Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

[bman72]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

OP, you've received a ton of great advice here. my opinion is your budget will easily get you what you want. I would look at the closest dealers to you and see what they have to offer because that is who you will be dealing with for your service work and winterizations. I think you are looking for a 19 to 21 foot bow rider - the seating it really all in the layout on how cumfy it is... and I would not settle for anything smaller than the 4.3. and if it's a 21 footer I would opt for the V8. I would rather be over powered than under powered and I believe being over power makes and engine last longer than being under powered and running your engine hard all the time. If I had my choice I would opt for the Volvo Penta setup. If you ask why then just google "Volvo Penta verses Mercruiser" and you will have all day reading. Well, that's my two cents

 

[OrangeTJ]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Lots of great input already, so I'll keep mine brief. Take a look at the current/recent Yamaha boats. Lots of seating space/interior room, simple maintenance, very reliable, come with trailers. We have an SX210 and love it. Ours has more interior space than any similarly sized I/O we saw when shopping. There are certainly a lot of nice boats out there. This is just another to add to your "check it out" list.

 

[bman72]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Orange,
Maybe you can comment first hand on some of the things I read when I was researching jet boats. At one time I had considered purchasing one. I "read" that they don't have the "grunt" of a propped boat so don't do nearly as well at pulling skiiers, tubes or pulling anything for that matter. I also read that they don't maneuver very well at lower speeds, that they do better at higher RPM's, and they typically take higher RPM's to plane.

I may have read just enough to be turned off early on and not done enough research. They seem to be popular so I must be missing something.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Just a quick comment from someone who sees this type of situation almost daily. You are getting stuck on trying to get a rig for the very few times you'll probably have that many people involved. Buy your boat for your use. If friends and family want to come along you'll find a way to accomodate them all.

 

[OrangeTJ]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Orange,
Maybe you can comment first hand on some of the things I read when I was researching jet boats. At one time I had considered purchasing one. I "read" that they don't have the "grunt" of a propped boat so don't do nearly as well at pulling skiiers, tubes or pulling anything for that matter. I also read that they don't maneuver very well at lower speeds, that they do better at higher RPM's, and they typically take higher RPM's to plane.

I may have read just enough to be turned off early on and not done enough research. They seem to be popular so I must be missing something.

"Grunt" - Current jet boats, such as the Yamaha 192, 210, 212, 240, 242 have extremely good acceleration times both to plane and to 30. In fact, I'd say that acceleration is one of their strongest performance aspects and is almost always better than equivalent prop boats. Absolutely no problem pulling up skiers, tubes, wakeboarders. Our 210 is among the "lower powered" models, running twin 110 hp engines (the 212 and up models have twin 180s) and it pulls up 220 pound skiers and boarders with absolutely no problem.

Maneuvering at low speed - they actually maneuver extremely well at low speed, but they do have a learning curve. With twin engines, you can do things that just aren't possible with a single, such as pivoting almost entirely within the boat's own length. What they don't do particularly well at idle speed in stock form is track straight as an arrow, especially compared with a true inboard, but also as compared to an outboard or I/O. They require pretty active steering at no wake speed. The aftermarket does provide steering fins that help this immensely, though, and I've got some on my own boat.

RPMs - yes, the engines are designed to run at higher rpm than your typical automotive-based I/O. That's not "bad", though, as these are short stroke engines designed to operate at those speeds. The only downside I've seen, is that the higher rpms do relate to higher sound levels inside the boat. I don't find it objectionable, but some do.

Maintenance - though you didn't ask about it, it's worth mentioning that engine/drive maintenance on these boats is very easy and completely something a fellow can do for himself. There are no gimbals or bellows, for one thing, and no transmission of any sort. Engines need oil changes, there are a few zerks and linkages to grease, spark plugs occasionally need replacement. That's about it.

Caveat - if you boat in a place with a lot of surface weeds, a jet is probably not for you. Otherwise, don't discount them without at first doing a bit more digging.

There is another forum dedicated specifically to Yamaha jet boats, and I'd encourage you to check it out if you might have an interest. Not sure if it's kosher to name that forum on the board here, though.

Here's a link to the most recent version of the model we have. Our is a 2011, though, so a few differences...same overall thing, though. http://www.yamahaboats.com/sx210

 

[bman72]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

That is some great info, Orange. I just bought a new boat so I'm no longer looking but my sister is considering a boat now. I will tell her to consider a jet boat too.

 

[Chief9]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

We bought a new Monterey 204fs about two months ago. 4.3 mpi Mercruiser and dual axle trailer, was well within your stated budget. We are very happy with the boat, dealership, and warranties.

 

[Arynden]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

To be truthful, thanks to the Slip Away's ballpark range prices (which I'm very grateful for), I've been very tempted to go with a Monterey 204FS.

Currently the strongest contenders are a (new) Crownline 21SS, Riker Captiva 220 MTX, and the Monterey 204FS which are all well within our budget. However the Chapparal 206 SSi is also a very strong contender and we may be tempted to just put forth the extra $$$ for that. I'd like to hear opinions between these boats and also what trailer you would think would be best if we did get the Chapparal. I don't really feel like spending another 3K for a trailer after forking over nearly 39K for the boat if I can find a used trailer in good condition.

I would be getting a 4.3L MPI engine with a V6 but unlikely to go for the V8 in any model.

 

[OrangeTJ]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Monterey 204fs is nice. Very nice. The one we looked at had a 3 person bench across the back, two captains chairs and the bow area that generally seats two comfortably. Anyway, it's a nice boat and was a strong contender for us. Local dealership had a new one with a tower, a V8 some other "upgrades" and trailer that they were willing to sell at $39.5K + tax & fees when we were looking a year ago.

 

[Arynden]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Question to those of you have Monterey boats. Have any of you noticed any rusting of the screws or collapsing of the cushions? I know Monterey is one of the better brands, but Chapparal keeps trying to tout its "advantages" over the Monterey with things like "chrome plated stainless steel" so the screws won't rust, "Kevlar-reinforced hull" which Monterey doesn't have even though hull thickness is about the same, cushions that reinflate and drain water away better, etc. and I just want to know how much smoke is being blown in my face. Clearly Chapparal sellers won't describe the advantages of Monterey which I assume probably have just as many extras over Chapparal in ways other than overall power and speed.

 

[OrangeTJ]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Just a note that Cobalt is listing promotional pricing for it's model 200 bowrider at $36.9K on their website. Don't know what's included in that, but you might want to check it out. Cobalt's overall quality seems to be second to none.

 

[Arynden]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Just a note that Cobalt is listing promotional pricing for it's model 200 bowrider at $36.9K on their website. Don't know what's included in that, but you might want to check it out. Cobalt's overall quality seems to be second to none.

Thank you! I will definitely do that! Only disadvantage is that there aren't many sellers for that type of boat around here, but I'd love to get my hands on a good 20' Cobalt for a comparable price.

 

[Shoreleave]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

The only thing I'd like to add is that the most common buyer's regret I hear is, "I wish I had gotten the bigger engine."

 

[Dam2009]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

I did quite a bit of research before getting my boat. At the end of the day I decided to go with Sea Ray with 5L MPI.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

"chrome plated stainless steel" so the screws won't rust

no, you use good quality stainless steel screws.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

I think that is 2nd after I wish I bought a bigger boat".

The only thing I'd like to add is that the most common buyer's regret I hear is, "I wish I had gotten the bigger engine."

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

If interior/cockpit space is something you like or need, the Monterey 204FS has the most by far of these boats you are considering.

All "real" stainless screws throughout, stainless thru hull fittings and grab rails and cupholders if that is important to you. We like the air assist chine on the
hull, makes it good on fuel and a good performer. I could continue, but ultimately its what boat fits your needs best. We preferred the Monterey in all ascpects
to the Chap, Sea Ray or Regal's we looked at. We got the 5.0L V8 and are glad we did, you can never have too much power. Very happy with the boat

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Just chiming in here, cuz I like to look at boats and enjoy the buying process (I.e., watch other people spend money). . .

Brand-wise, I am liking the Cobalt, Bryant and Regal, but they might stretch the budget a bit. Reliability of a boat is largely related to the engine & drive. I assume that you will be looking at I/O engines for water sports and swimming off the stern. The more pricey brands will tend to have better fit & finish, but some of the more economical brands can be good choices as well. You may experience teething pains with a new boat, as sometimes there are a few issues to be worked out. This is where dealer support and competency come into play

boating style, - don't forget about the enclosed head as day-long excursions may find you far away from restroom facilities.

for water sports and nearly full passenger capacity, get the biggest engine offered. Don't worry about the gas $$$$ as smaller engine do not save much if anything on gas once you load the boat up a bit.

go for 20 feet. Boats tend to look big out of the water and then seem smaller once you launch them and start putting people aboard.

good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Chief9]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

The Monterey 204fs is a great boat for the money. We went with the 4.3 mpi, although I admit bigger is better. My point is, we have no issues with power with the 220hp 4.3. Great boat and motor. Cobalts are beautiful boats, but that seems to be a different price range altogether.

 

[jkust]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Late to the party but my issue with the Cobalt you mention is that to get it with the stuff you want the price goes up dramatically. I'm glad to see that you are in the 20 plus foot category now since an 18 or 19 footer is just plain cramped with all the gear. Plus you mentioned kneeboarding and there's noplace to put a kneeboard and have it out of the way. Since you are not cash strapped, I would absolutely go for the 5.0 mpi at a minimum. Even my little 18 foot chaparral had the 5.0mpi as the optional engine and you are several feet and several hundred feet heavier with those boats. My Chap has all the nifty features you get with a higher end boat like the kevlar, etc. Stuff that back in 2003, made it a nobrainer since it wasn't really done on small boats...now a lot of the stuff is on many boats. I don't know that in a fresh environment you really need a lot of that anyway. If I were in your shoes, I'd look at Monterey, though they are almost non-existant here in MN, Chaparral, Fourwins, and Regal, and possibly Bryant. Maybe I forgot one or two. I will mention that I hate Sea Rays or at least their under 20 foot ones where they are marketing over form. You have to get to a bit larger to see that they put any effort into them. The new 2013, 19 foot Sea Ray is the lightest in its class at the moment, which means it is the most cheaply made at the moment. Even in the over 20 foot class, you instantly can see the differences and shortcomings compared to the competition yet they aren't any cheaper. Like a Bose stereo system where they are so massibly subpar yet marketed so well only folks that either got them for nothing or folks that didn't know any better bought them. The used market can correct most deficiencies.