First boat, Need advice

[kalmos]

Hi, <br /><br />I'm looking to buy my first boat for about $3000US. I'm thinking that 16-18 footer should do it. The boat will be used for fishing, water skiing and tubing during the summer. I would like to get something as new as possible (80's and up). Here are some beginner questions I have: <br /><br />1. Should I get I/O or just the outboard motor and why?<br />2. Force motor/boat combo seem to be less expensive. Any opinions on that? How good are these motors?<br />3. I like the open bow boats. Should I go aluminum or fiber glass. Can aluminum pull skiers and tubes? <br />4. What brands should I consider and which should I stay away from and why?<br />5. How big of an engine will I need? <br /><br />Any other advice will be greatly appreaciated. <br /><br />Thanks,<br />...Peter

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: First boat, Need advice

If you aren't in a hurry to spend that money, best way to shop around is go to the lake/marina and ride around in some of the boats that catch your attention. Most folks will give you a ride and answer questions. For my money, outboards are easier to deal with, not necessarily less expensive to buy and keep, but if you crater an outboard you can swap in a new one pretty easily. Much harder with an outboard. Regardless, if you want to pull skiers,etc. start out at about 70 hp on 15 foot sled and work up. That's a good minimum for carrying 3-4 folks with enough power to have fun.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: First boat, Need advice

kalmos,<br />Please keep yor post in one section! In this case it belongs under "Boat Questions". It's hard to follow-up, when there are 2 separate post. Just so you know for future posts. Thanks,