I love boating, but am brand new to boat-owning.

My buddy is looking to sell his 1986 Wellcraft Nova XL for $6k.

I've spent the last week learning about titling, registering, getting my license, etc.

I just spent three hours interviewing him on the history of his boat and what his annual costs are like. He put a new 300hp engine on it three years ago (inboard). I've been on the boat several times and it appeared to be in rock solid condition - but I wasn't laying a scrutinous buyer's eye. Still gotta do that.

I know the guy, I know what he's like, and so I know the boat is in pristine condition, especially for its age.

Rather than buy a beater 4x4 vehicle and trailer, I'd opt to store this thing in the local marina, which stores it all year long, and will launch/pull out the boat whenever you want, included in the annual fee of $2k.

I'm very leery of pulling the trigger, because, well, it's a boat (the old "happiest day" and "second happiest day" bit runs through my head a lot).

Go for it or not, TWW??

[Edited on April 30, 2009 at 2:52 PM. Reason : ]

4/30/2009 2:52:09 PM

Go for it, but only if it really is in great shape. A boat that old can take a lot of work to keep up.

4/30/2009 2:55:54 PM

what state? NC doesn't require a boater's license, unfortunately.

4/30/2009 3:41:19 PM

i have owned 2 in the last 2 years. are you lake boating only? fresh water? what is your use?

4/30/2009 4:29:42 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU

I think after you watch this the answer will be revealed.

4/30/2009 9:10:34 PM

Maryland. Chesapeake Bay

5/1/2009 12:50:40 PM

thats a bit for an 86

the two best days in a boat owners life is the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

I SWEAR thats true.

they are fun and I miss mine, but I will ride someone elses from now on.

5/1/2009 3:50:50 PM

Quote :

"1986 Wellcraft Nova XL"

How is the fiberglass on it? Any stress fractures anywhere on it? You might wanna have someone inspect it to make sure it is in good condition. When I used to work on skis glass is a pain in the ahole to fix in my opinion.

5/1/2009 4:14:42 PM

good luck on the bay, storms will roll up on your ass quick out there, especially down near the mouth of the james, it can go from calm to 3-4 foot seas in a matter of minutes, and thats hell in a boat that size

5/2/2009 10:42:37 PM