New to owning a boat - what to buy?

[3leggedcat]

I grew up on Canada's west coast and spent much of my youth in a sailboat, however I now live in Sydney and am lucky enough to have my own slip for a 40' on the inner harbor.

Plus I am basically lazy so a sail boat is out of the question.
What i want is a boat for day tripping, in style.
Occasionally in the future may do some over nighters.

What I have looked at are both used
Mustang 32'
Riviera 29'

I liked the Riveria the best but it had 800 hours on each motor (fresh water cooled), and even though the sales guy said they were well maintained I kind of felt it sounded tired.
Plus the boat was filthy and in disrepair, made me think it wasn't well looked after.
The Mustang I have been told is not as solid in the water as the Riviera or others.

So I am looking at a Sundancer 32, newer and with much fewer hours on the motors, but salt water cooled.
So my questions are;

- should I be waiting for a few months so prices come down
- is it worth buying salt water cooled and converting to fresh water
- is it worth traveling interstate, are prices better in QSLD or Vic?
- what should be on my checklist before I buy?
- I am going to get TheBoatGuy and a marine mechanic to check out everything before I buy BTW
- am I right to stay with Riviera and Sea Ray if I want better quality?
- what else am I missing? and am I crazy to buy a boat (you can stop laughing) and yes I've heard all the boat buying jokes.

Thanks to anyone now who provides any advice.

cheers

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, 3leggedcat.

[micah719]

G'day 3leg. First things on your shopping list are these:

3 square feet of cotton poplin, about 6oz.

One sewing needle.

12 feet of white cotton yarn.

1 pair earplugs.

1 pair running shoes, preferably track & field sprinter type.

Instructions for use:

The cloth, yarn and needle are for extending your pockets. Make them so that it takes a inordinate amount of effort for you, and others, to reach the bottom. The earplugs are for those moments where the advice you're getting involves boat dollars. The running shoes are for when you encounter the folks that make their livings selling stuff to boaties. Piracy is no longer limited to the sea, in fact the danger is greatest on land. Take to your heels! If cornered, don't hesitate to use that needle and any leftover thread for self defence. Remember; when boating, everything must have dual-use. Wishing you all the best...

[atoll]

if you wait a few weeks thre should be a few freebies floating down the coast from queensland..............