New here, New to boating, need advice.

[JMinAZ]

Hi,
We are looking into getting our first boat. I grew up with my dads bass boat, and had a lot of fun. The family is new to boating. So its time to start looking for a first boat for my family..

I found a 1981 Glastron, 20ft, with a 1994 Johnson V4 90.

I like the length, but am concerned about the motor being undersized.

I know this will be no race pony, and thats not what we are looking for, but I would like to have no trouble getting up on plane. I dont want to be plowing through the water praying for plane...

So for all you experienced boaters, how do you think this set up would be?

The boat is pretty solid, no problems in the transom area, no repairs, cracks, or soft spots on the floor.

And at 2K, it seems like a good deal... here are some pics.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

I think she would get up and plane just fine. Is that the style you want for a family boat, though? Consider the age of the kids. Kids get bored want to move around some. Just my two cents worth. A nice tri hull or open bow v-hull would be awesome.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

Looks good!! It's what you think that matters, as long as your happy with it, well then happy boating, Got to start somewhere!! Good luck!!>>>>>>>Pat

 

[JMinAZ]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

It would be a good starter boat.

I wanted to make sure that a boat of this age, and motor size was good for the price.
If I decide to buy, I will negotiate with the guy to get the lowest price I can.

In the current economy, just want to feel secure about 2K for a boat this old.

thanks....

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

I have a boat that is about 2 feet shorter and probably weighs just as much. I only have 65hp on it and it runs at about 29 mph, according to my GPS. It also gets up on plane fine.

As long as your prospective motor is propped correctly, you should be fine.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

2k is a good price. Is there anyway you can take it a sevice person to get it checked out? See if he will start it up with muffs on. Perhaps take the lube screws out of the lower unit to check for water in the lube.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

that hull design will restrict your use to flat water and few passengers. Know your waters and how you will use it--fishing is fine but skiing, not so good.
But not a bad price if it checks out. Can you and wife go ride in a couple of different designs to get an idea?

 

[22E6441]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

Looks good to me.

90 hp will be fine with that boat.

Skiing behind a bass boat is just fine too. If I could have found a deal like that around here I would have bought it.

 

[green4themoney]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

good starter boat but may be a little slow for your needs, my friend had a 16 foot starcraft with a 90 evinrude V4 and it just plowed we had to position ourselves strategicly for plane.... thats why hes getting rid of it

 

[JMinAZ]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

Here is another bass boat I found.

For 2K its not bad, but he does mention that one of the pistons needs work. He said it runs rough...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1992-Stratos-210-Pro-Bass-Boat_W0QQitemZ290334261717QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFishing_Boats?hash=item43994541d5&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

 

[22E6441]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

I wouldn't go near that 200 hp boat. Add at least another $1000 to the price because of the motor, and potentially more.

I bet that 90 hp is just fine.

Somebody said earlier that a nice open bow is a really good boat when you have kids. I have to agree with that. I get nervous about kids falling out of bass boats every time I see them.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

That first boat will be fine with a 90. And that 90 is a great motor. Looks like a fantastic fishing platform and will probably be adequate for the family uses. That eBay boat you posted is about as far from a family boat as you can get. There's only 2 seats!

And to the poster with the friend with a 16' Starcraft with a 90.....there was something seriously wrong with that boat or motor because a 90 on a 16' is more than adequate and should have performed quite well.

 

[JMinAZ]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

While on my way to give the boat with the 90hp a good once over I saw another boat.

1984 18ft Marlin I/O 3.8L OMC outdrive, with good room for the family. $1300.00

Issues----
Upper bearings in the outdrive need to be replaced, and an impeller.
One trim ram needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
Seats need to be redone. And looks like some hairline cracks on the top of the finish.

I talked with a boat mechanic and he said without looking at it, Im probably looking at around $600.00 for just the outdrive. Seats are no big deal, I live 2 minutes from Mexico and will have them done over there.

Comes with some water tows Ski tri-pod, Bimini Top.

He has a new boat in the driveway and is selling this one.

So how does this one sound? I could take 800 cash and see if he bites. If he does, then the extra can be put in to the outdrive..

OR - is an outdrive that has a problem a Taboo area, and just leave it alone?

Thanks! I really appreciate all the help here!!! It is nice to hear from guys that have been in this hobby, and helping all the newbies out there.

 

[grego]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

Man. don't know how many in family or how old, But a flat rear deck is not a good place for the little ones. Don't know if you fish,but if you think you can have a fishing boat and kids, NOTHING ! good can happen. Look at second boat,plenty of room and will sit lower in water and be more stable and less worry. good luck

 

[JMinAZ]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

I was a kid and had a fishing boat. Nothing happened. You must have had some bad luck....or experiences.


Anyway, I am asking about this other boat now. More seating room for the family..........

So any opinions on that?

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

Ya thats more like it, for many reasons, more room to put stuff on, if you are looking for a more family boat that would suit your needs even better.

 

[22E6441]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

I've heard a lot of people say that OMC outdrives are hard to find parts for now because they're out of business. OMC = Obsolete Marine Corporation

I'd be hesitant to buy any boat with disclosed engine problems unless it came with a solid estimate from a mechanic of my choosing.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New here, New to boating, need advice.

An OMC with a 3.8? That's a whole big package of obsolescence right there. For I/O's you're going to want to stick with Mercruiser or Volvo. The one exception being the Merc 470 which was a large 4 cylinder rated at 170 HP. It could be listed as a 3.7, 470, 488, 170HP, etc. It was a problematic engine. For outboards most everything is good except Chrylser and Forces which are no longer made or fully supported with parts.