New Member

[Yehkai]

I am obviously a new member who is yet to own a boat.
Over the past 2 years trying to decide on what Make, what model and how big.
I have had no bias as to which make I like until recently and now find myself leaning towards the Carver brand.
I am sure many will question my decision to buy a boat which is relatively large (52'Voyager) considering that I have not owned a boat before. And welcome any negative and positive feedback into my rationale of why I am looking at a boat of this size.

[SHEMP]

The 52 Voyager is a beautiful boat. The main thing you need to know is that a boat of this size requires tons of maintenance inside and out. As long as you have the funds to hire different contractors , you will be fine. If you expect to do all the work yourself , be prepared for lots of it. One important thing to know is that there is a very large surface area topsides ( Fiberglass gelcoat) that must be washed waxed and polished. Some area are very difficult to reach. Also the extraordinaire and vast number of systems that are built into your vessel all require some attention and maintenance. Your main propulsion systems need special and expert care, if you want to protect your investment. Your Generator and associated electrical systems also need attention.
I recently bought a 456 Motoryacht, a beautiful vessel . I moved up from a 32 express that I owned for over 15 years.
There is a significantly greater amount of maintenance on the larger yacht.
I hope this gives you an idea.
While shopping for your Voyager , make a list of all the things you see that make up the yacht. You will be surprised what a tremendous amount of equipment is required to outfit a vessel of this size.
Congratulations for making such a brave and courageous entry into boating.
Good luck .
Victor

[waybomb]

You might also want to check with multiple insurance companies on insurability with your lack of experience. This would really suck if you bought a boat and could not get insured.

I'd also suggest, before you go shopping, take USCG and USPS boating safety classes.

May be a good idea to do a few day rental down in the Carribean with a Captain with a similar sized boat. And cedrtainly hire a cpatain for a few days to go over your new boat's systems and handling with you. It would be money well spent. Not only does a boat that size have more mechanical stuff in thatn your home, it also has engines and complicated electronics and safety gear.

There are no brakes or tires on a boat. Wind and current are forces to be dealt with. It takes quite a bit of experience piloting a 40-60,000 pound boat around other's boats, and doing it right. One way top make enemies on your dock is to wreck their boat.

And welcome to the forum!!!

[Yehkai]

Thank you both SHEMP and Waybomb for your advise and comments. Much appreciated.
Maintenance, I am fortunate to have a good understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and will have much time on my hands to cover routine maintenance and minor repairs. Electronics, I have problems with my TV remote control!!! so I am praying that marine electronics are very reliable, which on the boat I finally end up buying will get serviced before I feel comfortable that all is ok with these systems.

Boat operation, very good sound advise. I have been around boats for 30 years without actually owning one. I do not under estimate my own knowledge and ability and will say being around boats and actually taking charge of one are leagues apart and would be crazy to think that I could just start the engines and sail into the sunset.

Insurance cover this is a area that I am totally "Dumb" and not afraid to admit this. And yes will need to investigate this more.

Thank you again...