As we saw in "Dawn of the Dead" (remake), the boat has to dock somewhere eventually...and the zombies will come running before you can re-launch.
Just got back from renting a boat. 2 hours into it and something snapped, engine reved and smoke poored out of the engine bay. ie...That's not going to be cheap to repair - double checked the prop and it was fine. Called them up and they brought us out another boat in 10 minutes, we traded and we continued to have fun. Dropped the boat off and had some appitizers and beverages...no cleanup. Total cost for my day w/gas and tax = $225. And she said she'd give me a discount on my already booked day coming up with the party barge (double decker pontoon w/slide that holds 15) for our "troubles". Different boats for different days at 1 price regardless of what happens. Rental pros - It's cheaper. No clean up. You get to use different boats - ski/tube, deck boats, party barge. No maintanence, no storage, no insurance, etc... Rental cons - Their boats are rentals and some have seen better days. You have to book in advance which may or may not be a nice day. We had nice sunny and hot. You can cancel w/24 hour notice or if its pouring rain, they will move your reservation. Along those lines, you have to take it out a certain time and have it back by a certain time. If you use a boat all the time, then get one. My brother-in-law fishes on his every week and has an 11 month fishing season. We, on the other hand, can only use it about 3-4 months because of where we live. But if you are not sure what you want to do, I'd suggest renting first. You'll have fun and it will give you some time to figure out if this is just a fling or full-time love affair.
I was going to post this exact response. I had a co-worker who bought a boat and was happy to get rid of that thing. Of course he had to go to a lake and didn't live by one, so maybe that makes a difference. Who knows.
I have a place near Centerville on a small private lake, The neighbor and us built a small 20' pontoon boat that we use a lot year round. Upkeep is minimal. Our only trouble there is an 7-8' alligator that uses it to sun on that we have to work around in our schedule, for the last year the game wardens have promised to come get him but he knows when they are coming and vanishes. So be prepared to share your boat with freeloaders!
Two of my brother's best days - the day he bought an airplane (with a couple of other guys) and the day a tornado ripped through Hooks airport and destroyed it.
two best days of my life: they day I bought an Amazonian Capybara, and the day my Green Anaconda devoured it, and then I turned the Anaconda loose in the Everglades that same day.
Jesus Christ. I was looking to buy a fishing boat but nevermind. You guys convinced me to stay the hell away. The fishing bug had me for a sec.
A friend of mine belonged to one on Travis and it was perfect for him. He'd get out on the lake and open that sucker up, regardless of the weather, and it was like your butt was being pounded by a 2 by 4. Full speed or nothing, that was his motto. I quit going out with him. He eventually quit belonging to the boat club. My late cousin, on the other hand, grew up with boats and loved them. Had a power boat and a sailboat for years. Knew what he was doing and we had a great time. Grew up with the guy and he learned from his father how to take care of them, the works. Went boating/sailing with him everywhere (we trailered whatever he felt like using up to Travis from Houston many times to ski and party, also went out on Gaveston Bay to fish or sail) and had a fantastic time. Moral? Have a friend or relative who knows about boats and has one, and go out with them, offering to help pay for gas and whatever else you do (food, beer, etc.), and help cleanup when you get back. A lot less worry, a lot cheaper, and a hell of a lot more fun. I sure miss my cousin (auto accident years ago). I had a small sailboat for years, but that's not what you're looking for. Good luck!
Two best days of my life: the day I bought that Taylor Swift record, and the day I cracked it in half.
I've chimed in on here years ago. Since then I've been part of a boat club on Lake Travis. It was a great time and very effortless. I would have kept the membership but Last year though I bought a house on Lake Travis that wasn't water front during the drought. Now that the water is back on the lake I have a floating boat dock and lake access out the back door so I'm in the market for a used boat. I'm proceeding with caution and probably won't buy until the off season but sometime in the next year I will buy a boat.
I second the one time rental or joining a club. Try it out first, you can always buy later when you know better.
If you want to look at a few used boats for sale, just to get a handle on what the market is like, lemme know.
You know people in the business or people selling some? I am interested but like I said, I am proceeding slowly.
Both, but it sounds like you just want to look at what the options are, there's a myriad of boats for sale in the Highland Lakes. Honestly, best time to buy is late/after the summer.
dude you beat me to it.. lol first thing i thought of <img src = https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/00/10/97/0010978c4c0a0cc4cc0db54f6a0d3f28.jpg> i shall continue the seafaring feline festivity
