Help me buy the right boat

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SturmRuger

Recruit
Joined
Jul 5, 2005
Messages
3
Question #1 <br /><br />My wife and I have decided to buy our first boat. We will be boating on lakes and rivers all over the Midwest. In most cases we will have from 5 to 6 people on the boat. We plan to do some water sports like skiing or tubing.<br /><br />I am almost afraid to say it, but we have decided on a Bayliner 185. The trouble we are having is deciding on the 4.3 V6, or the 3.0 4 cylinder engine. While I am a huge fan of going fast, I am also a big proponent of getting good gas mileage. The local Bayliner dealer is offering the 4.3 for only $1k more then the 3.0 engine. I am sure if I work on them I can get the 3.0 for less then they are right now, but I still need to make up my mind on an engine before I start haggling.<br /><br />Question #2 <br /><br />I used to work at a car dealership, and am used to the process for buying and selling cars. Since this is my first boat purchase how hard should I work them over?? I am thinking about using a trick that I have used for buying cars. I was thinking about faxing all the Bayliner dealers in WI, MN, and IA to see what kind of a price quote I can get. I did that with my wife’s Taurus and we got a honey of a deal. With cars you can find out what the dealers true cost is. Is there any resource to find this kind of information out for boats?<br /><br />Sorry for all the newbie questions, and help is apreciated.
 
tommays

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: Help me buy the right boat

6 people is a LOT of people on a 185 its not over loaded unless there heavy but not much room to move around<br /><br /> they count people as 150# so if you got some 200# people you have to carefull abouty how much stuff you have on the boat<br /><br />if you want to do water sports you REALLY NEED THE 4.3 i have a 3.0 and its marginal at best<br /><br />you sound like you no how to deal and there is a lot of mystery markup on boats and the accessories<br /><br />tommays
 
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Joenic

Cadet
Joined
Jun 13, 2005
Messages
16
Re: Help me buy the right boat

I have a Bayliner 1952 cuddy cabin with a 3.0L and am very happy with it. It moves very well loaded with gas and people. Gets great gas mileage and has all the power I need. However, given the opportunity, I would get the 4.3 if it did not cost a lot more money for it.<br /><br />Just my $.02
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Help me buy the right boat

Ahhh - the salesman knows how to deal!! Legend has it salesmen are the easiest target. Just funnin' with ya. I second the motion that you need the 4.3. 4 cylinders vs 6 does not guarantee economy will be better. The 4.3 will loaf where the 3.0 will work harder under any condition. No disrespect intended, but when it comes to boats, if you are concerned about fuel economy, the strategy needs to be looked at in more detail.
 
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DaveM

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
308
Re: Help me buy the right boat

Yup, the 3.0 is just not enough. You will be much happier with the 4.3. <br /><br />You might want to re-examine your choice of a 185 for 5-6 people. It will seem mighty small when cruising the St. Croix with all those big boats with large wakes. Just a thought.
 
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SturmRuger

Recruit
Joined
Jul 5, 2005
Messages
3
Re: Help me buy the right boat

I can probably afford more then an 18ft boat, but I start to have problems with storage if I go any larger. In my garage I can fit about 21 feet of boat. If I buy a larger boat I will have to rent indoor storage or put it in my driveway which is not something I want to do. <br /><br />Juan have you visited the area?? Most people would assume I plan to boat on the Mississippi river, but you are correct that I will spend most my time on the St Croix unless maybe we go down to Lake Pepin.
 
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DaveM

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
308
Re: Help me buy the right boat

Storage can be an issue, especially in a cold climate. Any boat will look good for years if garaged. And don't get me wrong, an 18.5' is a nice all-around lake boat. But as you know, Lake Pepin can get mighty rough at times. Just for grins you might want to take a peek at a 19-20 foot range just for their ability to handle more rough water.<br /><br />Ooh ya sure, you betcha I'm familiar with the area. My loverly bride received her MS from your fine university, lots of frinds and family in Minneapolis. Go Vikings!
 
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salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: Help me buy the right boat

take your tape measure with you when you go look at boats. there's not much difference, handling wise, between an 18', 19' or a 20'. i'd try to fit as big of a boat as possible in there. <br /><br />there's a risk that with a smaller boat, you'll want to replace it with a bigger one soon. that can be expensive to do especially when you're getting out of a new boat quickly.<br /><br />i'd also go with the bigger engine. it's better to have more than you need than not enough.
 
rogerwa

rogerwa

Commander
Joined
Nov 29, 2000
Messages
2,339
Re: Help me buy the right boat

I have the 3.0l in a 17 footer and does whatever I need. however, I like it because it is easier and cheaper to maintain(I do it myself) and is very easy on gas.<br /><br />BUT, you will never complain about having the extra power. On the 18' I would easily opt for the larger engine. Your resale will be better as well.<br /><br />You will be able to use the 185 on the river but you will need to aware on busy days to watch for the big wakes. I think this is true for most boats in this and the 19' class. <br /><br />With a 20' and up, your price goes up quite a bit and then you will want to look at V8's.
 
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mattttt25

Commander
Joined
Sep 29, 2002
Messages
2,661
Re: Help me buy the right boat

go with the 4.3.<br /><br />fax attack! great strategy. if you have several dealers in the area, i'd go for it. nothing to lose. you sound like you know the trick, just remember to clearly define what you want, that you will buy within the week, and you need their best and final faxed to you within 48 hrs.<br /><br />pls check back and let us know how it works out. good luck.
 
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inthesticksnow

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2005
Messages
75
Re: Help me buy the right boat

We just got a new Bayliner 185, with the 3.0, and this thing has plenty of power for our needs. We boat the Illinois River. You have to remember, the 185 is a light boat. We can do 46 – 47 mph easily with the 3.0, with four adults. We are on plane in 4 seconds. I’m sure the v-6 would be nice, but this boats flies with the 3.0 and I am glad that we went with this option… especially at the gas pump these days.<br /><br />The way the thread is going, you will likely go for the 4.3. If you can get it for “only” $1000 more… tell me, what is the 3.0 price with everything out the door?<br /><br />We spent approximately $16,000 with tax, shipping, prep, etc., etc., including approx $1000 for bimini and separate pilot and bow covers. No other options.<br /><br />This is an awesome boat, and we love it.
 
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JamNJ1955

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 2, 2005
Messages
83
Re: Help me buy the right boat

I purchased a new 185, 4.3L last winter (2004-leftover)and went back and forth over the 4.3 or the 3.0. The dealership wanted about $3000 extra for the 4.3L, on a 2005 model. He offered the 2004 leftover (never in the water) with the 4.3 for $1500 extra, I offered him $1000 and they accepted the deal. I posted several questions like yours on a few forums, besdies the extra HP the main factor was that the resale on the 4.3 would most likely be better.<br />I have been very happy with the 4.3L, I have hit 52 on the speedo on a calm day with 1/2 tank of gas and my daughter. <br />I have had up to 4 people on the boat at once, I think 6 adults would really be tight.<br /><br />If you have any questions, feel free to ask.<br />Good Luck<br /><br />John
 
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GaryTorello

Cadet
Joined
Jul 8, 2004
Messages
10
Re: Help me buy the right boat

Originally posted by SturmRuger:<br /> I can probably afford more then an 18ft boat, but I start to have problems with storage if I go any larger. In my garage I can fit about 21 feet of boat.
Click to expand...
Leave the cars out and measure diagonally :)
 
mole2

mole2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 21, 2003
Messages
153
Re: Help me buy the right boat

Remember that you can get a folding tongue on your trailer from Bayliner. If it weren't for the folding tongue on my Trophy 2052 I wouldn't be able to have the boat - it wouldn't fit in my driveway. :) <br /><br />Folding tongue:<br />
Folding_Hitch_and_sidewak.sized.jpg
<br /><br />My 2005 Trophy 2052 in the driveway:<br />
DSC00139.sized.jpg
<br /><br />With your plans I'd heed the advice of the others - the 18' boat may be too small for 6 adults. 4 yes....6 may be overdoing it. And yes, I'd go for the 4.3L motor. Nobody ever complained about having too much power. :)
 
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