A search to see if this had been thrashed out before did not work.

Now that I am retired. wife and I are considering using some family money to buy a boat to cruise the Kona coast for snorkel and pleasure.

Never owned or operated a boat, but sure have heard the old saying about the two happiest days of a boat owner's life.

Anyone have any thoughts on getting a boat?  No truck for trailering, would probably store it at Honokohau harbor and have them put it in the water for me.  No idea how to learn boat operation skills.

If I am out of my freaking mind, go ahead and let me know.

A search to see if this had been thrashed out before did not work.

Now that I am retired. wife and I are considering using some family money to buy a boat to cruise the Kona coast for snorkel and pleasure.

Never owned or operated a boat, but sure have heard the old saying about the two happiest days of a boat owner's life.

Anyone have any thoughts on getting a boat?  No truck for trailering, would probably store it at Honokohau harbor and have them put it in the water for me.  No idea how to learn boat operation skills.

If I am out of my freaking mind, go ahead and let me know.

coast guard has a class
i would advise finding a friend with a boat and go out with them several times before you even consider this
and do the whole deal, start to finish (prep to cleanup)

I don't have a boat but been going out with guys here.  It's a lot of fun and can get expensive. Since you leaving it in the water you won't have to get a trailer and those fees, but you gotta take into account slip/dock fees, registration fees, insurance, safety equipment, fishing equipment and gas.
Not sure about boat maintenance for a boat in water but usually you shoot it down and flush the engine out.

There are also different types/styles of boats to consider.  Depending on how many people you want to take will determine the size of boat you need.  One guy here has a 14ft and with 4 people it gets cramped and doesn't feel to stable.3 people is usually all that go.

Other then that have fun.

.

yeah, that's a better plan than mine

Boat would be primarily for just the wife and me.  Looking at maybe something in the 20-24' size that has a berth if we wanted to stay out overnight.

Need to talk to the harbor guys and see if they have a service that pulls the boat out of the water and puts it back on the trailer (if I have one) after use and returns it to the storage yard.  Watched the panic during the tsunami with all the boats bailing out of the harbor and a couple sinking that did not get pulled loose from the dock in time.  Rather have it on land.

One of those times I wish I had a truck and a house with a spot to park a boat, but figure storing it will be cheaper than tooling up for that. 

A search to see if this had been thrashed out before did not work.

Now that I am retired. wife and I are considering using some family money to buy a boat to cruise the Kona coast for snorkel and pleasure.

Never owned or operated a boat, but sure have heard the old saying about the two happiest days of a boat owner's life.

Anyone have any thoughts on getting a boat?  No truck for trailering, would probably store it at Honokohau harbor and have them put it in the water for me.  No idea how to learn boat operation skills.

If I am out of my freaking mind, go ahead and let me know.

     Not here to burst your bubble but.....
 Rob, I think you're out of your  freaking mind.   

        Most comfortable boat owners are those that can pay to have others take care of their boat or those that make a living off their boat daily like charters or fisherman.
Most "Pleasure Craft " owners have their boat in their yard, driveway, dock ALOT   

    At $1,000 to $2,000 per ft.,  (purchase price used) plus insurance and dock fees etc...and  have it sit at the dock 99% of the time, it's kind of a "hole in the water where you throw your money".
Unless you are "mechanically inclined" you'll also need a mechanic to take care of the engine.
And if I recall correctly, a special "license" is required for vessels over 18'.

    Boats also have their unique set of issues and propriety's.
After taking a few fishing trips on my boat, a  friend of mine bought his first boat (against my advice).
Opened his motor hatch with a cigarette in his mouth before initiating the blower.
Explosion, Fire, long Hospital stay and total boat loss.
He was lucky as the initial explosion threw him into the water.

    Get with a friend who has something close to what your thinking about.
If no buddies have such a beast, hang out at the harbor/dock and speak with someone who does.
Maybe they'll let you tag along ( provided you kick in for gas, bait, deck hand, and clean the boat afterwards).
   
    A true friend would never let you borrow his boat (would you lend your gun out to someone with zero experience ?).

    IMHO with that kind of money, you could easily charter whenever you wanted and still take wifey on a cruise, Europe or what ever.         

     When you retire, it's time to relax.
Having a boat is not relaxing.
It's work.
 

     Not here to burst your bubble but.....
 Rob, I think you're out of your  freaking mind.   

        Most comfortable boat owners are those that can pay to have others take care of their boat or those that make a living off their boat daily like charters or fisherman.
Most "Pleasure Craft " owners have their boat in their yard, driveway, dock ALOT   

    At $1,000 to $2,000 per ft.,  (purchase price used) plus insurance and dock fees etc...and  have it sit at the dock 99% of the time, it's kind of a "hole in the water where you throw your money".
Unless you are "mechanically inclined" you'll also need a mechanic to take care of the engine.
And if I recall correctly, a special "license" is required for vessels over 18'.

    Boats also have their unique set of issues and propriety's.
After taking a few fishing trips on my boat, a  friend of mine bought his first boat (against my advice).
Opened his motor hatch with a cigarette in his mouth before initiating the blower.
Explosion, Fire, long Hospital stay and total boat loss.
He was lucky as the initial explosion threw him into the water.

    Get with a friend who has something close to what your thinking about.
If no buddies have such a beast, hang out at the harbor/dock and speak with someone who does.
Maybe they'll let you tag along ( provided you kick in for gas, bait, deck hand, and clean the boat afterwards).
   
    A true friend would never let you borrow his boat (would you lend your gun out to someone with zero experience ?).

    IMHO with that kind of money, you could easily charter whenever you wanted and still take wifey on a cruise, Europe or what ever.         

     When you retire, it's time to relax.
Having a boat is not relaxing.
It's work.
 

+1, it sounds idyllic though. I would enjoy a chartered fishing trip now and then. Jump on fish jump off, absolutely no headaches. Now if $$$ is of no concern go for it enjoy and employ a great hard working crew. Have fun either way.

B.O.A.T.


Break
Out
Another
Thousand

B.O.A.T.


Break
Out
Another
Thousand

This is correct. The old tales are true. Boats are a pain in the ass, I've had 6 and for the enjoyment versus the cost I think I'd rather have a root canal.

Stamp " For marine use" on even the smallest part and the cost doubles. Maintenance is a huge chore and no matter how well you do it, there will be that day you drop the boat in the water and it won't start, or it'll quit 50 yards from the dock. Generally when you have a boatload of friends to witness your embarrassment.

Best advice here, find a friend that has a boat and kick in gas money and help wash down when you get back.   

Thanks guys, a lot of stuff to consider.

Unfortunately, do not know anyone with a boat here.  Been out on dive boats a lot, which is one of out attractions to being on the water.

Did try to find out if there was some sort of clearing house of boat owners looking for a partner to share cost of owning and operating a boat but came up empty.

Plan on renting from the local outfit that does that and see how we like it.  Have to assume they give you some rudimentary instruction on operation.  A lot more research, why I thought I would ask y'all.

Maybe wandering around the marina will turn up something.

This is correct. The old tales are true. Boats are a pain in the ass, I've had 6 and for the enjoyment versus the cost I think I'd rather have a root canal.

Stamp " For marine use" on even the smallest part and the cost doubles. Maintenance is a huge chore and no matter how well you do it, there will be that day you drop the boat in the water and it won't start, or it'll quit 50 yards from the dock. Generally when you have a boatload of friends to witness your embarrassment.

Best advice here, find a friend that has a boat and kick in gas money and help wash down when you get back.   

you want to have a root canal?
 

Thanks guys, a lot of stuff to consider.

Unfortunately, do not know anyone with a boat here.  Been out on dive boats a lot, which is one of out attractions to being on the water.

Did try to find out if there was some sort of clearing house of boat owners looking for a partner to share cost of owning and operating a boat but came up empty.

Plan on renting from the local outfit that does that and see how we like it.  Have to assume they give you some rudimentary instruction on operation.  A lot more research, why I thought I would ask y'all.

Maybe wandering around the marina will turn up something.

If you looking for a fishing and diving boat, and will only be staying on the inside, get a flat bottom boat. A lot of guys here have at least 2 boats. A flat bottom for inside and another blue water boat.

If you really want an adventure, try building you your own flat bottom boat when you retire. Lol.

As of this year 2014 everyone boat operator is required to pass a safety class. There are FREE online classes available other charge a fee.
Insurance is not required for private pleasure crafts.

In case of tsunami, it is safer to take your boat into wide open waters than on land or remain in the harbor. Yeap,  don't ask how i know!

Getting a boat sounds expensive. How about going on a Kona coast cruise instead?

I've met several guys into sailing, and they all rent boats for a day.  Most are/were military, and the rates seemed very affordable. 

you should really consider renting a boat rather then buying one.  even if it is a kayak or jetski, the hassle and cost of having to maintain it and haul it to the beach is just not worth it if you have ever own one before.  Just pay the little bit of extra money and rent a nice one for a few days and then return it and let the owners deal with everything else.  In the end, if you cant afford to rent one, you sure as hell can't afford to own one!

you want to have a root canal?
 

       

you should really consider renting a boat rather then buying one. 

Did plan on this, as I have never driven a boat other than for a bit out in the channel off SoCal.  Have watched boat owners trying to park their boats in a tight marina like Hawaii Kai and it was often great entertainment.  Some guys made it look effortless, some a complete clusterf*ck with hitting other boats and all swinging the stern around too fast.  Docking a boat spooks me.

http://www.konaboatrentals.com/ has small boats to rent and advice where to take them for diving and snorkel.  Not cheap, but the idea was to use that to gain experience.

http://www.konaboatrentals.com/ has small boats to rent and advice where to take them for diving and snorkel.  Not cheap, but the idea was to use that to gain experience.

Considering all the normal boat-owning expenses, $475 plus fuel cost for an entire day is way cheap. 

You won't have to buy
floatation devices,
anchors and ropes/chains,
fire extinguishers,
radios,
GPS,
fish finder,
depth gauge,
snorkel gear,
safety check and registration,
trailer,
hitch for your vehicle,
registration and safety check for the trailer,
storage fees if no room at the house,
dock fees,
etc.

If you have to pay the whole rental fee and go out at least once a month, I can see $500 making a nice boat payment.

Alternatively, figure just the boat rental divided by 4 people (boat can handle up to 6), that's only $125 each plus 1/4 of the fuel.  Check the price of hiring a stretch limo for half a day, and you'll see how cheap this can be, all costs considered.

Good luck!  Hope you find a rental place you can enjoy!!