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1. Why are you selling:
My preference would be to keep this lovely vessel but some health complications have kept me from enjoying this boat. I hate to see it go unused, it is just to nice to have sit.
2. This is a pretty old boat, wouldn't a newer boat be more reliable?
Not necessarily. A well built and well designed boat made of quality materials and top notch workmanship will last many years if properly maintained, whereas a cheaply made boat may be scrapped in just a few years. (Some rental houseboats only last 6-8 years). Also, "Big Dog" has received extensive repairs and renovations over the years to gradually address the aging issues. Structural members such as the transom and the engine stringers have been replaced. The engines themselves were replaced in 1998 and are just now broken in. They run beautifully. The drives are commercial quality and are in great shape. The interior was completely remodeled. Over the years, a continual investment has been made in specific needs and upgrades far above what it was originally equipped with. Properly maintained, it should provide many years of enjoyment. With very minor cost you can further customize it to suit your tastes and preferences.
Does this boat come out of the water in the winter?
It is not usually practical to pull the boat out for the winter. It is better for the boat to stay in the covered berth where it is protected from the sun and elements. In its present location, the engines are protected from freezing when the boat stays in the water.
4. I've heard that boats are in constant need of repair. What should I expect in terms of maintenance?
Every second year you should have the boat hauled out and get the bottom painted, and the zincs replaced. Beyond that, most of the regular maintenance you can do yourself while the boat is in the water. Things like tune ups and oil changes are no more difficult than on a car. If you keep your boat in a covered slip and take care of it, the maintenance is minimal. I estimate that I spend about 20 hours per year on maintenance issues, most of them are minor. Pick a couple of days per year to get things done. Start your season with a good check up and repair all those little things all at one time. End your season with an oil change and go through a checklist of the items which will put the boat "to bed" for the winter. Two days a year is not much! In between enjoy your boating season on the water with the piece of mind that comes from knowing your vessel is "ship-shape".
What are the other major costs of ownership?
These are different for each boater and each vessel. However, for this boat, in its present covered slip, the largest expense is the slip itself at $250 per month. While gas is expensive on the water, a tank lasts me the whole season because we generally cruise to a predetermined location for the entire weekend. Also, speed is a huge factor in gas usage. Since you have all the amenities onboard, why not sip on something cold, slow down and enjoy the cruise itself. The boat is quite pleasant at 2000 rpm. Next is insurance, right now approximately $210 per year which is a lot less than my ski boat! Every 24 months I suggest a haul out and bottom paint will run as much as $400 but on a monthly basis this is only $17 per month and is money well-spent on preventative maintenance. Click here and scroll to the bottom to see a table of gas usage and operating costs.
How Difficult is it to Drive?
With twin drives it takes a little time to learn, but once you do, it provides much more maneuverability than a single drive which is more common on rental houseboats. At low speed you can actually steer with the forward and reverse on the drives. Big Dog is a great delta boat because it doesn't catch the wind as much as a standard box type of houseboat. It has a keel down the center for great tracking. Power assisted steering means that anyone can take the helm while underway. Although this is a large craft, it is easy enough for anyone to learn. Take it slow and give yourself lots of time when docking.
7. Could this serve as cheap housing for living aboard?
In this area, due the high cost of housing many people do just that. At the moment, the covered slip presently occupied by this boat is available for $250 per month. An open berth on the Bay goes from $4.50 per foot to $8.00 per foot depending on location. The Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCCD) controls the number of live-aboard slips on the Bay, therefore, these slips are fairly tight. Still, because of size and situation there are always some available if one is willing to look. Also, a number of private docks are for rent, if you know where to find them. Click here for a complete list of SF Bay Marinas.
8. Are these engines suitable for saltwater? What about the Hull?
The engines draw cooling water directly through the hull. If you plan on running extensively in the Bay or other saltwater body you should flush the engines after each use. After you run the boat in saltwater and return to port, flush the engines with freshwater from the hose using a special flush manifold ($279) for the engine. No special procedure or equipment is necessary on the Delta east of Suisan Bay.
If your home port will be in saltwater, then is I recommended that your next haulout also include a saltwater bottom paint to keep barnacles from growing. Otherwise the fiberglass is fine in saltwater.
9. Is the Boat for Sale?
Yes, as of October 2002 it is on the market.
10. How does one deal with toilet waste?
Presently the toilet flushes into one of two onboard holding tanks. When these tanks are full, usually in about 100 flushes, then you have the boat pumped at a pumpout station, usually where you buy gasoline. Alternately, there are onboard EPA approved treatment methods. Click for more info
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