Yearly boat cost / upkeep ??s

[Mr. C]

So the kid has been working his ass off and apparently is going to have money to spare soon:cool
I am not up on the cost of the bigger boats (old school 18' outboard here). So basically I'm trying to give him a heads up on the total cost of boating, not just the cost of the boat.
He's starting to look at boats (25 -27 ft) similar to this and roughly this price range I believe.
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/38975

Questions really are.
from reading past threads am i close and or what else needs to figured in.

Insurance (i'm sure his age will factor into it, 24 yrs old) = $1200 - 1500
yearly service ( and what does that usually include) = $600-900
storage (indoor) = $300 mo. (am i close?)
Basic yearly motor upkeep on a set up like this one ????

What else? i know there is a ton more that will nickle and dime him to death

Thanks in advance from Little Mr. C:thumbup::champagne:

 

[BHC Vic]

Storage should be a little cheaper everything else real close though

 

[Deja_Vu]

So the kid has been working his off and apparently is going to have money to spare soon:cool
I am not up on the cost of the bigger boats (old school 18' outboard here). So basically I'm trying to give him a heads up on the total cost of boating, not just the cost of the boat.
He's starting to look at boats (25 -27 ft) similar to this and roughly this price range I believe.
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/38975

Questions really are.
from reading past threads am i close and or what else needs to figured in.

Insurance (i'm sure his age will factor into it, 24 yrs old) = $1200 - 1500
yearly service ( and what does that usually include) = $600-900
storage (indoor) = $300 mo. (am i close?)
Basic yearly motor upkeep on a set up like this one ????

What else? i know there is a ton more that will nickle and dime him to death

Thanks in advance from Little Mr. C:thumbup::champagne:

I'm thinking the insurance on a 750HP powered boat is going to be North of that figure for a 24yo.
Annual service I would budget at least $1200.
Storage, I think he can easily stay under 300 a month for under 40'
Vessel Assist is another $75 annually
Trailer and boat registration.
Fuel costs for both tow vehicle and boat.

 

[Yellowboat]

3-4k is in the ball park

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Damn. My 18' outboard looks better and better by the day when I look at these numbers. My insurance is right at about $150/year. Always has been. Even when I bought the boat back when I was 19.

 

[Andy01]

Has he owned a boat before? Does he have cat experience? These will play heavily into his ability to get insurance and how much it will cost for a properly written, properly represented policy. I say those last two terms because he will find insurance for less then you posted, however it won't be written properly. In the event of a loss they likely won't pay. His career helps as well, age can be a factor again based prior experience. If he gets the right insurance it will cover towing as well.

Storage should be $250 a month, that boat will fit in a 35' unit.

Service $400-$600, plus a outdrive every 2 years if it has a stock bravo on it. That could be $4,000-$8,000 depending on how bad it breaks.

I would look at $4,000-$5,000 to be on the safe side for the total boat investment, excluding any major repairs or breaks.

 

[2Driver]

I'm thinking the insurance on a 750HP powered boat is going to be North of that figure for a 24yo.
Annual service I would budget at least $1200.
Storage, I think he can easily stay under 300 a month for under 40'
Vessel Assist is another $75 annually
Trailer and boat registration.
Fuel costs for both tow vehicle and boat.

A wealth prevention plan for sure.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Don't forget you will be breaking drives in a boat like that with that much hp, maybe not right away but eventually ask anyone. Those can go for as much as 30k. Blow a motor and it gets more exspenive. Fuel for a weekend in havsu will run 150-450 bucks a weekend. Add in misc upkeep too like stereo, seats, and a deatail.

 

[Mr. C]

He has never owned his own boat before and no cat experience(Mostly wakeboard boats). I am almost positive he will be taking a Tres Martin class.
He has knowledge of basic boating rules and etiquette.
Noted: make sure he has a properly written policy:thumbup:

Has he owned a boat before? Does he have cat experience? These will play heavily into his ability to get insurance and how much it will cost for a properly written, properly represented policy. I say those last two terms because he will find insurance for less then you posted, however it won't be written properly. In the event of a loss they likely won't pay. His career helps as well, age can be a factor again based prior experience. If he gets the right insurance it will cover towing as well.

 

[Bpracing1127]

A 100mph cat with a 24 year old scares the hell out of me. If he has no expierience I would talk him out of it. There is so much going on at 70 plus mph. He could injur someone or himself really bad. These are not beginner boats and shouldnt be taken as such. I would sugest a vee bottom that goes 70 tops. For a first boat then upgrade later? Had he ever ridden in a 100 plus mph boat ever?

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Figure a blown up drive or drive needing a rebuild every few seasons

 

[Mr. C]

Being 24 would normally scare the hell out of me as well, but he's more like 24 going on 30.
I have a feeling when all is said and done he will end up in a boat that is a 70 -80 MPH not bigger then a 25'.
He's a tough one to change his mind once he sets it on something.
This is kind of also why I started the thread, for other peoples experiences and how or if they would of done it differently when starting out.

A 100mph cat with a 24 year old scares the hell out of me. If he has no expierience I would talk him out of it. There is so much going on at 70 plus mph. He could injur someone or himself really bad. These are not beginner boats and shouldnt be taken as such. I would sugest a vee bottom that goes 70 tops. For a first boat then upgrade later? Had he ever ridden in a 100 plus mph boat ever?

 

[Mr. C]

Is this because of the 750 HP?
would he be going through drives with say 500HP?
Please excuse the stupid questions I'll be asking throughout I just don't know.

Don't forget you will be breaking drives in a boat like that with that much hp, maybe not right away but eventually ask anyone. Those can go for as much as 30k. Blow a motor and it gets more exspenive. Fuel for a weekend in havsu will run 150-450 bucks a weekend. Add in misc upkeep too like stereo, seats, and a deatail.

Figure a blown up drive or drive needing a rebuild every few seasons

 

[Enen]

I figured 10% of the purchase price as annual ownership/operating costs. That's fuel, storage, routine maintenance, and minor incidentals.

Now if you break something major, it can go up to 80 to 90% of purchase price.... :cool

 

[Bpracing1127]

Yes, depending on the drive 750hp will break it. An xr will be replacing fast and imco sc, maybe every other year a gear set will go, and an scx perhaps every 5 years a gear set will go. #6-out of price range. 500 hp will break and xr just not as fast with a 750 hp motor. Keys are dont get in the air, dont holeshot it drive it like an old lady and will hold together longer. Alsp an hp 500 or 525 will need the top end gone through I think at 400 hours keep that in mind too. Remember usually no warrenties on used boats or custom motors.

 

[River Lynchmob]

Being 24 would normally scare the hell out of me as well, but he's more like 24 going on 30.
I have a feeling when all is said and done he will end up in a boat that is a 70 -80 MPH not bigger then a 25'.
He's a tough one to change his mind once he sets it on something.
This is kind of also why I started the thread, for other peoples experiences and how or if they would of done it differently when starting out.

My first boat was my Schiada (I was 38 when I bough it) but before that I had spent a ton of time behind the wheels of my dad's boats over the years so had a ton of experience in quite a few different boats. One of the reasons it took me so long to buy a boat was, one, my dad had a TT Schiada when I was about 8 and that ruined it for me...I had to have a TT Schiada. Two he always told me if you cannot write a check for the full amount then you cannot afford it...so I waited until I could do that and have the boat exactly how I wanted with out a loan of any kind. All that being said, if he has a good head on his shoulders, has experience driving boats then go for it. He needs to have a healthy respect for the boat, etiquette etc and take things easy getting to know the boat.

Is this because of the 750 HP?
would he be going through drives with say 500HP?
Please excuse the stupid questions I'll be asking throughout I just don't know.

I think a 25' with 750 hp the drive can live if you ease into it from the start until you are on plane then roll into it easy. Hammering it from the start will kill it quickly.

I agree with the 10% figure on the boat. Also register is in AZ if you can...steer clear of CA and save a ton on registration.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Does he already own a home?

Boats are really a terrible idea financially......lol

That looks like a nice boat but it's 15 years old. Boat math is easy.....Take what ever he thinks the boat is going to cost him a year and then double it. Once you get to that number now add 5K for a drive rebuild and 15-20K for a new motor and associated labor cost's to put everything back together.

 

[hallett21]

Are you guys really losing B1s with 600hp or less in two years?

 

[gmnhra]

never...ever do the math on this type of "hobby"..
the cost per hour is just stupid...
having said that...I have 25 Daytona with big HP and max machine worx drive...

motor.....
annual...1200-1500 (just routine crap)
every three years...refresh, 4000-8000 depending on damage

drive
2x per season...max machine yank drive and inspect ...600-700 with no damage...2000-4000 with damage

misc repair, etc.
annual 500-1000...random crap breaks...


annual cost in direct relationship to how hard and often the throttle is pushed forward.....

smile on face when everything runs right...priceless

 

[Bpracing1127]

Hallet21 depends on the boat and how hard its driven. But that is entirely possible. I know bravo ones behind 496ho that have blown up due to driving hard.

 

[Mr. C]

He will be buying whatever he ends up with outright, no loan.
That's why I'm trying to show him even though he owns it. He's still gonna have an average of 6-800 a month going out for basic stuff. Plus unforeseen expenses on top of that.

My first boat was my Schiada (I was 38 when I bough it) but before that I had spent a ton of time behind the wheels of my dad's boats over the years so had a ton of experience in quite a few different boats. One of the reasons it took me so long to buy a boat was, one, my dad had a TT Schiada when I was about 8 and that ruined it for me...I had to have a TT Schiada. Two he always told me if you cannot write a check for the full amount then you cannot afford it...so I waited until I could do that and have the boat exactly how I wanted with out a loan of any kind. All that being said, if he has a good head on his shoulders, has experience driving boats then go for it. He needs to have a healthy respect for the boat, etiquette etc and take things easy getting to know the boat.

Nope not yet, wants to get his big toy before he can't afford it. LOL
Truthfully I don't even know when he will get to use it. he's been doing mostly 7 days and 90+ hour work weeks. I'm sure I will find the time however to tell him how much fun we had without him:champagne:

Does he already own a home?

Boats are really a terrible idea financially......lol

That looks like a nice boat but it's 15 years old. Boat math is easy.....Take what ever he thinks the boat is going to cost him a year and then double it. Once you get to that number now add 5K for a drive rebuild and 15-20K for a new motor and associated labor cost's to put everything back together.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I've had quiet a few friends come to me for advice for their first boat. 3 have actually bought one (instead of just talking about it) and 2 of those listened to me. I always say, you cannot go wrong with an outboard. A stock outboard will have substantially lower operating and maintenance costs per hour of use (they all cost the same when they sit on the trailer) and overall require less maintenance than an I/O with comparable performance.

 

[Cole Trickle]

He will be buying whatever he ends up with outright, no loan.
That's why I'm trying to show him even though he owns it. He's still gonna have an average of 6-800 a month going out for basic stuff. Plus unforeseen expenses on top of that.




Nope not yet, wants to get his big toy before he can't afford it. LOL
Truthfully I don't even know when he will get to use it. he's been doing mostly 7 days and 90+ hour work weeks. I'm sure I will find the time however to tell him how much fun we had without him:champagne:

There is no way I could advise someone to spend 50K cash on a boat that is going to cost 5K a year at a minimum to operate without first buying a home.

It would be a lot smarter for him to buy a 10K boat built by a quality builder where he can get out from under it if things go bad economy or job wise. He will still have a blast out on the water and he won't ruin his future financially. Owning a fast boat is a very expensive hobby.

At 24 he has the world by the balls if he has a great job...Boat would not be the first thing I pushed him towards.

 

[Deja_Vu]

There is no way I could advise someone to spend 50K cash on a boat that is going to cost 5K a year at a minimum to operate without first buying a home.

It would be a lot smarter for him to buy a 10K boat built by a quality builder where he can get out from under it if things go bad economy or job wise. He will still have a blast out on the water and he won't ruin his future financially. Owning a fast boat is a very expensive hobby.

At 24 he has the world by the balls if he has a great job...Boat would not be the first thing I pushed him towards.

^^^THIS.

'Cept I'd be spending around 20k to get something really nice.

Something with low hours and stock-ish.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Thats what I did, I am in a condo in Costa mesa (just me and mrs) and we just bought our first boat a 23 ft ultra with a 496 in it. Kick ass stereo and very well kept. Paid cash for it as well. Couldnt be happier about my situation

 

[Mr. C]

These are the other type of comments I want him to read. I don't disagree with you. :thumbup:
Sometimes when it doesn't come from "dad" they think things out differently.

There is no way I could advise someone to spend 50K cash on a boat that is going to cost 5K a year at a minimum to operate without first buying a home.

It would be a lot smarter for him to buy a 10K boat built by a quality builder where he can get out from under it if things go bad economy or job wise. He will still have a blast out on the water and he won't ruin his future financially. Owning a fast boat is a very expensive hobby.

At 24 he has the world by the balls if he has a great job...Boat would not be the first thing I pushed him towards.

 

[Cole Trickle]

These are the other type of comments I want him to read. I don't disagree with you. :thumbup:
Sometimes when it doesn't come from "dad" they think things out differently.

Have him sign up....we will get him set up.

Pokey will find him a bad ass turn key ready to rock boat for a deal.

As long as he gets out on the water with a cool reliable boat the girls won't care wether the speedo says 50 or 100mph[emoji106][emoji631][emoji481][emoji133]

 

[Rajobigguy]

There is no way I could advise someone to spend 50K cash on a boat that is going to cost 5K a year at a minimum to operate without first buying a home.

It would be a lot smarter for him to buy a 10K boat built by a quality builder where he can get out from under it if things go bad economy or job wise. He will still have a blast out on the water and he won't ruin his future financially. Owning a fast boat is a very expensive hobby.

At 24 he has the world by the balls if he has a great job...Boat would not be the first thing I pushed him towards.

This is the best advice yet. Besides, that eliminator is not the kind of boat that the family will be comfortable in (I assume that he has a family) and if they aren't happy the boating experience will get tainted early on.

 

[Mr. C]

He is on here, "Little Mr.C". Hopefully he will chime in on his lunch or later.

Have him sign up....we will get him set up.

Pokey will find him a bad ass turn key ready to rock boat for a deal.

As long as he gets out on the water with a cool reliable boat the girls won't care wether the speedo says 50 or 100mph[emoji106][emoji631][emoji481][emoji133]

The boat shown was more to get an idea of cost for one like that. No family yet.

This is the best advice yet. Besides, that eliminator is not the kind of boat that the family will be comfortable in (I assume that he has a family) and if they aren't happy the boating experience will get tainted early on.

 

[G. Faulk]

I'd let him run with it. If he's responsible, has a good job, money saved for a shitty day, a good solid roof over his head let him experience it. Maybe step back a bit on HP, but if he stays true to the responsibility it will be a great learning experience as well as a lot of fun. Stick to your guns and make him pay, assist him in insurance and the whole buying experience.

I did the same thing at 18 years old with my parents and never let them or myself down.

 

[Englewood]

Thats what I did, I am in a condo in Costa mesa (just me and mrs) and we just bought our first boat a 23 ft ultra with a 496 in it. Kick ass stereo and very well kept. Paid cash for it as well. Couldnt be happier about my situation

Same here. Bought a cheaper 24' Lightning and a condo when I was 23 instead of a big cat.

Cole Tricke is right, double whatever figure you come up with...

He'll want a new bimini, bigger amp, led trailer lights, new this or that...Adds up quick.

 

[SLT Kota]

There is no way I could advise someone to spend 50K cash on a boat that is going to cost 5K a year at a minimum to operate without first buying a home.

It would be a lot smarter for him to buy a 10K boat built by a quality builder where he can get out from under it if things go bad economy or job wise. He will still have a blast out on the water and he won't ruin his future financially. Owning a fast boat is a very expensive hobby.

At 24 he has the world by the balls if he has a great job...Boat would not be the first thing I pushed him towards.

This /\/\/\

As long as he gets out on the water with a cool reliable boat the girls won't care wether the speedo says 50 or 100mph[emoji106][emoji631][emoji481][emoji133]

and this /\/\/\


As someone that is just a few years older than him I am so glad that I used the bulk of my cash as a down payment on a house when I was his age and got a cheaper boat that is easier to get out on the water, less to maintain, and a much smaller fuel bill.

I still refuse to actually add up the cost of a boat per year but I would agree to double the amount that you think it would cost.

 

[rvrrun]

Same here. Bought a cheaper 24' Lightning and a condo when I was 23 instead of a big cat.

Cole Tricke is right, double whatever figure you come up with...

He'll want a new bimini, bigger amp, led trailer lights, new this or that...Adds up quick.

Dock lines, fenders, hot sauce etc, even the little stuff adds up.

Someone commented a few posts back about the girls not caring about the big HP, all that power is useless when rafting or sitting in the channel.

...but if I were still his age, I'd want the same thing.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Cole Trickle is on point here..

 

[rivermobster]

Cole Trickle is on point here..

Yep. Telling it straight.

Boats are for your disposable income. A home should come first. Pay cash for toys, so you'll have the money to go out and enjoy them! :thumbup:

 

[Icky]

Nobody mentioned beer and ice, that shit adds up

Id get something with stock/ reliable power for my first boat. I also wouldn't blow all my savings on it, but I like having a cushion for emergencies, boat and non boat related

 

[Deja_Vu]

This 22 Velocity is a great price.

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?145796-22-Velocity-for-sale

 

[gmnhra]

Already posted my $$$ for boat expenses...
thought I'd participate in the philosophical discussion...
fine line between enjoying life today and saving/financial planning for the future...
Did anyone have a hot rod or Harley or other "toy" when you were 18-25??? I pissed more money down a 56 chevy rat hole, and a 73 hallet day cruiser, than I could care to talk about, but damn those things were fun...
yes, I could have saved like a miser and used the money for a down payment on a house, but you are only young and stupid (old and stupid in my case) once. there is a lot of time to recover from dumb financial mistakes in your 20's....

we only have a finite amount of time on this planet....enjoy today and plan for tomorrow...too much bias either way is unbalanced....

now someone in their 30's making "toy" purchases ahead of homes and investments, a different story....

remember
if it floats, flys, or f*cks....you can't afford it....

 

[Sonic45SS]

Boats are great, lots of fun, we all love them, but usually one of the worse financial investments you can make.....most times. You have to have the pocket to afford a myriad of items, from storage, to towing, to fuel, to repairs, etc. We all know this. We all do it, just at different levels, and different likes and styles of boats and boating.

Some of the best and most sound advice is, as has been said already on the thread, pay cash for your toys. And don't empty the bank account to do this. Unless you have expendable income and or make some good coin, the younger crowd today has a hard enough time getting things in life. A home is more important than a toy...JMHO. Finance a boat, then go try to buy a home at the same time, most times it doesn't work out for the younger crowd. There are exceptions to this as there is with most things. If I were a young guy of 24, Id be looking at a home first, toys later.

I have taught my own sons this very lesson. Everything they have is paid for, as is mine. Don't finance toys, and or vehicles if you can afford not to, Cash is king. Get settled in life first, then buy the toys later.

A big HP boat is gonna cost money to own and operate no matter whom you are, being younger I would bet its harder. And rarely does anyone sell their boat for what they have in it, or put in it. So when the time comes to sell, be prepared to take a loss....most times. Question is, can the loss be afforded if and when they sell, circumstances dependent.

If hes hard set on a boat, get the nicest boat he can afford to deal with and not break the bank, and with reliable decent level HP. No sense in tryin to have the biggest and fastest, someone is always faster, no matter what, so why even play that game...

 

[Wadernation]

everyone is pretty much on point. I am a few years older than he is and here are my thoughts.

I bought all my toys (jeeps, boats) when i could afford it living at home (20ish+). As time goes by you save up..trade in and step up to something better..sell that and work your way up to something sweet. I couldnt afford to blow my wad right off the bat so i saved until i had what i wanted and enjoyed those simple toys. When it came time to buy a house i was able to do so and now all my finances are going towards home repairs. If i wanted to get into boating now there is no way in hell i could afford a new purchase. If i were him...id buy something fun but to not break the bank...and save for a house because i can bet once that mortgage rolls in he wont be looking on craigslist for a boat. esp on one income.

 

[milkmoney]

I will agree that Cole trickle is spot on.
Might sound funny but also to think of his future. 20 to 30 years down the road. Start putting away for that too.

I hope he comes in here and reads and understands that nobody is trying to tell him what to do , jus giving advice from their own experiences and if you add up the tests of boating and life experiences here , you get some good info. [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106][emoji202]

 

[Mr. C]

Thanks for all the Input everyone. I don't think he could have a problem with what anybody has said. As for his future and saving he has that under control. I think he's learned from some who didn't prepare early enough. Enough said[emoji849]
I'm torn. I agree with CT and most of you but I also can't help but think damn your young can afford a boat( maybe something closer to the 25k range) and go for it.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Thanks for all the Input everyone. I don't think he could have a problem with what anybody has said. As for his future and saving he has that under control. I think he's learned from some who didn't prepare early enough. Enough said[emoji849]
I'm torn. I agree with CT and most of you but I also can't help but think damn your young can afford a boat( maybe something closer to the 25k range) and go for it.

It's a balance of fun and smart choices...

I wouldn't tell him not to buy a boat while he has the resources and desire. I would just tell him to look at a 21 Daytona,22 Howard or 210 Hallett in the 15-20k range with a good reliable low hour merc power plant.

He can play that game for a couple years and have a blast while not buying something that could put him 75k in the hole.

I would recommend that he spend enough and buy a very nice clean boat and verify both the floor and motor are good before he buys. Boats are dream killers and you don't want to buy a 10k boat that you throw 15k at that is worth 8k in 3 years.....buy the boat the last sucker got screwed on.

 

[jetboatmatt]

Have him sign up....we will get him set up.

Pokey will find him a bad ass turn key ready to rock boat for a deal.

As long as he gets out on the water with a cool reliable boat the girls won't care wether the speedo says 50 or 100mph[emoji106][emoji631][emoji481][emoji133]

There is a nice 25 shockwave on here for 40,000 blue and white! These are great boats!!
For a first boat that would be a dream!!!

 

[Cole Trickle]

There is a nice 25 shockwave on here for 40,000 blue and white! These are great boats!!
For a first boat that would be a dream!!!

25 shockwave is a great boat!!

40k is a lot of lettuce for a first boat.

 

[Rkc]

So my dad is the one who started this thread. Just got off of work and was able to read through everyone's posts. First off I appreciate everyone's input on this. I'm not a person who likes to just dive into things without doing probably way to much research before hand. Yes I am younger but I can see where you all are coming from. I have grown up on the river and on boats in general. Fortunately it was always with friends boats (driving or just along for the fun) right now I am financially in a spot where I can afford to buy without draining my bank account and still be saving money. I talked to my dad about all of these costs because I truly did not know what they would be. Again probably researching too much. The boat ad that he posted was not exactly what I am looking for. More just the style. Yes I am looking for something in the 25' range. But not exactly something with a blower 1000+ hp motor. I just liked the way that boat looks. I am really looking to get something with a stock motor. 496 or maybe a 525 if the price and hours were right. I'm not trying to be the fastest guy on the water by any means. As he stated this would be the first boat I would own, but not my first time in anyway. I don't need to go 100+ mph. But i would like to be able to cruise about 70 without totally racking out the motor all day long. Buying outright is how I want to buy any of my toys in life. And right now I can do that while still saving for a first home. I do intend on taking the class and really learn how to drive a cat. Growing up going to the river and lake I have seen way to many idiots not knowing what they are doing and I do not ever want to be that person. And I wouldn't be able to live if something were to happen to others because of me not knowing what I was doing. If you guys have any input on boats/ motors that could get me to that range or somewhere close I am all ears. Although I love the daytonas I am not set on only eliminator. Again I appreciate all of your guys help!

 

[1540RVRCREW]

Don't let him make the mistake of buying a boat before a house; it's a bad idea.

You said he wanted his "big boy toy" first, well the house should be that first "toy".

 

[TPC]

Our boat is paid for, we have the pink.

It's $4200 a month that our boat is in the water.
Insurance, maint, gas, taxes & fees.

If it just sits on the trailer next to the house; $200 a month.
Insurance and taxes.

It would be in the water in Newport or Avalon right now but I have developed a graveyard class ulcer and when that's cured we're off on boating adventures.
The meds and the pain are brutal. MFSOB !@%#*+@!!
Probably why I'm posting screwball posts.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

So my dad is the one who started this thread. Just got off of work and was able to read through everyone's posts. First off I appreciate everyone's input on this. I'm not a person who likes to just dive into things without doing probably way to much research before hand. Yes I am younger but I can see where you all are coming from. I have grown up on the river and on boats in general. Fortunately it was always with friends boats (driving or just along for the fun) right now I am financially in a spot where I can afford to buy without draining my bank account and still be saving money. I talked to my dad about all of these costs because I truly did not know what they would be. Again probably researching too much. The boat ad that he posted was not exactly what I am looking for. More just the style. Yes I am looking for something in the 25' range. But not exactly something with a blower 1000+ hp motor. I just liked the way that boat looks. I am really looking to get something with a stock motor. 496 or maybe a 525 if the price and hours were right. I'm not trying to be the fastest guy on the water by any means. As he stated this would be the first boat I would own, but not my first time in anyway. I don't need to go 100+ mph. But i would like to be able to cruise about 70 without totally racking out the motor all day long. Buying outright is how I want to buy any of my toys in life. And right now I can do that while still saving for a first home. I do intend on taking the class and really learn how to drive a cat. Growing up going to the river and lake I have seen way to many idiots not knowing what they are doing and I do not ever want to be that person. And I wouldn't be able to live if something were to happen to others because of me not knowing what I was doing. If you guys have any input on boats/ motors that could get me to that range or somewhere close I am all ears. Although I love the daytonas I am not set on only eliminator. Again I appreciate all of your guys help!

Buy the boat you want, it's your life and every day is a bonus. Most of the comments here are from older people who can now reflect back on life and recommend things based on that but they forget they were young once as well. You will get old soon and have a lifetime to buy a house, and deal with all of the responsibility that getting old brings. If you want a boat buy the one you want that makes you happy, sounds like you are on the right track.

Live each day like it is your last.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Fyi to cruise at 70 say at 4000 rpm is a 750+hp boat. That will go about 90-100mph in total cruising at seventy is fast as most boats dont go seventy. I would consider a 25ft vee, to get your feet wet. With a 496 ho cruise at 50 all day long having a blast. I think more research is needed on owning a cat and big hp