Buying first boat, advice appreciated...

[HS]

Scott makes a good point -- don't limit yourself to choosing from what's available in your immediate area. Under the right circumstances, getting the boat home from the seller can be done lots of ways. Seller might meet you half way after you strike the deal; Seller might make it attractive for you to pay for a hauler; Seller might haul to you. I have done two of theses three.

[Brichter14]

Long road trips to pick up a boat can be a really fun time! I had to drive 10 hours each way to get my boat

[scottb7]

A great guy from this forum checked out my boat for me in dallas. Then I had shipped to minnesota for like $1500, if i remember right.

[axeman]

220 was my first boat and loved it. Part of me misses the layout every now and then!

[dttheel]

Thanks, everyone. After more thorough research (including following up on advise here), I think the 210 is the best boat option for our family. I'm thinking 2008-2010 unless we can find a really strong deal on a 2112 (wishful thinking, I know).

Is it likely that we will see more used boats hit the market as the boat shows come to a conclusion?

[HS]

Is it likely that we will see more used boats hit the market as the boat shows come to a conclusion?

yes, watch for new ads the first weeks of April and May and if you hit the boat shows, let the local dealers at the shows know you's be interested in knowing if they have any trade-in / consignments coming…tell them what you're looking for (and that you are serious).

[BWB-745-]

Something I wasn't aware of:

When buying from a private party, make sure there isn't a lein on the boat. I'm trying to deal with this now and its been quite frustrating for myself and the seller.