Good River Boat

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by Pblais

I think you could say that was a given. At the most basic level it's a reliable engine with space enough for two people and all your stuff. Smaller boats require less power. You'll want a good anchor and rode and sizable tanks for adequate fuel and water. You need a holding tank for your head or a porta potty. On a long term basis a porta potty is a big hassle. The internal diesel will provide a lot more reliability. An Atomic 4 gasoline engine would do just as well. I would skip the wood stove and go white gas for cooking on a portable stove if the boat does not have a stove already. Alcohol isn't that bad either even if propane is better. A fridge would be nice, but an ice box could do. The wood stove in the summer just won't be desirable and on a small boat it will smell bad and overheat the cabin and maybe start you on fire. You need nav lights and all the USCG equipment. Be nice if it wasn't hideously ugly too.

You might be over thinking this river boat. I would work with your budget and find the boat in the best condition possible and plan on a June start preceded by a shake down trip with some extra cash to work out the kinks. Repairs on any budget boat can consume another 50% to 70% of the purchase price if the boat isn't sound. Since you are on a tight budget don't fool yourself into thinking you have unlimited options or an ideal boat. From the pool of boats for sale that you can afford and actually go look at just pick the best one and go. In a real sense there can't be more than few hundred boats you could actually buy that meet the broadest criteria. Computing the perfect boat is more of a hobby than sailing one.

Sounds like a fun adventure.

All good advice. I think that more important than buying a boat is buying a deadline. This discussion is strictly hypothetical. I will probably end up with something in the 3,000 range and just go. What is sailing if not dreaming?

[Pblais]

What is sailing if not dreaming?

Doing always tops dreaming. Being out on a boat you bought and have it fully paid for is as good as it can get. Dreams can't beat that.

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by Pblais

Doing always tops dreaming. Being out on a boat you bought and have it fully paid for is as good as is can get. Dreams can't beat that.

It's a good line though, you have to admit. I do know how good that feels though and can't wait to get back on the water...any water.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by VERTIGO

Many dry states so stock up, I had a 9.9 outboard and did fine.

What does that mean? Dry states?

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

What does that mean? Dry states?

No booze?

[Pblais]

What does that mean? Dry states?

People still drink in dry states just in case that is a question.

[SkiprJohn]

In the U. S. there are some dry states and dry counties. It means that you can't buy liquor, beer or wine there. It doesn't mean that you can't drink, you just can't buy it. Some areas don't sell liquor on Sundays so you have to plan ahead.
regards,

[Pblais]

In the U. S. there are some dry states and dry counties

No dry states but still a few dry counties. Utah caved in some years ago. Some places just don't have any place you can buy it. No one lives there.