17-18 ft bowrider (2007-2010)

[Ben Nevis]

Hello!

Looking for a second-hand bowrider, 17-18 ft, sterndrive, 3.0 L (135 HP), preferably MerCruiser, Volvo Penta also considerable. Boat needed for one-day family trips, fun on water, swimming and water-skiing.

I'm coming from Russia, river/lake bed is often rocky and can be covered with steel rubbish, half-drown wood is quite common, so looking for a boat with a good strong hull. Seller informed me that generally hulls were of better quality till mid-2008. However, looking at weights in same models' manufacturers specs i did not notice a lot of changes in 2007-2010.

The point is that i'd like to find a boat that would suit a 135 hp drive and not being too heavy for it (know that with many producers heavy=strong hull).
Usually will sail in 4 adults and 1 child - will mainly cruise at 3000 rpm, desired speed 35-40 km/h, rarely up to 6 adults+1-2 children.

Would highly appreciate if you kindly recommend best me suit options (specific models and preferable manufacturing years).

Pls let me know your opinion if Larson SEI 180 LX weighing according to spec around 1070 kg will run well with a 135 hp drive or she's too heavy for the motor?

Thanks very much!

Dmitry

 

[H20Rat]

Re: 17-18 ft bowrider (2007-2010)

Best advice is look what the locals run... Given your description, I'd automatically rule out any glass boat, including the larson. I'm thinking you are looking maybe a welded flat bottom fishing/outfitter boat. (maybe something along the lines of a thunderjet)

 

[paradisecats]

2006 Stingray Volvo penta 4.3

2006 Stingray Volvo penta 4.3

My boat is cutting out when I give it the gas, like it's runing out of gas. Then it beeps and acts like it is going to die and picks back up. We have changed the fuel filter and sent it to the shop where they put it on the computer and said it was a relay switch and changed it. charged me 400.00 and it is still doing the same dang thing. I am a woman and just drive the boat, but it left me in the river yesterday. had to have someone tow me in. HUmiliating. Do you think you could help me undertsnad what could be wrong with it, so it doesn't leave me and my kids again.

 

[Ben Nevis]

Re: 17-18 ft bowrider (2007-2010)

smokingcrater
Thanks for your response.

AL boats are widely used, both American and locally made. Mainly by the fisherman.
Generally people are widely using fiberglass boats in Moscow area, usually apply Keelguard.

Out of American brands most popular is Bayliner, but it is there is a common opinion that more robust hulls are preferable, such as: Monterey, Rinker, Mariah (not so many), Crownline, Larson.

I made a preliminary study of the options available and do want a fiberglass boat.