Buying a new boat, need a little advise

[toddbrown]

Ok, so I just sold my 1998 Bayliner Capri 1850. I found that I pretty much just do water sports every week with it. This boat seated 7 and I need to carry 8 - 10. Also, I need more pawer then the 4.3 liter gave me. My budget is $20,000 and I was wondering what the best boat (structure wise) would be the best bet.<br /><br />Thanks for your input!

 

[QC]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

Todd,<br /><br />If your primary use is water-sports you should probably consider some type of Tournament boat. Personally, I don't like them as they have limited top speed, ride rough and you cannot get the prop out of the water for shallows or beaching. For towing stuff though, they are the best.

 

[toddbrown]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

Hello!<br /><br />Thanks for the reply! Yes, I have researching those but since we do beach the boat and cruise at the lake, it is not feasable to have a tow boat. I love the Mastercraft but it is just not practical for my needs (and is cost a LOT).<br /><br />I need a V8 and probably no loger then 20ft. Is there any specific manufacturer that is the best? Is there a noticable difference between the V6 190 and V6 220(MFI)?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

A center console will give you more passanger space.How did you get 7 people on an 18ft Capri???

 

[Solittle]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

Todd - You are not going to fit 8-10 people either comfortably or safely in a 19-20' boat. My 23' CC is rated for 8 and I would carry no more than 6. <br /><br />With $20K you should be able to get a decent used 24-25' CC. When you get that big you have to consider your tow vehicle also.

 

[MRS]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

Toad, Toad, Toad, if I had 20Gs I would be checkin and shopping around you have so many choices just figure out what you want it for and start shopping. Go to the local marina or any boat shows and check them out. P.S. I wish I had 20 Gs for and other boat Merry Christmas and good luck to you.

 

[KCook]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

I assume we are talking used boat here, not new? BTW, ski boats certainly can be beached. Just have to be more fussy about the beach and its approach. 10 people is a whole bunch. I would say either large (22' and up) V-drive ski boat or I/O deckboat. Here is a thread on another site about deckboats -<br /><br /> Trailer Boats Boards » ... » Deck boat <br /><br />(I would have preferred to link to a deckboat thread here at iboats. But the server snafu took down the search capability. Bummer!)<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[toddbrown]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

Yeah, we have 8 on my 18.5 but we were not far from shore. Only 20 yeards sicne it was a mild river. The boat did great but that is too many on a 18 foot boat. I think I should wait until spring to buy so that there are more boats aviable but I beat I could get a better deal in the wither. OR, is that not really true? Anyone selling a deckboat or ski boat here on the forum?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

Selling/advertising private sales is not permitted here. Sorry.<br /><br />Another suggestion for 8 to 10 people and $20K....buy TWO 18 to 19 foot runabouts for $10K each. EVERYONE will have more fun and be more comfy, not to mention safer.<br /><br />I'm only partially kidding. I'd hate to go out for a day of watersports tripping over 7 other people...this sounds like a group that needs to disperse a bit! <br /><br />As for brands and structural strength? The opinions are endless. When you're buying used, pay little attention to brand name, and much more attention to condition. Have fun shopping!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

I have a 21 foot boat and have had 9 on it one time but never over 6 again. I had not planned for 9 as thought would just be the Wife and I going to meet a crazy fun group so I had my 21 pitch prop. The 19 pitch would have been much better. A whole group wanted to go to a party island/resort in the delta so I took them with extra Life Jackets. With 8 to 10 even on a 22 foot boat, boat is not going to perform and you will double your fuel cost. 17 to 18 foot boats I feel are best for water sports so drop half your people on shore and rotate. I see some with lots of people on 24 foot cuddy cabin doing water sports and they get more single finger waves than any other class. They make waves so big everyone pulled up to shore waves back.

 

[KCook]

Re: Buying a new boat, need a little advise

HOORAY! The search function is working again on iboats. So here is a good thread on deckboat basics - Deck Boats <br /><br />Kelly