Getting on the water (NFR)

So I have this a block away:

Attachment 118030

I know jack about boats. Is there any easy/cheap way to get out on the water?

Next year I was thinking about getting one of the small sea-doo jet boats used but what about this year?

Main problem is we have no space to store so I would have to rent a slip. Not looking to go deep water or anything just putt around on the water and enjoy the nice weather.

Do people actually get slips for those little inflatable jobbers with a little outboard? Am I barking up the wrong tree?

I know cheap ad boats don't go hand-in-hand but am looking for any knowledge you could provide and I assume this would be the best sub-forum to ask in.

Thanks.

Rent a few times?

Rent/get out with friends/take a safe boater course.

Some friends of mine are members of a club where they buy in and get access to a variety of watercraft. No idea how much it costs but it sounds sweet. They are in Minnesota and have access to speedboats, sail boats, house boats, fishing boats ect. They can also go to other locations around the state and country and have access to other boats. They make a reservation and show up, the boat is fueled and ready to go.

Best part about this program is that maintenance, fuel, slips, insurance is all covered. But like I said, I don't know how much it is and I'm guessing that it ain't cheap. Brilliant idea though in my opinion.

easy/cheap - what about a kayak? Nice rigged used ones hit CL all the time for ~$500

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2.../bendoshot.png

I looked into the boat clubs and they are about $5k a year around here. May as well buy a cheap boat for that dough. Also, not looking to paddle or transport as we only have one car and want a spur of the moment option. I'll look into the renting option.

Hawthorne cove marina is about a 2 minute walk from essex st. The street before the ferry landing you may be able to get a spot there. If you want I can call my buddy who is the dockmaster there and get a "price" all depends on how long your boat is. I have a 15 ft inflatable I keep there from time to time. If your boat is small its kinda silly to get a mooring.

Pickering wharf is a nice protected spot but pricy. they could probably fit you in. my friend "drunk Mike" is one of the dockmasters there.

Mariners Pt marina is the group of slips across the congress st bridge just before you get into the point. More friends manage that as well. Call Smith marine of I could ask my buds. Devo's dad had his boat there for a while and still may. I had a sailboat there for a while.

Personally I say hawthorne cove is the best spot. Run by a real company, and the GM at Hawthorne is a classmate of mine. Depending on what you are looking for I am sure I could find you a very good price on a small boat and motor through the network of buddies in the harbor. It is really easier to just have a beer and tell me what you are thinking so just let me know.

What's that boat in the background? some kind of museum?

the friendship

http://www.salemweb.com/frndship/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2nd mate

Hawthorne cove marina is about a 2 minute walk from essex st. The street before the ferry landing you may be able to get a spot there. If you want I can call my buddy who is the dockmaster there and get a "price" all depends on how long your boat is. I have a 15 ft inflatable I keep there from time to time. If your boat is small its kinda silly to get a mooring.

Pickering wharf is a nice protected spot but pricy. they could probably fit you in. my friend "drunk Mike" is one of the dockmasters there.

Mariners Pt marina is the group of slips across the congress st bridge just before you get into the point. More friends manage that as well. Call Smith marine of I could ask my buds. Devo's dad had his boat there for a while and still may. I had a sailboat there for a while.

Personally I say hawthorne cove is the best spot. Run by a real company, and the GM at Hawthorne is a classmate of mine. Depending on what you are looking for I am sure I could find you a very good price on a small boat and motor through the network of buddies in the harbor. It is really easier to just have a beer and tell me what you are thinking so just let me know.

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Thanks! I'll be sending you a PM soon. We live so close, sitting down one day after work would be awesome. Beers on me obviously.

:yourock:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by systemoverblow'd

Beers on me obviously.

:yourock:

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I don't think you've ever pissed him off enough to throw a beer on you, but other mags might pay him to do it. :biggrin:

He's too nice of a guy anyway.

fyi, I am only around until aug 14th then back oct 1st. so whenever works for you.