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Message
Know anyone get into boat ownership at a older age without prior experience?
Posted on 4/30/15 at 10:40 am
Posted on 4/30/15 at 10:40 am
I am having an itch to own a boat, but haven't yet done any research into costs, maintenance, etc.
I didn't grow up with a family that owned a boat so I would be starting from scratch.
What are some good online sources for learning about boats and how to operate them? I know there are some online boating safety courses that you can take to get a license.
I would most likely be doing bay fishing in Galveston...maybe some offshore treks (but not too far out)...
I didn't grow up with a family that owned a boat so I would be starting from scratch.
What are some good online sources for learning about boats and how to operate them? I know there are some online boating safety courses that you can take to get a license.
I would most likely be doing bay fishing in Galveston...maybe some offshore treks (but not too far out)...
17
Posted on 4/30/15 at 10:42 am to Chicken
There's lots of online resources available but honestly the best thing to do would be getting on the water with a knowledgable friend and have them show you the ropes. There's nothing like some hands on experience.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 10:50 am to Chicken
take the boating course online and it will tell you the basics as far as driving etiquette, etc. Every boat drives differently, so its only a matter of getting on the water and feeling out the throttle, steering, etc, but it becomes natural pretty quickly
Posted on 4/30/15 at 10:55 am to Chicken
Don't buy a used boat unless you can be damn sure it is in pristine condition. If you are new at this you probably wont be able to get a motor going if you break down. Also get a sea tow membership.
With the oil bust you could probably get a hell of a deal on a new boat in Laffy or Houston. (maybe even Corpus).
Go with a guide or a buddy who knows the area. Everybody gets stuck on a mudflat from time to time, but you don't want it to happen your first time.
With the oil bust you could probably get a hell of a deal on a new boat in Laffy or Houston. (maybe even Corpus).
Go with a guide or a buddy who knows the area. Everybody gets stuck on a mudflat from time to time, but you don't want it to happen your first time.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:05 am to reds on reds on reds
quote:
but honestly the best thing to do would be getting on the water with a knowledgable friend and have them show you the ropes. There's nothing like some hands on experience.
Agreed. This is more exciting and fun than reading online junk. You can gain some valuable knowledge reading online material later on.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:06 am to reds on reds on reds
quote:
There's lots of online resources available but honestly the best thing to do would be getting on the water with a knowledgable friend and have them show you the ropes. There's nothing like some hands on experience.
This right here. Especially if you're going to be doing some offshore fishing.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:07 am to Chicken
quote:
get into boat ownership at a older age without prior experience?
Yep, I've gotten into it and out of it several times.
Back in it currently, and loving it more than I did the first several times.
Bay boats are simple, can be bought right, can be sold without losing too much money,, most of the time.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:13 am to Chicken
I was 52 when I bought my first one
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:16 am to Chicken
maybe find a part time guide in Galveston who you can hire to captain you around a few times, before you go out on your own.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:21 am to Chicken
Fire an admin and get a Freeman
In all honesty, I'd spend a good amount of time fishing with someone before I went and bought something. They can teach you the ins and outs of boat ownership much better than a class. There's nothing more embarrassing than having to let someone else back down your trailer and load up your boat while 5 other guys wait to use a ramp
In all honesty, I'd spend a good amount of time fishing with someone before I went and bought something. They can teach you the ins and outs of boat ownership much better than a class. There's nothing more embarrassing than having to let someone else back down your trailer and load up your boat while 5 other guys wait to use a ramp
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:21 am to Chicken
I grew up in a boat in S. Louisiana- really kinda had my own since I was 12 and am almost 40 now....two great comments made...
Any guide I have ever used would be more than happy to show you the ropes during a trip- they would not be the least bit condescending, either.
Hell, there are a number of guys on here that are legitimate good people with ties to Houston that I'm sure would be more than glad to show you. Then they could brag on the OT that Chicken's cloak of invisibility has been pulled off.
Boating in any capacity is a wonderful family endeavor. A few bits of my own advice...
1. Slow is normally better. Slower than you think usually is best to keep the boat from hitting things.
2. Work against the wind at the launch and you'll look like a pro. Trying to load with the wind will blow you sideways every time.
3. You can't have too much safety gear or too good of a life jacket- wear it. The inflatable ones are not cumbersome and they work.
4. Put a Yamaha motor on it and it will NEVER leave you stranded.
quote:
Go with a guide
quote:
Bay boats are simple, can be bought right, can be sold without losing too much money
Any guide I have ever used would be more than happy to show you the ropes during a trip- they would not be the least bit condescending, either.
Hell, there are a number of guys on here that are legitimate good people with ties to Houston that I'm sure would be more than glad to show you. Then they could brag on the OT that Chicken's cloak of invisibility has been pulled off.
Boating in any capacity is a wonderful family endeavor. A few bits of my own advice...
1. Slow is normally better. Slower than you think usually is best to keep the boat from hitting things.
2. Work against the wind at the launch and you'll look like a pro. Trying to load with the wind will blow you sideways every time.
3. You can't have too much safety gear or too good of a life jacket- wear it. The inflatable ones are not cumbersome and they work.
4. Put a Yamaha motor on it and it will NEVER leave you stranded.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:23 am to Hammertime
The class doesn't teach boating how-to, just recognizing signs on the water, right of way, etiquette, etc.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:24 am to Chicken
Bought my 1st boat 3 yrs ago at 39! Purchased a 2009 Nautic Star 1910
and dont regret it for a min! I had some basic boat knowledge from my childhood (9-10 yrs old) but hadnt been in a boat in 20+ yrs.
My son and i have had some great times in the boat. It was a great decision and weve had some fun dont regret it for a min! The operation and safety stuff can be researched and commen cents will get you a long way on the water!
and dont regret it for a min! I had some basic boat knowledge from my childhood (9-10 yrs old) but hadnt been in a boat in 20+ yrs.
My son and i have had some great times in the boat. It was a great decision and weve had some fun dont regret it for a min! The operation and safety stuff can be researched and commen cents will get you a long way on the water!
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:36 am to Chicken
Never.
Underestimate.
The.
Weather.
Underestimate.
The.
Weather.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:39 am to Chicken
I'll teach you everything you need to know for a free premium membership, TH nudes, and 2 free Purple and gold OB koozies.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:44 am to VetteGuy
quote:
Never. Underestimate. The. Weather.
This as well. No matter how "dry" a boat is, they're all getting wet quartering into waves with a crosswind.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 11:56 am to PapaPogey
Blee dat. Hell, I've gotten wet sitting on the back deck of a 47ft Sea Ray in Lake P. Wet enough to go in the cabin
Posted on 4/30/15 at 12:07 pm to Chicken
Fished regularly all my life but only recently got my own boat at 42. Started out with a kayak and then a mudboat. I like redfish so I knew a shallow water vessell would be best. My experience ( as others have pointed out):
1. Buy a boat for the ninety nine percent of fishing you will be doing. Dont expect others to be available to come along and split fuel costs. Dont get a big arse boat if you'll be fishing solo most of the time.
2. Learn how to trailer and back up in an empty parking lot before your first outing.
3. Lightning kills. No fish is that tasty.
4. No such thing as a do-it-all boat.
5. SeaTow membership.
6. Boater safety course. Very basic but good info.
7. Maintenance maintenance maintenance. Boat motor and trailer.
8. Go often if you get one. I hate to see a boat collect dust.
9. Start out in an area you would like to fish. Dont go far at first and then with each trip venture farther out. Work over each area well. Even find a guide who would take your boat out.
1. Buy a boat for the ninety nine percent of fishing you will be doing. Dont expect others to be available to come along and split fuel costs. Dont get a big arse boat if you'll be fishing solo most of the time.
2. Learn how to trailer and back up in an empty parking lot before your first outing.
3. Lightning kills. No fish is that tasty.
4. No such thing as a do-it-all boat.
5. SeaTow membership.
6. Boater safety course. Very basic but good info.
7. Maintenance maintenance maintenance. Boat motor and trailer.
8. Go often if you get one. I hate to see a boat collect dust.
9. Start out in an area you would like to fish. Dont go far at first and then with each trip venture farther out. Work over each area well. Even find a guide who would take your boat out.
Posted on 4/30/15 at 12:27 pm to Chicken
your in the same boat as my dad, he is getting into it because he sorta feel into it and one of his good buddies/client owns the biggest maritime supply chain in the NE and he is basically going to do everything for him as far as upkeep and general maintenance, which is a dream come true.
But imo, man... If your going to get a boat, get a boat you can take offshore, I don't know jack about going offshore in tejas, but still... Get a boat you can take offshore
But imo, man... If your going to get a boat, get a boat you can take offshore, I don't know jack about going offshore in tejas, but still... Get a boat you can take offshore
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