ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat....

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-29, 00:58

Used to have a sailboat but it was a long time ago. It was kind of expensive, but then again, it was not trailer-able and we kept it in a slip and had to get the bottom done every few years.

Boys are getting old enough to go fishing and I'm thinking about picking up something that we can easily trailer around to the many lakes here in Georgia, as well as run to the coast and fish the flats for redfish, etc. Thinking along the lines of a 16' Carolina Skiff center console or equivalent.

Question is, what are the hidden costs?

I'm aware of how much parts and toys cost but what about insurance / registration / maintenance / storage (not sure I want to park it in my yard). Definitely will NOT be something we keep in a slip, and options are key so dry dock at some marina is not really an option.

k-thanks-bye

by **The Pantry** 2015-01-29, 02:01

If you don't live on a lake, find a friend that owns a boat. They generally shit their pants to have someone go out with them and will pay for gas, food, and drinks...as well as paying for the money pit.

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-29, 07:18

be sure to figure in the cost of a good camera and an Instagram account.. so everyone will know how carelessly whimsical and effortlessly happy your family looks as you navigate the pristine waterways of Up North..

by **Jake from State Farm** 2015-01-29, 08:12

Why wouldn't you park it in your yard or garage? If it's in your face all the time you're more likely to get plenty of use out of it. Buy a good hitch lock so you don't have to go out looking for it when it disappears.
If you were in mid-Michigan where's there's no good places to boat/fish within 80 miles I'd say don't waste your money.

by **The Pantry** 2015-01-29, 08:26

Robert J Sakimano wrote:be sure to figure in the cost of a good camera and an Instagram account.. so everyone will know how carelessly whimsical and effortlessly happy your family looks as you navigate the pristine waterways of Up North..

ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat.... 82765925

ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat.... Boat_Crash

by **NigelUno** 2015-01-29, 09:34

SeeRockCity wrote:Used to have a sailboat but it was a long time ago. It was kind of expensive, but then again, it was not trailer-able and we kept it in a slip and had to get the bottom done every few years.

Boys are getting old enough to go fishing and I'm thinking about picking up something that we can easily trailer around to the many lakes here in Georgia, as well as run to the coast and fish the flats for redfish, etc. Thinking along the lines of a 16' Carolina Skiff center console or equivalent.

Question is, what are the hidden costs?

I'm aware of how much parts and toys cost but what about insurance / registration / maintenance / storage (not sure I want to park it in my yard). Definitely will NOT be something we keep in a slip, and options are key so dry dock at some marina is not really an option.

k-thanks-bye

Lake Lanier has some boat club thing where you can rent a boat for a half-day or day, and they have reciprocity with boat clubs in various other spots. You could try that before you buy.

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-29, 09:37

NigelUno wrote:

Lake Lanier has some boat club thing where you can rent a boat for a half-day or day, and they have reciprocity with boat clubs in various other spots. You could try that before you buy.

ever go up to north Georgia near Clayton, Hiawassee area?

by **NigelUno** 2015-01-29, 10:15

Robert J Sakimano wrote:ever go up to north Georgia near Clayton, Hiawassee area?

Not yet. We've looked at doing a VRBO at Lake Burton, but the crew has voted for Lake Oconee and Lake Hartwell in the past.

I think they are afraid of banjos.

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-29, 10:25

NigelUno wrote:

Not yet. We've looked at doing a VRBO at Lake Burton, but the crew has voted for Lake Oconee and Lake Hartwell in the past.

I think they are afraid of banjos.

haven't been to Lake Burton in maybe 25 years. A high school buddy of mine, his family had a house there (still do) - was always a great place to spend summer days.

Also, Lake Chatuge is quite nice. Part of it is in North Carolina, part in Georgia. It's gotten more developed over the years (as has most everything) but I spent a large chunk of kid-dom there. My parents had a house there. The older I got, high school age and up - I'd always take my bike and climb Brasstown Bald.. Shocked

- was a beast of a ride but certainly an accomplishment.

by Green Note 2015-01-29, 10:26

SeeRockCity wrote:Used to have a sailboat but it was a long time ago. It was kind of expensive, but then again, it was not trailer-able and we kept it in a slip and had to get the bottom done every few years.

Boys are getting old enough to go fishing and I'm thinking about picking up something that we can easily trailer around to the many lakes here in Georgia, as well as run to the coast and fish the flats for redfish, etc. Thinking along the lines of a 16' Carolina Skiff center console or equivalent.

Question is, what are the hidden costs?

I'm aware of how much parts and toys cost but what about insurance / registration / maintenance / storage (not sure I want to park it in my yard). Definitely will NOT be something we keep in a slip, and options are key so dry dock at some marina is not really an option.

k-thanks-bye

Pissed off neighbors because their jackass neighbor parked a boat in their yard.

by CheesySpartan 2015-01-29, 10:30

I snapped a pic of Bobby Saks cabin up north while scouting out options for the 2015-2016 bowl game watch party...

ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat.... Park-your-yacht-in-the-front-yard-at-this-incredible-new-house-in-poland

ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat.... Park-your-yacht-in-the-front-yard-at-this-incredible-new-house-in-poland

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-29, 10:32

NigelUno wrote:

Lake Lanier has some boat club thing where you can rent a boat for a half-day or day, and they have reciprocity with boat clubs in various other spots. You could try that before you buy.

Yes, every third listing on Craig's list tells me about it.

We've rented boats in the past, I'm not a newbie, but this would be a new format for me.

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-29, 10:33

CheesySpartan wrote:I snapped a pic of Bobby Saks cabin up north while scouting out options for the 2015-2016 bowl game watch party...

ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat.... 502811600

you're a great American, a fine Spartan and an ever-evolving investigative photographer.. ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat.... 2660296459

by Marc Summers 2015-01-29, 10:34

CheesySpartan wrote:I snapped a pic of Bobby Saks cabin up north while scouting out options for the 2015-2016 bowl game watch party...

"Champagne Socialist"

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-29, 10:37

Jake from State Farm wrote:Why wouldn't you park it in your yard or garage? If it's in your face all the time you're more likely to get plenty of use out of it. Buy a good hitch lock so you don't have to go out looking for it when it disappears.
If you were in mid-Michigan where's there's no good places to boat/fish within 80 miles I'd say don't waste your money.

Aesthetics. While we have some property, the way it is configured would mean side of the house or in the driveway "area". Either way, not the best look. As far as usage goes, If we stop using it then I'd likely sell it.

I have two boys, age 11 that need to start learning how to fish so I'm assuming we'd use it at least 5 or 6 times a year minimum. I can think of at least 10 different kinds of fishing opportunities within 50 miles of where I'm currently sitting and then there are coastal trips in two different directions with completely different experiences (gulf vs. Atlantic). There are also a ton of small inland lakes in the mountains that are electric-only with camping areas. We've gone with the canoe, but it's not ideal.

Hitch lock is a good idea. thanks.

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-29, 10:38

Green Note wrote:
SeeRockCity wrote:Used to have a sailboat but it was a long time ago. It was kind of expensive, but then again, it was not trailer-able and we kept it in a slip and had to get the bottom done every few years.

Boys are getting old enough to go fishing and I'm thinking about picking up something that we can easily trailer around to the many lakes here in Georgia, as well as run to the coast and fish the flats for redfish, etc. Thinking along the lines of a 16' Carolina Skiff center console or equivalent.

Question is, what are the hidden costs?

Right. That's why I'd probably store it in a park and go.

I'm aware of how much parts and toys cost but what about insurance / registration / maintenance / storage (not sure I want to park it in my yard). Definitely will NOT be something we keep in a slip, and options are key so dry dock at some marina is not really an option.

k-thanks-bye

Pissed off neighbors because their jackass neighbor parked a boat in their yard.

Yes, this is why I'd probably store it in a park and go lot. There are several within a convenient distance to my home.

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-29, 10:42

The Pantry wrote:
Robert J Sakimano wrote:be sure to figure in the cost of a good camera and an Instagram account.. so everyone will know how carelessly whimsical and effortlessly happy your family looks as you navigate the pristine waterways of Up North..

more along these lines:

by **NigelUno** 2015-01-29, 10:44

SeeRockCity wrote:

Yes, every third listing on Craig's list tells me about it.

We've rented boats in the past, I'm not a newbie, but this would be a new format for me.

My bro in law did it last summer, so we went out 2-3 times for tubing and getting fishing lures stuck on trees at the bottom of Lake Lanier. It was impossible to coordinate with all the other activities (mostly baseball) going on. They rented a boat in Destin using it though. Not sure if they'll do it again, and they've definitely figured out buying a boat (for them) is a bad idea...they would never use it enough (or feel so obligated to use it that the kids wouldn't play baseball).

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-29, 10:56

NigelUno wrote:
SeeRockCity wrote:

Yes, every third listing on Craig's list tells me about it.

We've rented boats in the past, I'm not a newbie, but this would be a new format for me.

My bro in law did it last summer, so we went out 2-3 times for tubing and getting fishing lures stuck on trees at the bottom of Lake Lanier. It was impossible to coordinate with all the other activities (mostly baseball) going on. They rented a boat in Destin using it though. Not sure if they'll do it again, and they've definitely figured out buying a boat (for them) is a bad idea...they would never use it enough (or feel so obligated to use it that the kids wouldn't play baseball).

Thanks Nigel, good info. For us, we are not really a "sports" family. More into the scouting, building, camping, outdoorsy kind of activities. The boys have really not shown any interest in organized sports, despite several efforts to kick-start the process. Fine by me, I'm not a big fan of the semi-professional youth sports teams / leagues we have down here to be honest.

On the other hand, driving to Stone Mountain and chucking worms into the lake for a couple of hours from the shore is not going to cut it for us.

by CheesySpartan 2015-01-29, 11:08

Marc Summers wrote:"Champagne Socialist"

Bobby's one of the elite, a 1%er, in addition to being a great american!

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-29, 12:31

CheesySpartan wrote:

Bobby's one of the elite, a 1%er, in addition to being a great american!

thanks, man...

(oh, and I would argue that my wife is more of the 1%.. I'm just fortunate enough to be married to her)

by **Code_Warrior** 2015-01-29, 13:03

If you're willing to do the maintenance and winterization every year and do the oil changes yourself, cost isn't that bad. If you pay someone else for that, you pay through the nose. The dealer where I bought my jet ski wants like $250 for an oil change and about $100 for winterization. I do all that stuff myself. The downside is that I can't reset the maintenance indicator because it requires BUDS software, or I could spend $400 and buy Can-Doo Pro software. I haven't pulled the trigger on that because I've been hacking my jet ski to try and reset it myself, but recently ran into an issue that's making me lean toward pulling the trigger on the Can-Doo Pro. If you are willing to do all that stuff yourself, and you can get diagnostic software for your boat, then you're good to go.

I keep my jet ski in my garage and I have a trailer hitch lock on it. Of course, a boat may not fit in your garage.

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-29, 13:12

Code_Warrior wrote:If you're willing to do the maintenance and winterization every year and do the oil changes yourself, cost isn't that bad. If you pay someone else for that, you pay through the nose. The dealer where I bought my jet ski wants like $250 for an oil change and about $100 for winterization. I do all that stuff myself. The downside is that I can't reset the maintenance indicator because it requires BUDS software, or I could spend $400 and buy Can-Doo Pro software. I haven't pulled the trigger on that because I've been hacking my jet ski to try and reset it myself, but recently ran into an issue that's making me lean toward pulling the trigger on the Can-Doo Pro. If you are willing to do all that stuff yourself, and you can get diagnostic software for your boat, then you're good to go.

I keep my jet ski in my garage and I have a trailer hitch lock on it. Of course, a boat may not fit in your garage.

Thanks. Good stuff. Yeah, I'm a bit of a wrencher and have access to just about whatever tool I'd need so I would probably enjoy tinkering. Would be a good learning experience for the kids too.

Unfortunately, my garage is currently a woodworking shop so, yeah. Not happening.

by tMolson 2015-01-30, 08:41

Something to think about, a 16ft will be a little tight for 3 people fishing depending on the type of fishing you'll do and you will get 2 footits (wishing you got the bigger boat) if you and the kids take to it. Also if your wife wants to go out with you to enjoy the water, you might want to look at a fish/ski type of boat. Always max out the hp on the boat for whatever it's rated up for, you will always wish you had more power. I fish quite a bit and have a 18ft lund pro-V side console with merc 150 and I wish I had the 225 on it. It’s a solid boat and a problem free motor as long as you stay on top of your maintenance. Yammi’s are good motors too. Also will you need or want a kicker motor or trolling motor? If so, for electric, look into the minkota electric I-Pilots, those can interface with some brands of electronics (fish finder, plotter, GPS if you get any of those) but this is a whole different wad of cash.

by **Turtleneck** 2015-01-30, 08:45

Robert J Sakimano wrote:
haven't been to Lake Burton in maybe 25 years. A high school buddy of mine, his family had a house there (still do) - was always a great place to spend summer days.

Also, Lake Chatuge is quite nice. Part of it is in North Carolina, part in Georgia. It's gotten more developed over the years (as has most everything) but I spent a large chunk of kid-dom there. My parents had a house there. The older I got, high school age and up - I'd always take my bike and climb Brasstown Bald.. - was a beast of a ride but certainly an accomplishment.

Way to turn this thread into a Kid Rock song.

by Kramerica 2015-01-30, 09:47

Two Things:

1.
Break
Out
Another
Thousand

2.
If you are looking at center console, Boston Whaler is the way to go.

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-30, 09:51

tMolson wrote:Something to think about, a 16ft will be a little tight for 3 people fishing depending on the type of fishing you'll do and you will get 2 footits (wishing you got the bigger boat) if you and the kids take to it. Also if your wife wants to go out with you to enjoy the water, you might want to look at a fish/ski type of boat. Always max out the hp on the boat for whatever it's rated up for, you will always wish you had more power. I fish quite a bit and have a 18ft lund pro-V side console with merc 150 and I wish I had the 225 on it. It’s a solid boat and a problem free motor as long as you stay on top of your maintenance. Yammi’s are good motors too. Also will you need or want a kicker motor or trolling motor? If so, for electric, look into the minkota electric I-Pilots, those can interface with some brands of electronics (fish finder, plotter, GPS if you get any of those) but this is a whole different wad of cash.

Good stuff Molson, thanks. Yeah, I'm starting to re-think the 16 a little. I wanted to keep it smallish in order to be able to use it on the small electric-only lakes as well as the larger lakes and coastal inshore but it seems like no boat is going to be good at all those things. I think I'm going to go with a small jon or skiff like a j14 for the electric-only route first. Then add the larger boat later. :(

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-30, 09:53

Kramerica wrote:Two Things:

1.
Break
Out
Another
Thousand

2.
If you are looking at center console, Boston Whaler is the way to go.

Yeah, having owned a sailboat, and rigging it out for racing, #1 is an old friend. Hoping the fishing boat will be less so, but I'm probably in for a rude awakening.

On #2, I love a whaler, but I think Mako, Key West, Carolina Skiff may have something to say about that.

by tMolson 2015-01-30, 10:11

Jon boats while being very stable, suck in waves. The low sides of them make them prone to taking on water in wavy conditions. If you do go that route, for the love of god, wear your PFD's at all times!

by **Jake from State Farm** 2015-01-30, 10:25

SeeRockCity wrote:

Yeah, having owned a sailboat, and rigging it out for racing, #1 is an old friend. Hoping the fishing boat will be less so, but I'm probably in for a rude awakening.

On #2, I love a whaler, but I think Mako, Key West, Carolina Skiff may have something to say about that.

The maintenance costs aren't that high with a newer boat. It's all the toys you keep adding to it. Depthfinder, trolling motor, sound system, extra battery to run the stuff....

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-30, 10:33

Turtleneck wrote:

Way to turn this thread into a Kid Rock song.

that climb up Brasstown Bald is something Kid Rock and his ilk could only dream of doing.. even in their Trans-Am.

by **Turtleneck** 2015-01-30, 10:52

Robert J Sakimano wrote:
that climb up Brasstown Bald is something Kid Rock and his ilk could only dream of doing.. even in their Trans-Am.

Have you been to northern Michigan yet?

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-30, 11:14

Turtleneck wrote:

Have you been to northern Michigan yet?

I don't think so...

I did go hiking/camping on a trail that was sort of near Mancelona.. I think that's what it was called. Not even sure if that is considered "northern Michigan" or not..

by **Turtleneck** 2015-01-30, 11:19

That is NM for sure. Getting close to Deadman's Hill and the Jordan River Valley (which has a great 18 mile loop trail).

by Kramerica 2015-01-30, 11:42

SeeRockCity wrote:

Yeah, having owned a sailboat, and rigging it out for racing, #1 is an old friend. Hoping the fishing boat will be less so, but I'm probably in for a rude awakening.

On #2, I love a whaler, but I think Mako, Key West, Carolina Skiff may have something to say about that.

Nah, center console fishing boats probably won't be that bad for maintenance and operating costs. I would think definitely a far cry from a sailboat, that's for sure.

I don't see many Mako or Carlolina Skiffs up here on Lake St. Clair, or at least I don't notice them. The other center console I see a lot of up here are Pursuit and Formula, but those are all 21 feet +. I have just always liked Whalers for center consoles. Such a solid boat. I don't have any ownership experience with them as my last boat was a 287 Cruisers. But a couple friends had Whalers that swore by them.

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2015-01-30, 11:44

Turtleneck wrote:That is NM for sure. Getting close to Deadman's Hill and the Jordan River Valley (which has a great 18 mile loop trail).

they guys I was with (much more into hiking/camping than I am) estimated that we hiked about 7 miles in.. found a spot just off the trail, put up camp and hiked back the next afternoon.

I weighed my pack before we left - it was around 65 lbs or so.. though they were more experienced hikers/campers, I was probably the most fit. They looked at me like I was crazy once we got settled in and I pulled a 6 pack of Budweiser from my pack.. ITT, SeeRockCity builds a boat.... 502811600

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-30, 13:10

Kramerica wrote:
SeeRockCity wrote:

Yeah, having owned a sailboat, and rigging it out for racing, #1 is an old friend. Hoping the fishing boat will be less so, but I'm probably in for a rude awakening.

On #2, I love a whaler, but I think Mako, Key West, Carolina Skiff may have something to say about that.

Nah, center console fishing boats probably won't be that bad for maintenance and operating costs. I would think definitely a far cry from a sailboat, that's for sure.

I don't see many Mako or Carlolina Skiffs up here on Lake St. Clair, or at least I don't notice them. The other center console I see a lot of up here are Pursuit and Formula, but those are all 21 feet +. I have just always liked Whalers for center consoles. Such a solid boat. I don't have any ownership experience with them as my last boat was a 287 Cruisers. But a couple friends had Whalers that swore by them.

Good info. Thanks.

by **SeeRockCity** 2015-01-30, 13:12

Jake from State Farm wrote:
SeeRockCity wrote:

Yeah, having owned a sailboat, and rigging it out for racing, #1 is an old friend. Hoping the fishing boat will be less so, but I'm probably in for a rude awakening.

On #2, I love a whaler, but I think Mako, Key West, Carolina Skiff may have something to say about that.

The maintenance costs aren't that high with a newer boat. It's all the toys you keep adding to it. Depthfinder, trolling motor, sound system, extra battery to run the stuff....

This could be an issue lol.

by tMolson 2015-01-30, 13:30

Just do what I do for my fishing boat and the buying of accessories..... When it comes to my wife, sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission. Anyway, it's taken me several years to get my boat to the point of where I want it to be and that's half the fun. Setting up your boat to fit your needs.

by **Turtleneck** 2015-01-30, 14:05

Robert J Sakimano wrote:
they guys I was with (much more into hiking/camping than I am) estimated that we hiked about 7 miles in.. found a spot just off the trail, put up camp and hiked back the next afternoon.

I weighed my pack before we left - it was around 65 lbs or so.. though they were more experienced hikers/campers, I was probably the most fit. They looked at me like I was crazy once we got settled in and I pulled a 6 pack of Budweiser from my pack..

65lbs? WTF? Did you put your wife's dog in your pack?

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