks; how waterways are marked; light characteristics; chart
symbols; light structures; lights on bridges; electronic aids to
navigation; a word to the wise; navigation publications.
a.. THE RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW -- two sets of rules; to whom do the rules
apply; what is a vessel; the general responsibility rule; general
considerations; conduct in narrow channels; traffic separation schemes;
vessel traffic services; stand-on or give-way; rules for special
vessels; risk of collision; bend signals; restricted visibility; vessel
lights and shapes; vessels at anchor; diving operations; distress
signals; drawbridge signals; penalties.
a.. INLAND BOATING -- types of inland waters; inland navigation; inland
seamanship; river currents; maintaining inland waterways; dams; locks;
river charts; commercial traffic; before you go. (This lesson typically
will not be taught in coastal courses)
a.. THE REST OF OUR STORY -- small boat safety; personal watercraft;
hypothermia; motorboats and sailboats; carbon monoxide poisoning; float
plan; U.S. Coast Guard District Offices; instructions for using a course
plotter; metric conversion system.
a.. INTRODUCTION TO NAVIGATION -- piloting tools; maps and charts; chart
features; your chart's general information block; other charted
information; your magnetic compass; position on the earth's surface;
locating a point on a chart; distance on the earth's surface; measuring
distance; course plotting; sources of compass error; correcting a
compass reading; positioning; speed-time-distance; dead reckoning;
practice your art.
a.. POWERING YOUR BOAT -- types of marine engines; marine engines;
selecting a propeller; induction systems; ignition systems; flame
arresters; cooling systems; gasoline considerations; batteries;
maintenance; winterizing your boat; spring fitting-out; troubleshooting.
a.. LINES AND KNOTS FOR YOUR BOAT -- line or rope; rope materials; kinds
of rope; measuring rope; selecting your ropes; care of rope; making up
line; knots, bends, and hitches; splices; securing lines; dipping the
eye.
a.. WEATHER AND BOATING -- sources of weather information; wind and
boating; wind and waves; understanding weather; weather and heat; fog;
non-frontal weather.
a.. YOUR BOAT'S RADIO -- radios used on boats; functions of radios;
licenses; selecting your VHF-FM radio; installation; operating your
VHF-FM; maintain a radio watch; channels have special purposes; some "no
no's"; copies of the rules; calling another station; procedure words;
phonetic alphabet; routine radio check; distress, urgency, and safety
calls; crew training.
Taking experienced boaters with you to pick up your boat is a
requirement. Make sure you spend the first few hours of operation
learning how to dock, undock, raft up to other boats, fuel your boat,
check your bilge and engine, operate the radio (you do have one,
right?), and get your boat in and out of your temporary storage
arrangements. Do this on a calm day. Then wait until the wind is
blowing about 15 knots and do it again. Note the difference. You'll
learn a lot that can't be absorbed through some state-required 'test'.
Serendipity
It has a pump out toilet. Now DH says it actually costs to pump out the
toilet unlike the RV where we could dump it ourselves. We have portable
Coleman stove, barbeque, and that type of thing. There is a mini fridge
that really won't hold a lot compared to the RV. Really though with
mainly DH and I we can rough it. We don't mind picnic type fare and
taking an extra cooler isn't a problem. If anything, I do know how to
do frugal meals :) Oh and your suggestion about joint outings is very
good. We had already planned that. Our first outing is planned for
Sunday. We are so blessed to have such good friends to help us learn
this new hobby!
hchi...@hotmail.com
Solar panels are still pricey, although used panels can be less so.
I've got a used Carrizo quad-lam that puts out about 100 watts, but it
weighs about 40 or 50 lbs and is bulky and sharp cornered. I don't
know of any sites relating solar power to kayaks or rafts. (Fresh
water only - salt could corrode and kill these pretty quickly.) Just
do a web search on solar power or solar cells to see what is
available.
Serendipity
Seriously, we have much more experience with camping than boating. To
do the same in a RV parked at a commercial RV park as Provincial Parks
don't allow seasonal lots would likely cost you $500 plus. In order to
rent a boat here, you have to prove you have the Safe Boating license.
That is $40 per driver. Sorry, I don't know how much boat rentals are
at least not for the type of boat we bought. I know they rent small
fishing boats for $60 - 70 per day. They have no sleeping, eating, or
washroom facilities. Larger boats get into more liabilities so I would
think they will cost more. Our trip should cost us about $100 total,
maybe a little less. DH will certainly be putzing (sp) it e.g. taking
it quite slow. We will eat most of our meals on board or at our
friends' campsite. For that trip, we won't bring our portable barbeque.
Entertainment will be mainly the same when we were camping with
hopefully a little boating mixed in. Believe me we have frugal camping
down to a fine art even with a laerge trailer so I'm sure that will rub
off a bit :)
Serendipity
Ok, if you are near Canadian Tire, you can get these solar panel
chargers or larger. We had a small one for the RV to trickle charge the
battery. I think we paid something like $19 for it. There are larger
ones. They are meant to trickle charge your car battery so it doesn't
die. I can't think of any American large auto dept places but that's
where you can find them. Oh, and I've had good experience using one to
power a couple of smaller lights outside. I'm still playing around with
them but basically you need a charger, a battery, and a light.
>
> jen
>
Serendipity
> Serendipity wrote:
>
>> DH
>>and I took the Safe Boater Training Program and successfully wrote the
>>mandatory test. The test is mandatory for anyone opperating a
>>motorized boat. Two experienced boaters will be going with DH when
>>he picks the boat up on the 13th. DH has limited boating experience
>>from driving his Dad's and friends' boats so at least he isn't
>>learning from scratch like I am.
>
>
> Taking a test that you took a day or two to prepare for doesn't do
> ANYTHING to prepare you to operate a power boat. You are unsafe on the
> water, and you are going to hurt yourself or someone else because you
> don't have a clue about what you are doing. I hope you aren't in
> Florida where I might be a victim.
The boating test is mandatory and yes we took the safe boating course.
I thought that came through but it not, yes we did take it and yes we
have experienced boater with over 30 years experience giving us lessons.
Rest assured we are not going to hurt ourselves or anyone else.
Given my paranoid tendencies and my adversion to pain, it just ain't
gunna happen. I doubt that we will get as far as Florida this summer so
you should be safe. Give me the name of your boat and we might aim for
you next summer :)
>
> As others have suggested, you need to take a safe boating course.
> Here's some references:
> http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/courses.htm
BTDT :) Thanks
Serendipity
Well the thing is Jon, we started our family while in our teens.
Against the naysayers, we made it work and have very wonderful and
talented kids who are now young adults. Those same naysayers
discouraged me from getting an education. After the first degree they
finally shut up. From rearing our kids to our whole lifestyle, we have
always marched to our own drummer so to speak. Believe me, you should
have seen the looks and heard the comments we got when I insisted "don't
ever hit one of my kids" and "don't ever give them anything with white
sugar". Some people may shake their head because we go against the
status quo but hey, it *works* for us. A lot of people voiced their
opinions on our camping lifestyle almost every weekend when the the kids
were yound BUT our kids have wonderful memories and that's what it is
all about. I'm hoping the boat will do the same. Life is way too short
not to enjoy every minute, IMO :) And we are young enough to be able to
enjoy it! Naysayers are good though because they make you think of the
other side. Some here have brought up some very valid points. For that
I am thankful.
Size of lakes: the great lakes - our first major trip will be along Lake
Huron; a lot of fishing on Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie; and we want to
take the kids through the Welland Canal - they have been there but we
want to drive them through it which means going though Lake Erie into
Lake Ontario. We've talked about going around the thumb of Michigan
into Lake Michigan but we likely won't be able to do that until next
year. The boat has 0 hours on the motor so we should have no problems.
Oh and DH has instructions for breaking in the motor. I am so glad
his experienced boater friends are going with him!
BTW, it will be a very bittersweet moment when our RV goes out the
driveway for the last time. I'm already getting teary eyed but it is
time to let that phas of our life go. We may possibly buy a motor home
but we think the boating will keep us occupied for a couple of years.
Another BTW, hoping you aren't thinking Canadian womenfolk are not-so
clean ;) Definitely not so, for the most part. And we are stuggling
with smog alerts so the air isn't so clean. Actually it is dirtier than
most womenfolk here.
hchi...@hotmail.com
>and we want to
>take the kids through the Welland Canal - they have been there but we
>want to drive them through it which means going though Lake Erie into
>Lake Ontario.
Hu-boy. You might get through OK, but I _strongly_ suggest you learn
about locks and handling your craft in them in a much smaller canal
first. The currents in large locks and the huge commercial vessels
are scarey enough for experienced boaters in larger boats than yours.
Besides, some of the hydraulic lift locks are a lot more interesting
and fun.
Small steps first.
Travis Jordan
> Hu-boy. You might get through OK, but I _strongly_ suggest you learn
> about locks and handling your craft in them in a much smaller canal
> first. The currents in large locks and the huge commercial vessels
> are scarey enough for experienced boaters in larger boats than yours.
I think the OP and her DH are a little too full of self-confidence. But
they will learn.
Two years ago my neighbor bought a brand new 34' Carver as his first
boat. He dropped out of the 12 week Coast Guard Auxiliary safe boating
class because 'he didn't need all that detail'. Within three weeks he
ran into a marker in the intracoastal waterway when he tried to pass
another craft on the starboard side, and did $7,000 damage to his brand
new boat.
Then a week later he ran aground in the bay and tried to "power
through", ingesting enough sand to burn up the impeller in one engine.
Ignoring the overtemp alarm he motored on back under full power. Cost
of subsequent engine overhaul - more than $12,000.
Yep, just head on out to the locks in that brand new Searay. They're
waiting for you.
Serendipity
> hchi...@hotmail.com wrote:
>
>>Hu-boy. You might get through OK, but I _strongly_ suggest you learn
>>about locks and handling your craft in them in a much smaller canal
>>first. The currents in large locks and the huge commercial vessels
>>are scarey enough for experienced boaters in larger boats than yours.
>
>
> I think the OP and her DH are a little too full of self-confidence. But
> they will learn.
Actually, no self confidence when it comes to boating. We openly admit
we know *nothing* about boating other than what we learned in the safe
boating course and mandatory course. Still, we are *no where near
confident enough to take our new boat out oun our own*. Sorry you read
otherwise. We are complete utter newbies to boating with absolute zip
confidence! We are rather self confident regarding frugality but mixing
boating and frugality is another issue.
>
> Two years ago my neighbor bought a brand new 34' Carver as his first
> boat. He dropped out of the 12 week Coast Guard Auxiliary safe boating
> class because 'he didn't need all that detail'. Within three weeks he
> ran into a marker in the intracoastal waterway when he tried to pass
> another craft on the starboard side, and did $7,000 damage to his brand
> new boat.
>
> Then a week later he ran aground in the bay and tried to "power
> through", ingesting enough sand to burn up the impeller in one engine.
> Ignoring the overtemp alarm he motored on back under full power. Cost
> of subsequent engine overhaul - more than $12,000.
Ok, so we are full of dreams. We have many plans of where we would like
to go and what we want to see. Is that so wrong? OTOH, we know enough
to say *no we aren't quite ready*. Nothing wrong with that. You know
what, be a naysayer, it makes no never mind to us. It may not be this
year or next but we will do it and we will have a grand time. Rest
assured I will post though when we do and how we saved money doing so.
Oh, and FTR, when we buy something we normally treat it as an
investment. Our RV will actually sell for pretty close to if not more
than what we paid for it. We fully intend to do the same thing with our
boat. Smucking a boat up and wasting our money is just not our style.
Your friend obviously did not appreciate his investment :)
>
> Yep, just head on out to the locks in that brand new Searay. They're
> waiting for you.
Again, you misread. I said we have a new to us Sea Ray with a 0 hours
on the engine. Now you can take it as a *new* Sea Ray or you can take
it as a Sea Ray with a *new engine*. Be my guest as to how you take it.
I will tell you though my DH is Dutch and cheap as hell then he has to
go through me who is in many ways cheaper. The only thing I will tell
you is is we paid under $10,000 and just over $$5,000. And it does have
a brand new spanking engine with 0 hours on it!
Oh, and you know we will get to the locks. There are very few things we
say we will do and don't so we will do it it. And we will have a very
frugal blast and we will post how well it went. So be sure to keep an
eye out. It may take some time but we *will do it*!
>
>
Travis Jordan
> Again, you misread. I said we have a new to us Sea Ray with a 0 hours
> on the engine. Now you can take it as a *new* Sea Ray or you can take
> it as a Sea Ray with a *new engine*. Be my guest as to how you take
> it. I will tell you though my DH is Dutch and cheap as hell then he
> has to go through me who is in many ways cheaper. The only thing I
> will tell you is is we paid under $10,000 and just over $$5,000. And
> it does have a brand new spanking engine with 0 hours on it!
OK, I apologize. I misunderstood.
Make sure your plan for maintenance on the 'not new' items on your
Searay. The engine is a major component to be sure, but just wait until
that macerator jams up and you're down in the bilge cleaning it out at
2:00 AM so DH can go potty. You know what a macerator is, right? And
if the one is your boat is more than a couple of years old, be sure you
take a rebuild kit along so that you can fix it when the inevitable
happens.
I am not trying to be a naysayer. I'm speaking as a long-time boat
owner whose has BTDT. I'm glad you are cautious and I hope you have a
blast - boating can certainly be fun. But it is NOT a frugal activity,
and trying to make it one is a recipe for being uncomfortable at best,
and dangerous at it's worst.
Check that bilge blower to make sure it is running before you start the
boat for the first time.
P.S. Boats don't appreciate - they depreciate.
Gary Heston
If you get a trailer, paint "Property Of _______ Boat # 123456" on
it in several places--next to the hitch, on the winch post, etc.
Someone I worked with many years ago had is boat in the shop for
some work. When he went to pick it up, they launched it to do a
few test runs; when they got back to the dealership/shop/marina,
they found that one of the marina sales droids had sold his trailer
to someone! He was a couple of hours late getting home (we were
waiting to suprise him with his birthday party) and still hadn't
gotten his trailer back at that point; I don't know if he ever
did or if the place gave him a new one.
Locking the hitch might also be a good idea.
Gary
--
Gary Heston ghe...@hiwaay.net
Did you hear about the people caught falsely advertising
Star Wars memorabilia?
They were charged with Bait and Sith.
Gary Heston
shinypenny <shinype...@yahoo.com> wrote:
You won't be able to run exclusively with sollar panels, but can use
it to recharge or extend your batteries.
>Links?
For a combo wind-solar setup used by a couple of people I know:
http://windom.cybox.com/boat/systems/wiring/wind_solar.GIF
This is on a 34' Cailber sailboat, though, which they were cruising
the Bahamas on over the winter. This equipment definantly withstands
salt water exposure.
Their home page is at http://windom.cybox.com/
Read and be envious...
Dennis
wrote:
>Oh, one other thing I almost forgot...
>
>If you get a trailer, paint "Property Of _______ Boat # 123456" on
>it in several places--next to the hitch, on the winch post, etc.
>
>Someone I worked with many years ago had is boat in the shop for
>some work. When he went to pick it up, they launched it to do a
>few test runs; when they got back to the dealership/shop/marina,
>they found that one of the marina sales droids had sold his trailer
>to someone! He was a couple of hours late getting home (we were
>waiting to suprise him with his birthday party) and still hadn't
>gotten his trailer back at that point; I don't know if he ever
>did or if the place gave him a new one.
I'm not sure how it is in your state, but here, boat trailers have a
VIN stamped on them and are licensed and titled, just like a car. So
even if such a mixup could occur, the owner would be on pretty firm
ground for sorting it out afterwards. And the dealer would be in BIG
trouble. :-)
>
>Locking the hitch might also be a good idea.
Agreed, but keep a few spare keys handy.
Dennis (evil)
--
"There is a fine line between participation and mockery" - Wally
hchi...@hotmail.com
I thought I remembered some stuff about the Welland, so I checked it
out.
Put the www. in front of this web address (agent underscores the
entire address when I do, but there is a real underscore between guide
and en)
<greatlakes-seaway.com/en/pdf/pleasurecraftguide_en.pdf >
-quote-
the WELLAND CANAL, because of the higher incidence of water
turbulence, all upbound pleasure craft transiting from Locks 1 to 7
must have a minimum of three (3) persons on board, i.e. one operator
and two persons capable of tending the lines. It is suggested that
operators first contact marinas at Port Weller for needed additional
manpower and, if unsuccessful, use the telephone located at the
pleasure craft dock to request the assistance of the officer in
charge.
-end quote-
In other words, these are the most dangerous locks of the system for
pleasure craft, and a trained hand on board is a good idea.
You can't moor in that canal other than to effect passage. You have
to transit the entire canal at one time, which is estimated as an 8 hr
job for the 26 miles, and probably longer when you factor in the waits
for the commercial traffic, which gets priority.
Lockmasters on the great lakes waterway canal are often abrupt, no
nonsense, and have little patience with pleasure craft. They also
have ultimate authority and doing anything but saying "yessir" can
make your trip pure misery or worse. The American side used to be
worse than the Canadian side, and I suspect this remains the case.
I would avoid the Welland for now.
For a first trip, you can't beat the Rideau.
<http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/rideau-faq.html>
<http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/welcome.html>
The lockmasters are friendly and helpful, the pace is relaxed, and the
scenery (as much as you can get from a ditch) is good.
When you have more experience, I again suggest that you would find the
Trent-Severn a much more interesting and enjoyable trip than the
Wellington.
The Peterborough lift lock alone is a hoot.
<http://members.aol.com/JohnC02114/photopage.html>
...and then there is the marine railway:
<http://collections.ic.gc.ca/waterway/rg_eng_i/bigchute.htm>
History on the canal
<http://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/zrtvcpro.htm>
The upper reaches of the system used to be so full of hungry fish that
two and three foot long fish would come to eat the toothpaste when you
rinsed off your toothbrush in the water.
Someone re-iterating my warning about Lake Simcoe:
<http://www.cruising.ca/trent/docs/L-simco.html>
I've done Simcoe in a storm, and trust me, the warnings are true. My
father, the supposedly intrepid boater, got about a quarter of the
way out in a squall before a storm hit. Weather reports said that
there was an even bigger one behind it. If we didn't cross Simcoe
then, we would be stuck for about three days on a stretch of boring
ditch. He choked at the waves, and was considering turning back.
Like h... I was going to sit in a small boat for three days moaning
about the weather. I took the wheel. Over the 20+ mile unmarked
passage with no sight of land, in six to eight foot chop, piloting a
23 ft Starcraft, I compass navigated across the lake and came out less
than 500 yards off course and the entrance to the next canal segment.
In a time before GPS was available, with no radar, no buoys or
landmarks, no stars or sun, no usable radio beacon because of the
bounce of the boat, with an unsteady side wind trying to blow me off
course, and waves that twisted the boat off course at least twice a
minute, I knew where I wanted to go, and with just plain old good
navigating we got there spot on. It is amazing what can be done when
pissed, in danger, and focused on a goal.
After that episode, DF backed off about his great boating skills and
became a little easier to live with. I wasn't particularly impressed
with myself at the time, but over the years I've come to realize that
I did a pretty good job at getting us out of a situation. That
doesn't mean that I like boating. I still see a lot of boating as
just time spent on water waiting to get back to shore. However, if
you want to have fun boating, you would still benefit from my
experiences and advice.
If you do Wellington first, you'll be overloaded, tired, and stressed
out, and if you then do the Rideau afterwards you'll likely find it
too tame. Beginning skiers don't go down the black diamonds on their
first outing, but build their skills until they can enjoy the expert
slopes. Boating is no different.
Chloe
> hchi...@hotmail.com wrote:
><snip boating experiences>
> If you do Wellington first, you'll be overloaded, tired, and stressed
> out, and if you then do the Rideau afterwards you'll likely find it
> too tame. Beginning skiers don't go down the black diamonds on their
> first outing, but build their skills until they can enjoy the expert
> slopes. Boating is no different.
Harry, have you read River-Horse by William Least Heat-Moon (hoping I got
all the hypens in the right places)? I think you'd enjoy it.
hchi...@hotmail.com
Victor Smith
All very interesting. But did you find the fleece?
--Vic
hchi...@hotmail.com
>All very interesting. But did you find the fleece?
Heh. After I plugged my ears up with beeswax and tied myself to the
mast... Who woulda thunk it was a Guilden's mustard colored fleece
tho? I was so disappointed.
Barbara Bomberger
wrote:
I tend to agree. Its amazing how peopole automatically decide for
everyone whats frugal and what isnt.
Personally, I believe that the girl who dies with the most fabric and
sewing machines wins..not "frugal" either.
However, i figure its frugal if i enjoy, I can afford it and have
planned for it, and I dont spend in every part of my life the way I do
in qu ilting.
Barb
New Leaf
from the Canadian side of Lake Huron down through Erie and Ontario to
the Thousand Islands. They are experienced boaters and they still hire
a pilot. It's not that they can't do it. It's that they have been
treated so poorly that they don't want to.
Ditto on Lake Simcoe. I've been caught out on a calm summer day and we
were close to shore. Georgian Bay is also rough but most people know
the little bays where you can ride it out.
Viv
Serendipity
Barb, thank-you! We've skimped and scrapped and are for the most part
pretty frugal. My philosophy is that we only go through this life once
and I want to enjoy every single minute. For that reason, we do tend to
skimp, save, and practice a frugal lifestyle if only to enjoy the toys
we want. The toys help us enjoy our kids and gives them something to do
with minimal cost. Everything is family oriented. Those memories are
worth much more than any money anytime.