Newbie looking for some basic advice
Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 9:23 pm
OK, so here's my situation. I've never owned a boat before. Other than an assortment of dive boats, I've never really been ON a boat -- didn't grow up around them -- know not very much about them. I've taken five days of classes on powerboating through Club Nautique, so I know the very very basics re navigation, operations, etc. Also not terribly mechanically inclined. Great start, right?
Anyway, from this auspicious beginning comes this -- I want a boat. I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, starting to get near retirement age, know that my future wherever it is will include a boat, so want to start learning firsthand. I'm taking a look at this beauty this weekend --
https://www.popyachts.com/express-cruis ... d=1&pid=68
A 1961 Trojan Sea Breeze 3400 Express with twin 275 hp 390 Interceptors. It's gorgeous -- well within my price range -- looks to be in great condition for a 56-year-old boat. Couple problems -- I feel immensely underequipped to assess this boat as a gem or a lemon -- also, I lack the knowledge to know what to look for -- if there are failings common to this boat -- etc.
Would anybody like to step up and just let me know a couple of questions I should be asking of the owner -- things to look out for in an inspection -- etc., etc. This is really terra incognita for me and while I've got a little bit of stupid money to throw around (I also own a 1989 BMW 635CSI, so I know about problematic older cars), it's not a bottomless supply and I don't want to sign up for three years of insane expense only to sell it for half what I paid.
All thoughts very much appreciated --
Jeremy
Anyway, from this auspicious beginning comes this -- I want a boat. I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, starting to get near retirement age, know that my future wherever it is will include a boat, so want to start learning firsthand. I'm taking a look at this beauty this weekend --
https://www.popyachts.com/express-cruis ... d=1&pid=68
A 1961 Trojan Sea Breeze 3400 Express with twin 275 hp 390 Interceptors. It's gorgeous -- well within my price range -- looks to be in great condition for a 56-year-old boat. Couple problems -- I feel immensely underequipped to assess this boat as a gem or a lemon -- also, I lack the knowledge to know what to look for -- if there are failings common to this boat -- etc.
Would anybody like to step up and just let me know a couple of questions I should be asking of the owner -- things to look out for in an inspection -- etc., etc. This is really terra incognita for me and while I've got a little bit of stupid money to throw around (I also own a 1989 BMW 635CSI, so I know about problematic older cars), it's not a bottomless supply and I don't want to sign up for three years of insane expense only to sell it for half what I paid.
All thoughts very much appreciated --
Jeremy