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Date: 14 May 2014. What Used Boat?
© janice142
Recently I was corresponding with an online associate who was debating various used boats that seemed to suit he and his wife. When he asked for advice immediately I knew which I would chose, and told him why. When you're looking at two identical boats, the one that's been lived aboard and called home is often the better choice over the lightly used dock queen. You too may wonder why that is so.
Boats are different from cars. In an automobile, the one that's been parked is generally the better option. Less miles means less wear and tear on the vehicle. But boats are different. You want the boat that has taken a trek or two around the waterways.
The simple reason is that an owner who lives aboard longer term will make many changes. Not all will be to your liking, but many you will "figure out down the way" are a good idea. Aboard Seaweed, I have eight cigarette outlets. Yes, one 23' boat has lots more than many boats twice as large -- and eventually I shall have two more.
The where and why:
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Cigarette outlets onboard Seaweed |
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| Where: | Why: |
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In my cabin by the VHF radio (double unit) |
To charge my cell phone or Kindle; also the electric (12-volt) blanket or my GPS in stormy weather. |
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| In my cabin by the steps to the pilothouse | It's a great nook and fits my spotlight so it's always available |
| In the pilothouse, starboard side | Powers my Garmin GPSMAP 76 series, and with a splitter, the computer when underway |
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Next to be installed: a double unit on the port side
for the computer. |
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| In front of the galley sink |
To power the 12-volt DVD player. |
| Aft port side, corner (double) |
My computer, and the hand-held VHF radio and charger |
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| Port side, forward dinette seat |
Because I sit there and it is handy. Powers the portable 12-volt fan most often. |
It is more than likely that I could manage without the plethora of cigarette outlets I have at present. I rather prefer a life of convenience and comfort. These have been accumulated and been installed over the six years I have owned Seaweed. None came with the boat and all are in use if not daily, at least once per week.
Sure, I could have installed fewer, but this is home and I want her comfortable. I am assuming in your home you have all the enhancements by your favorite chair? There will be a side table, a lamp, a place for the television zapper/flipper, your cup, a plate of snacks, perhaps a few magazines, a book or three, and maybe a kit to tie some flies for your next fishing expedition.
In other words, you are comfortable and have everything within reach. I do too, and my view is outstanding. Plus, if I wish to see new scenery I can start the engine, raise the anchor and be underway in less than 15 minutes. Life does not get much better!
Boats become homes -- at least ones that are lived aboard long term. In the six years I've owned Seaweed, I've made a few changes/alterations. Some cost nothing but time, and others, well, others were $$$. But none of these items came with the model initially and all add to my life and happiness quotient.
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In the first six years aboard Seaweed, I have: |
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There's more, but most of those
things would not have been |
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In my view given a choice of two boats I would opt for the one that
has been a home.
She will (definitely will!) have some things you will not like. Some items will not have been done as you prefer. Nonetheless you will benefit.
The other weekend (Kentucky Derby weekend) I was speaking with my friend Lynn and she mentioned her Southern Cross. Lynn said that sailboat was essentially free. How so you may ask? Well, the number of spare parts and improvements to that boat amounted to more than the purchase price. And Southern Cross boats are nice -- very!!
[That particular Southern Cross was lost on a reef off Australia. Lynn's new boat, In Anneoin, is steel.]
Lynn's sailboat IN ANNEOIN
is at position #4
↓ in this picture.
So do go ahead and have fun boat shopping. Shiny is good, but look -- really look, at what the boat has to offer for you today. Do not ever expect her to be perfect. Count on making her your own by improving what is there, but not today.
First use your
new-to-you boat for a bit before dumping big bucks into her.
The things you think critical might not be after you have been aboard her for a bit. Make the boat yours after you have used her for a while. Via real life experience you will know, really know, what is critical to your happiness quotient. That is your To Do List.
As for me, given a choice I'd definitely pick the boat that had been a home. Have fun, and happy boating.
I'd love to hear what your first boat projects were.
And, are you enjoying life in a marina or living life on anchor?
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