matt_unique
Guest
I have a 19' with a cuddy cabin gas I/O and stand up canvas enclosure. I would not even think about an ocean boat without a cuddy cabin. They are dramatically safer in terms of the seas you can handle and they tend to have higher sides. I often dive/boat in your area (somewhat) in the Block Island Sound.
The after purchase costs are surprising when you first start out......
Bottom paint - $400 job for a boat my size (this is a very good price). You will save lots of money if you do it yourself but it is a decent project.
Mooring - $1000 a season depending upon your area. A slip will increase the cost by 2/3's to double. If you do not own a house/driveway you need to consider the cost for trailer storage for the summer and winter storage for boat/trailer.
You may also choose to trailer each time you want to go out. This will certainly save the money above. You definitely need 4wd to launch/retrieve an ocean boat. At low tide your tires are in the slime and 2wd will not cut it.
Insurance - surpringly inexpensive at $350 p/yr.
Equipment - for ocean use you should have GPS, depth gauge, VHF, lifejackets including one throwable, emergency signal kit, maps, binoculars, spare parts like fuses/belt, backup battery system, fenders, line, anchor/chain/line, spot lights, etc., etc. Also add in the cost for installation of the larger items unless you can do it yourself.
Annual service - if you are a mechanic you will be in good shape. If you need to pay for it you need annual oil/filter change, anodes changed every other year, bottom paint every other year, and then of course eventually larger parts like water circulating pumps will need to be replaced, etc.
Many items above depend upon whether you choose to trailer and store at home. If you trailer each trip you do not need bottom paint, you do not need to replace your anodes as often, etc.
The best days as a boat owner come when you are diving an offshore wreck on your own schedule. Then you cruise to a nice protected harbor with tunes, lunch, drinks, and ladies. Kick back with your shoes off with a stiff drink in hand under the canvas with a nice ocean breeze......ah.......I am reminded very often how much I love owning a boat. My season is from mid April to late November depending upon weather. This year I was in (Massachusetts) the second weekend in April. I have been diving wrecks every weekend that cost $75 with the local charter company. Next weekend I will be diving the U853 with two other buddies and spending the weekend at Block Island (weather permitting). The U853 charter costs $100 a pop.
Every year you own a boat you will learn a lot and get more refined. My experience is better and safer with each passing year. In addition to all the above I have a tri-lens radar reflector and a small outboard to serve as a backup kicker and dinghy power.
--Matt
The after purchase costs are surprising when you first start out......
Bottom paint - $400 job for a boat my size (this is a very good price). You will save lots of money if you do it yourself but it is a decent project.
Mooring - $1000 a season depending upon your area. A slip will increase the cost by 2/3's to double. If you do not own a house/driveway you need to consider the cost for trailer storage for the summer and winter storage for boat/trailer.
You may also choose to trailer each time you want to go out. This will certainly save the money above. You definitely need 4wd to launch/retrieve an ocean boat. At low tide your tires are in the slime and 2wd will not cut it.
Insurance - surpringly inexpensive at $350 p/yr.
Equipment - for ocean use you should have GPS, depth gauge, VHF, lifejackets including one throwable, emergency signal kit, maps, binoculars, spare parts like fuses/belt, backup battery system, fenders, line, anchor/chain/line, spot lights, etc., etc. Also add in the cost for installation of the larger items unless you can do it yourself.
Annual service - if you are a mechanic you will be in good shape. If you need to pay for it you need annual oil/filter change, anodes changed every other year, bottom paint every other year, and then of course eventually larger parts like water circulating pumps will need to be replaced, etc.
Many items above depend upon whether you choose to trailer and store at home. If you trailer each trip you do not need bottom paint, you do not need to replace your anodes as often, etc.
The best days as a boat owner come when you are diving an offshore wreck on your own schedule. Then you cruise to a nice protected harbor with tunes, lunch, drinks, and ladies. Kick back with your shoes off with a stiff drink in hand under the canvas with a nice ocean breeze......ah.......I am reminded very often how much I love owning a boat. My season is from mid April to late November depending upon weather. This year I was in (Massachusetts) the second weekend in April. I have been diving wrecks every weekend that cost $75 with the local charter company. Next weekend I will be diving the U853 with two other buddies and spending the weekend at Block Island (weather permitting). The U853 charter costs $100 a pop.
Every year you own a boat you will learn a lot and get more refined. My experience is better and safer with each passing year. In addition to all the above I have a tri-lens radar reflector and a small outboard to serve as a backup kicker and dinghy power.
--Matt
