Lake Michigan Resident and Never Owned A Boat. Whats A Good Length To Start Out

billgriffin said:
I am messaging an owner of a 2002 340 and boat is still in water in upper Chesapeake Bay. Claims the marina does some bubbling method ( i guess to reduce ice forming ).
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This is where I live for the most part. What marina? Maybe I could take a look for you.
 
Ericinmich said:
I would never buy a boat from there, or salt water, when you live on the greatest fresh water lakes in the world. There will be dozens, if not more, boats similar to what you are looking for popping up in a few weeks. Nope, not a chance I would look on the Chesapeake Bay at this point (nor Florida, etc.).
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Good point Ericinmich. In the meantime, i’m making lists of things to look for, questions to ask, etc. Thx
 
billgriffin said:
I am in the confirmed queue at Safe Harbor Tower Marina in Saugatuck.
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No, you said the boat your looking at is in the upper Chesapeake, so am I, and why I asked what marina?
 
Skybolt said:
No, you said the boat your looking at is in the upper Chesapeake, so am I, and why I asked what marina?
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Never mind it's up off of the C&D canal in Summit marina. It actually closer to the Delaware river and Delaware City.
 
Skybolt said:
No, you said the boat your looking at is in the upper Chesapeake, so am I, and why I asked what marina?
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Sorry. Didnt make the connection. Problem there is expense of transporting the boator cruising the trek home. And I cant wven get a slip until last of April.
 
billgriffin said:
Sorry. Didnt make the connection. Problem there is expense of transporting the boator cruising the trek home. And I cant wven get a slip until last of April.
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You’re best bet is to look from Milwaukee down to chicago and up the michigan coast. You could go to the other side to lake St clair, but you’ll need to take it around to get home.
 
Golfman25 said:
You’re best bet is to look from Milwaukee down to chicago and up the michigan coast. You could go to the other side to lake St clair, but you’ll need to take it around to get home.
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Food advice Golfman. I’m seeing a few boats in Sturgeon Bay pop up on Boat Trader & Yacht World. Nothing in Chicago so far or around “The Bend”. Grand Haven has revealed a few. I have my filters set to 2003+ with minimum of 34’. I think the 330,340,350 or 360 will be a good start.
 
Ericinmich said:
I would never buy a boat from there, or salt water, when you live on the greatest fresh water lakes in the world. There will be dozens, if not more, boats similar to what you are looking for popping up in a few weeks. Nope, not a chance I would look on the Chesapeake Bay at this point (nor Florida, etc.).
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Look no further than Holland! There's also 3 or 4 340's listed in WI right now. And a couple on the other side of MI. Pricing, as you'd expect, is all over the place...


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Golfman25 said:
You’re best bet is to look from Milwaukee down to chicago and up the michigan coast. You could go to the other side to lake St clair, but you’ll need to take it around to get home.
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One caveat (my experience only), Chicago boats can be tough to shop. They party hard in Chicago and as far as I can tell it's less common for them to take good care of their boats...
 
billgriffin said:
I’m trying to stay somewhere between 2003-2006. I like the styling and interior better.
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Ahh, gotcha. Yeah that's a very different boat. The exterior lines are a lot sexier on those vs the old ones. But you're also going to pay for it :)
 
Well I'd say you've now gotten a taste of what CSR threads are like! The advice is actually all good here....it gets you thinking of things you probably need to think about when buying your boat. It's a first step to search from your computer for boats that fit the bill. However you REALLY need to go out there and look at them, board them, probe the owner or broker. Listen to the responses you get. Maybe even let them take you out for a run. In other words...learn what you're potentially buying. Learn the market before you buy anything. You'll be surprised what you don't know yet.
 
Insurance can be resolved by working with a captain for a short period of time. I have a friend who bought a 60 foot Hatt as his first big boat coming from smal MC sailboats. Needed a captain aboard until he was trained to handle the big boat. Went onto cruise the power boat all over the Great Lakes for many years. But you raise a good point.
 
billgriffin said:
Food advice Golfman. I’m seeing a few boats in Sturgeon Bay pop up on Boat Trader & Yacht World. Nothing in Chicago so far or around “The Bend”. Grand Haven has revealed a few. I have my filters set to 2003+ with minimum of 34’. I think the 330,340,350 or 360 will be a good start.
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Since your looking for larger boats. I would also look at the older 380's, that is the perfect boat IMO. Enough room for four adults and perfect for cruising around. They can be found with diesels, but I would stick with gas engines for your first boat.
 
ttmott said:
Could you get insurance on a boat that size based upon experience/credentials?
Experience and credentials are definitely questions on applications.
I'd for sure look into it before going too much further.
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I had wondered about that.
 
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