Advise on boat size for newbie?

T

tarip

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May 24, 2011
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I'm looking to buy a boat for the first time. My father has had many boats while we were kids, but I now think it's time to get my own.

I'm looking for a rereational boat. Lots of cruising, wakeboarding, skiing, etc. Been looking at boats in the 17-18' range, but found a 20' Larson for a heck of a deal. Is a 20 footer too big for a first time boater? i dont wanna buy something that I'm going to be scared to run/load/dock etc. thanks for the tips!
 
Joshua Nichols

Joshua Nichols

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

show us some pictures of the boat... 20ft is a good size( I would run one but the dang thing wouldn't fit in my garage).. The more folks you haul.. The more boat you need.. What engine does the 20 footer have?
 
Joshua Nichols

Joshua Nichols

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

Whew that's some money for a old boat...

If it runs good, isn't rotten, doesn't leak and you like it.. Buy it.. I prefer a swim platform and other things that I feel are a must on a boat.. The carpet looks pretty sun faded. So make sure you check for rot real good.. Go for a test ride.. BTW boats are selling like hotcakes right now.. When you find one in your price range.. Go look at it PDQ.. If you fart around.. It will be gone... The more boats you look at.. The better you get at boat shopping..

A good running 350 I think would be a good power plant for a 20 foot boat,,

That boat sure sits weird on that trailer.. Maybe cause it is a roller trailer?? IDK??
 
T

tarip

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

Joshua Nichols said:
Whew that's some money for a old boat...
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yeah that's not too bad for around these parts. seems like boat prices are sky high around here. for this kind of boat, this is still below average price (my opinion) around these parts.

Joshua Nichols said:
That boat sure sits weird on that trailer.. Maybe cause it is a roller trailer?? IDK??
Click to expand...
pretty sure it is a roller trailer based on pics. haven't seen it in person yet.
 
Joshua Nichols

Joshua Nichols

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

yeah that's not too bad for around these parts. seems like boat prices are sky high around here. for this kind of boat, this is still below average price (my opinion) around these parts.
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Yeah it makes a big difference what time a year and where you buy a boat...

haven't seen it in person yet.
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Better go have a look.. If it is a good price for a descent shape boat.. Someone will snag it up
 
H

Home Cookin'

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

20 is starting to get on the big size, especially if it requires a tandem trailer. I suggest the 17-19' size.

After that, hard to say b/c "boat" can be anything--it's all geared toward where you's use it; how (you told us) and typical passenger load. but generally speaking I steer new boaters to a 17' center console outboard with bow seating. I say this b/c you want to combine a smaller size 9 including weight) for ease of use (and cost) and at the same time maximize roominess. Remember that a capacity plate that says "6" does not include the word "comfortably!"
 
DuckHunterJon

DuckHunterJon

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

A 20' won't handle that much different than an 18' - little more gas, little more to tow - but the way it operates will be the same. I'd say take a look and if you like what you see, have cash in hand.
 
S

sw33ttooth

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

first can your vehical hual it? are you useing a half ton pick up or some sort of ranger or a mini van. if you have a half ton pick up then no worries if the other options it might be to big for you. as far as length goes i dont have a problem pulling into a dock with a 17 or a 23 foot boat, i wouldnt not buy a boat because you think its going to be to hard to dock and load. after some practice and repetition it gets easier every time. hopefully the floor is good and engine and hopefully you enjoy it if you end up owning it.
 
Andy'sDelight

Andy'sDelight

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

That boat is hanging halfway off the trailer because the trailer is way too small IMO.
 
H

hostage

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

Andy'sDelight said:
That boat is hanging halfway off the trailer because the trailer is way too small IMO.
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Hrmm...you might be right. Though it does look the rollers extend towards the stern. If it were a bunk trailer, then I would agree with you. Also wouldn't a trailer for a 20ft boat w/ that size engine normally have a dual axel?

Though to the posters original question. The best thing to ask is yourself, what exactly are you going to do with it? I got a boat last year and ended up with a good condition 19ft Cuddy w/ a 4.3L. I wanted something big enough to be comfortable and yet fuel efficient.
 
etracer68

etracer68

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

It does look to small of a trailer. The rollors should come to with in a few inchs of the transom to support a 350 v8. I would check that out, and the axle cap., and if it has brakes. Nice looking boat though.
 
2

204 Escape

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

The ad says they would negotiate, so negotiate !! Have it surveyed !!! MONEY WELL SPENT !!!! Ask for any or all service records. Are there any extras that go with it, like life jackets, skis, ropes, anchors, etc. (Don't hurt to ask).

P.S. I went from a 21' V-Bottom f/s OB, to a 20' deck boat I/O. It was a bit different, but it wasn't bad. Whatever you buy, just take your time, and learn YOUR boat. NO 2 BOATS ARE THE SAME !!! It's better, (and safer),to take your time, rather than to hurt yourself or someone else.

ALSO, take a boating course !! I'd also advise NO ALCOHOL on board. Yes, I drink, but NOT on the boat.

Just my $0.02
 
J

jallen100

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

My boat is 21.5 feet on a single axle roller trailer. I would have thought it should have dual axles also but its the factory trailer that came with it from Thompson.
 
S

sschefer

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

Andy'sDelight said:
That boat is hanging halfway off the trailer because the trailer is way too small IMO.
Click to expand...

Absolutely, that looks like a 16-18 trailer. Anything over 18 is usually on a tandem axle, not always but usually. I see this and I immediately think, salvaged/auction boat on a make do trailer. Seller trying to make a quick buck.

Regarding first boat size. The first things to consider are storage and tow vehicle. Next comes launching and retrieval. I've found that a 20' boat is about as big as you want to go if you're by yourself. If you have help then it's no different than any other boat.

You first boat can and probably should be bigger than your future boats. Enjoy the larger boats while you have kids and family and then later in life when you just want to get away, go smaller.
 
veritas honus

veritas honus

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

I definitely do not think that 20' is too much boat for a new owner. It's what the new owner thinks that matters though. Not only what he thinks, but what he can reasonably handle. A 20'er is a pretty easy size for most to handle. You need some sea trials to see for yourself. Good luck, and please keep us posted, with pics.:)
 
RIDEPATE

RIDEPATE

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

I'd agree on the trailer, it is not correct. I would not be surprised if the coupler may take off your head off when released, it also has fenders from the 2000's. But does look like a nice boat. Make the trailer one of your bargining points.
 
T

tarip

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May 24, 2011
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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

i decided against it. trailer didn't look right in person and there were a lot of dings and scratches and wasn't as nice as in the picture. thanks for everyone's help though!
 
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S

sschefer

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

Congrats on the walk-away. I have a gut feeling you made the right choice.
 
Joshua Nichols

Joshua Nichols

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Re: Advise on boat size for newbie?

Got plenty of dings in my boat... I put plenty of then on it.. Just nature of the beast.. Docks in bad weather will rub the rub rail... Spend a bit more.. 8k can put you in a nice boat, with less dings..;)
http://siouxcity.craigslist.org/boa/2401758801.html There must be a larson dealer up there:redface:.. I also noticed that the pickings are slim.. Hence the high boat pricing.. Ever use the CL search tool? Might help you find stuff in other towns you may be missing out on...

My wife cried cause she let the boat catch a bump one time.. I wasn't even upset.. It's a used old boat..:redface: I am more about go.. Less about the show..

Back on boat size... My boat is perfect with just the wife and I(17ft).. Add 2 more folks you notice that your friends should buy their own boat...:D


Happy hunting.. Post more finds
 
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