Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

[Slip Away]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

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.

I love your Sea Ray analogy. I agree 100% and could not have summed it up better. :thumb:

 

[emilsr]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

To the OP: Have you considered a dedicated towboat? They have lots of room and are purposely built for towsports. I looked online and found a Mastercraft dealer in your area. They also carry Bayliner and Chapparal so you can also look at those brands "while you're up".

If you're buying new (or almost new), it's a good idea to shop dealers (rather than boat brands) and see which one you feel comfortable with. They're all pretty good if you take care of them, some of them just have more attention to detail than others.

Don't cheap out on your trailer. Get a nice aluminum one so you can run to New Bern (or wherever) and dip it in the salt every now and then.

 

[OrangeTJ]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

At least around here, it's extremely difficult to find a dedicated towboat in this price range any newer than 8 years old or so. They are nice, though.

 

[robopath]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Good advice all around. I was looking at basically the same features and sizes that you seem to be over this year. I did a ton of research on forums, at dealers, and at the Chicago boat show. I ended up with a 2013 Four Winns 190 RS with Volvo 225 V6 (about $31,000). Capacity is 9 which a pretty rare for a 19ft. It will be used at a lake house so I had no need for a head, or more size. I really wanted an inboard (looked at 2004 mastercrafts and nautiques), but we often like to beach our boats at friends houses so that swayed me back to i/o. Loved the Cobalts but the cabin in the 20ft felt much smaller than the 19ft FW. Also looked at bayliner and Sea Ray, but I really wanted a Volvo and the brunswick brands don't offer them. FWIW my second and third choices were Chapparal and Bryant.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Just FYI, most of the options you are now looking at are going to require a tow capacity in the tow vehicle of at least 5000 lbs. You are sizing yourself out of a vehicle with a 3500 lbs. tow capacity.

It is an important thing to also consider. My buddy got a sweet Cobalt 200 with a dual axle trailer. He then needed to turn around and get rid of his mid-sized SUV and get a suburban to tow the thing.

That is the benefit of a 19 foot boat. Once you get 20 and over, the weight really goes up.

Also, were you in an 18 foot Stingray? Three is a big difference in seating room for the 195 over the 180. Also, the seats are adjustable.

Good luck to you. Boating is a great hobby!

 

[jkust]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Nice choice. I really like the FourWinns 'style'. Does that have a dedicated anchor locker? I don't think I could live without one.

 

[robopath]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

Nice choice. I really like the FourWinns 'style'. Does that have a dedicated anchor locker? I don't think I could live without one.

Kind of. The front cushion opens (unlike the 180 where only the sides do) and is hinged but it's not a real anchor locker. You have to go up to the 220 to get that. But then you lose the rear facing transom jump-seats and that was a huge selling point for my family.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Advice/Comparisons on Bowrider Boats

The H190 RS is a nice boat for sure. And they have a bunch of different/new features that have not been offered before this year.

jkust, you know that the 2013 Four Winns runabouts are all new, and completely redesigned from previous years. Pre 2013 models are quite different than a new one.

2013 H190 RS

2012 H190

Anyway, since you mentioned anchor locker, the Monterey 204FS does have one. I agree, it's a must. Not hard at all to just lift up the ladder, deploy your anchor, and close the hatch.