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Talk to me about boats and boating

Yea, I went to Belews one Saturday last summer and it was unbelievable. Line to the road of trucks with trailers in tow waiting to launch/land their boats. Said to hell with that, especially in a jon boat, and headed to the river where we didn't see another person the whole day.

I love Belews on a weekday or during the off months. Clearest water I've ever seen.

I like High Rock, but it's not for everyone. Muddy at times and shallow on the north end.
 
PhysDeac said:
Yea, I went to Belews one Saturday last summer and it was unbelievable. Line to the road of trucks with trailers in tow waiting to launch/land their boats. Said to hell with that, especially in a jon boat, and headed to the river where we didn't see another person the whole day.

I love Belews on a weekday or during the off months. Clearest water I've ever seen.

I like High Rock, but it's not for everyone. Muddy at times and shallow on the north end.
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i think High Rock has a lot of potential for what I want to do. My main problem is the bridges. I can't find a place to keep a boat in the main part of the lake. the only place to rent a slip is on the north side of the highway 8 bridge, and if the water is high, you can't get under the bridge to the main part of the lake. if anyone knows of a place to rent a slip in the main part of High Rock, let me know.
 
BiffTannen said:
How about, "Pussy Whipped"?
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actually found a slip on high rock that rents for 1700/year or 1105/6 months. Can pay another company about $500 to pull it, winterize it and dry store it in the offseason. Those numbers do not offend my fundamental sense of reasonableness.
 
Throw in insurance and you're up to about $2,500/year of fixed costs before the boat itself, plus gas, life jackets, tow ropes, tubes/skis, anchors, flares, first aid kits, winterizations, etc. Sounds reasonable.

Not that I'm trying to dissuade you as I have a boat and 2 waverunners and use the hell out of them, but just know what you're getting into.
 
JuiceCrewAllStar said:
What is your wife's objection to the rental idea?
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I doubt he's even discussed it with her. However, renting a boat is an expensive proposition in and of itself. And, you generally look like a chump on a rented boat.
 
My in laws live on Lake Norman and have a boat and it seems like a huuuuuge pain in the ass. But I'm glad they own it, just as all your friends and family and everyone other than you will be glad that you own a boat.
 
Maybe forget power, get a hobie. I had an 18footer that would scare it was so fast. Thing wanted to get one hull in the air even in light wind.
 
BiffTannen said:
I doubt he's even discussed it with her. However, renting a boat is an expensive proposition in and of itself. And, you generally look like a chump on a rented boat.
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Both these reasons, and plus every boat I've ever rented has been beat up and generally crappy and smelly and without any amenities. Also we want to bring the pooch along and sometimes that is not an option with rentals.
 
You should just take that money and plow it into a membership at a sweetass pool in Greensboro with hot babes and cool slides for your peanuts.
 
Actually, just tell your wife to come on here and start posting and we'll talk to her about this and why you really don't want to buy a boat. We got this.
 
I'm exposing myself here as boat-lame, but I couldn't spot the difference between an owned boat and a rented boat on the open water unless they write "RENTAL" in hugeass red letters on the side or something.
 
JuiceCrewAllStar said:
I'm exposing myself here as boat-lame, but I couldn't spot the difference between an owned boat and a rented boat on the open water unless they write "RENTAL" in hugeass red letters on the side or something.
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And they often do. Or more specifically, list the phone number and name of the rental company.
 
a couple of observations:

1. I assume you want to buy a motorboat and not a sailboat. To me motorboats are boring. Sailing on the other hand is challenging and fascinating because no matter how much you have sailed, or how much you have learned about sailing, there is always more to learn, lots more.

2. Having your wife be the chief instigator and promoter for getting a boat is a huge advantage. Most of the time we guys have to sell our skeptical wives on getting a boat. My best selling point proved to be that sailing is something we can all, the whole family, do together. And it has proven to be true. I think this is one of the reasons my wife has accepted sailing, despite her initial doubts.

When I first started looking for boats, I looked at a lot of used ones. Most of the time when I asked the owner why he was selling the boat, he gave some reason connected to his wife's objections to having a boat.

I ended up buying a new one. If you do decide on a used boat, and there can be some real bargains, be sure to have a specialist survey your boat for you before you buy. Among other things, he will point out all the potential problems you might not have noticed.

One interesting sidelight: women can - and often do - become jealous of boats. This is definitely true for sailboats. It may also be true for motorboats. Women come to resent the amount of time, money, and attention that you devote to the boat. After all, it is time, money, and attention that you are not devoting to her.

One more observation on this: women almost always look better on a boat.

3. If you buy a used boat you can save a lot up front, but the maintenance costs will also be greater. New or used, be sure to include maintenance costs, beyond storage and fuel, in trying to calculate your annual budget. Stuff breaks on boats, that's just the way it is.

4. If finances are a major consideration in buying a boat, don't buy. Boating is about enjoyment, not money.
 
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Sailing isn't my thing but I guess I can see how some might enjoy it. I boat with very specific goals in mind: catch fish and fill my belly with beer. I enjoy working on motors as well. My current motor is 35 years old and runs great. I'm currently in the market for my next rig, which will be a 15ft fiberglass skiff with a 50-70hp tiller. I have to sell my current boat first though.

By the way, right now is the absolute best time to buy a used boat because the market is flooded. It's the first thing to go for sale when the tax bill comes.
 
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