When 2008? Yet Another new boat owner thread

[Hardtale]

Hi, First off, I've been hanging around here the last month trying to absorb as much info as I can and I appreciate all the useful info and have learned a lot.

I'm yet another person shopping to become a first time boat owner. I know there has been a lot of these topics lately but I hope you everyone can tolerate one more as I'm starting to get a bit anxious.

Here's my deal: The wife and I decided we wanted to get a starter boat and with the info I've gathered here we have decided on a Bowrider for light water sports and fishing. As suggested we have been looking diligently here in Oklahoma City area for a nice used boat. Problem is all the boats dealers are wiped out from the Memorial Day Rush and what is left are all pretty rough (I take care of all my stuff so just cant bring myself to pay for something that hasn't been taken care of).

So now we are starting to look into the new boats. Cost is an issue. Near as I can tell the boat shows here are in Feb., which of course wont do us any good for this summer

Looking online the Bayliner 175 is about what we can afford...but I'm just really concerned about the 3.0L 135HP not being enough (and I have to convince the wife this as well). Looking at the local Bayliner dealer online inventory all they are showing as in stock is a 2005 model, but if I'm going to buy new I want it to be....well current. I plan on calling them tomorrow at any rate.

We stopped by a SeaRay dealer yesterday that had a couple of their 175 models (3.0L) in stock but at only $1000 less than what I can possibly get a Bayliner 185 with the 4.3L 190hp (online MSRP).

After reading the post by "tashasdaddy" I'm wondering if the 2008 models will start arriving soon?? I thought I heard someplace mid-July but I might be confusing it with something else.


Hmm, I started this thread to ask several other questions but I'm exhausted and starting to ramble I think so I will save it for another day

Thanks

 

[sea wolf]

Re: When 2008? Yet Another new boat owner thread

I personally wouldn't go with anything less than a 19 ftr. There just ain't much room in a 17' boat. It may look roomy in the showroom, but once you get on the water, you'll see what I'm talking about. If you buy a boat that you find out is too small, you're stuck with it. Definetely go for a test run to see how the boat performes, especially in some chop. Good luck.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: When 2008? Yet Another new boat owner thread

Welcome to iboats.

The biggest powerboat I've owned is my current 16 foot closed-bow and it's big enough for me and my 3 kids. A 17 bowrider is plenty for most families, especially first timers. You also have to consider your towing vehicle and what it'll pull comfortably. The 08s won't start being made til next month and they aren't usually shipped-out til winter. That 05 might not be so bad if you can get a great price with a full warranty. (Once place I worked had a white-elephant rig that sat for years without a buyer and the price kept going up because the owner wanted to cover the interst it collected on floor-plan. Dumb!) MerCruiser has a limit on non-current warranties and you should check into that first. You should also consider how and where it's been kept all these years. The 3L is an okay entry-level motor, but most with them wish they had more. Frankly, that's generally true of all boats with all motors.

 

[wildspeed]

Re: When 2008? Yet Another new boat owner thread

Since you are planning fishing...look at DC ( dual console) boats, they are very similar to bowrider but more fishing/less cruising oriented and, in my opinion, better handling boat hull.

I'm personally looking to replace my 17' DC with a 19/21' DC

Here are some exemple :

Triumph 195 DC

http://www.boats.com/sites/rt113boatsales/boat?entityid=103141301



Hydra Sports 202 DC

http://www.boats.com/new-boats/hydrasports/452820/details.jsp?srh_prev=true&srh_next=true


Sea Pro 186 DC

http://www.seaproboats.com/interface.html


Don't forget to look again at the used market for older models ...you could get a very nice used boat for the price range of the new boat ( or same boat with better motorisation/ equipements...)

I personally looks at the 175 and 185 when I was looking to get my first boat as the prices were very attractive for a new boat. I really don't think the design is suitable for fishing. The 195 was a better choice and looks like the new 08 will be good too....

 

[ezmobee]

Re: When 2008? Yet Another new boat owner thread

I think my "dream boat" would be a fish & ski type set-up. I'm partial to the models that are basically a dual console fishing boat with amenities added to make it a nice ski/crusier boat, as opposed to a ski boat with a bow mounted trolling motor being called a fish & ski. My favorite one is this 06 model from Starcraft http://www.starcraftmarine.com/inde...ls&hullid=1&serid=1&tab=modeldetails&boatid=5 but I believe Princecraft and G3 and some other companies have similar models. I love the removeable bow cushions and flip up rear seats.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: When 2008? Yet Another new boat owner thread

i just made an inquiry as to availablity. will let you know.

 

[KCook]

Re: When 2008? Yet Another new boat owner thread

I would prefer the 4.3L Bayliner to the 3L Sea Ray. Here is another thread on entry level bowriders -

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=188726

Kelly Cook