Boat Recommendations

[Ramdawg]

Looking for boat recommendations - current boat is a 2005 Tahoe Q4 fish and ski - I like the size (19.5') and the versatility, what I don't like is the stern drive motor (no room to work on it and I have had to pull the motor due to starter bolt snapping.) Here is what I would like in my next boat:
19' (fits in garage and basement)
Outboard motor (most likely a Yamaha)
Fish & ski (I can add the trolling motor, batteries, and electronics)
8 person capacity
Somewhat deep V to handle chop

This would be my 4th boat, so not looking at entry level, prefer used (not into new boat prices.) Budget - around $20k, willing to go a little higher if fully outfitted.

Thanks for the help!

 

[cyclops222]

Only YOU can do all the looking required to please you.

 

[Horigan]

19', with outboard, that fits in your garage, that holds 8 peeps, will be tough.

 

[JimS123]

Our SeaRay 190 SPX Outboard would fit most of your requirements. Ours is a 2019, and back then a Fishing Package was an option. That included the bow mount electric. Of course you could add one later since the bow could accommodate one.

Remember that a 19' OB may be longer than the I/O version because the engine sticks out a bit further. But the windshield is a low profile, which makes it fir thru a std. 7' high garage door.

I don't care for electric motors, but the 190 is easy to install a gas kicker.

 

[cyclops222]

Go to all the boat shows you can. Lots of dealers & information. Love at first sight is how we bought the retirement Chaparral.
If you DO NOT LOVE the boat ? You wasted the money.

 

[redneck joe]

Be aware that a swing away trailer tongue can get you a couple e tra foot or so. You can but the kit to retro fit.

 

[mr 88]

8 people- 19' boat ,not going to happen .

 

[redneck joe]

8 people- 19' boat ,not going to happen .

The plate will say it, comfort will not as as we know total weight is never followed.

 

[redneck joe]

(fits in garage and basement)

This just hit me, sounds like you have a garage maybe around back of the house?

 

[airshot]

8 people- 19' boat ,not going to happen .

Yep, even if rated for 8 people, having a place to put them to keep the boat balanced is a bigger issue. Remember 8 people bring lots of extras along for the ride, where is that stuff gonna go ? I had a 22' boat and I would not try to bring 8 on board !!

 

[cyclops222]

6 130# each or a bunch of 220 pounders ?

 

[JimS123]

My last boat was a 19' Stingray I/O bowrider. We routinely went out with 8 people.

2 chubby adults
2 skinny adults
4 kids ranging in age from 6 to 12.
2 small coolers
2 duffle bags with a change of clothes.

The 4 adults were in the back-to-back lounges
The 2 smaller kids in the bow
The 2 larger kids in the aft jump seats.

The boat would still jump on plane (prop perfectly pitched) and we never felt uncomfortable. By the time the kids were teenagers the other couple bought their own boat.