Boat suggestions for newbie?

[briffdogg]

Hi, im looking into getting my first boat and am not sure really what to get, im looking for something under 10,000 dollars, sporty, fast and comfortable, maybe even with some sort of shade when its way to sunny. Ive knownt 2 people that have had those sea doo boats and both had problems with them, are those more problem prone than the boats with an engine fan blade? What would you guys suggest for me to start out with please?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Boat suggestions for newbie?

Really need to decide how you will use the boat, then that will help determine boat type.
If you are new to boating, it is probably good to steer clear of the jets and go with a traditional drive.

10k price limit, you should be able to find some very nice boats right now, 'ell I'd let mine go for considerably less.

 

[Doug N.]

Re: Boat suggestions for newbie?

For a first time guy, I wouldn't worry about fast. I would think about stable and able to pull a skier or toys. In your price range, I think you are looking for something used. There are plenty of good boats out there for the money. You didn't say whether you are on fresh water or salt water. I am a land locked guy, so if I were going out on the big pond I would want a big boat,that you could not get for 10k.

So, assuming you are looking for a lake boat, I would look for a used Regal at about 18 feet. There are other good brands, but my favorite is Regal. I would stay away from Bayliner because I think the quality just isn't there anymore. Just my opinion, I am sure there are Bayliner fans that will disagree. I will say that you can get a Bayliner on the cheap, but that's what you get. Bayliner fans: Don't blast me, it's just my opinion.

One way to go is to offer to pay for gas for rides on your buddie's boats to see what you want. If you do that for the rest of your life, its probably cheaper than buying one in the first place.

 

[briffdogg]

Re: Boat suggestions for newbie?

hi, thanks for the responses, well im in montreal canada so all freshwater no salt. 10k would be my max but of course id like something cheaper, and not too old, and would love to pull some toys.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Boat suggestions for newbie?

Being new to boating, you probably want to look at an outboard, around 70 - 120hp, depending on the size and type of boat you end up investigating. If you haven't boated much, you will probably want the stability of a modified V bottom, kind of best of both worlds, stability and ride, for fresh water. Don't go too small, but don't go too big either, maybe 16 - 19 feet. You need to get used to handling a boat in all kinds of weather, with different loads, etc.

Most of all you need to know what you want to use the boat for ... just cruising, water toys, fishing, hauling people, combination. Are you single, family, etc. These things play into the use of the boat and what your needs will be. If there are small children, your needs will be different then just single people on the boat.

Go decent and cheap for the first boat. Do you have a friend that is mechanically inclined and knows boats? Then take them with you and let them tell you what you need to hear ... don't blow them off because you fell in love with the boat. If you don't have a friend that knows what they are doing when it comes to boats, get a marine survey done before purchasing. Most marine shops will offer this service.

More details are really needed for us to help you out, but this should give you some ideas to start with. Good luck, and welcome to the world of boating!