First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

[ryanburkhart]

We are new at boat buying and need advice. We live 10 min. from the lake and live in Texas. We would like to buy a new boat to keep for a long time and we would like a good reliable boat. We like to run around, ski etc. We have looked at Tahoe, Four Winns, Crownline, Sea Ray and Bayliner. Crownline was too expensive for what we wanted and we need advice on maybe others to look at, things to stay away from etc. Thanks! Cheers!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

You have your "useage" defined, so it would appear a 17 - 19 foot bow rider is what you desire. Next decision is whether you want outboard or I/O power. Outboards are lighter and free up interior space. I/O's use modified auto engines which are heavy but have gobs of torque for skiing and tubing. Minium power should be V6. 4 Cylinder power plants are OK but may not give you the power you need for towing. I feel that the modern direct fuel injected two-stroke outboards are easier to service since you can stand by them rather than laying on your belly.

 

[ryanburkhart]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

Any suggestions on companies to look at or stay away from?

 

[KCook]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

Crownline, Four Winns, and Sea Ray are the more prestigious brands. Cost more and you expect a little better experience. However, regardless of brand, your dealer can cause you more grief than your builder. Very different from car buying, in that regard. Here is rant on dealer issues - What is going on with these dealers?!?!?! <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[murphini]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

When I turned 40 I decided to become frugal instead of cheap....so this advice may be not what you are looking for. BUT, you should find the boat you want, then look at dealers or in paper for a relatively new used boat of the same brand, size (or bigger). There are tons of 2-4 year old boats with only 40-80 hours on them that have been maintainted, pampered with all the stuff you want--covers, ski's, tubes, depth finders, life jackets, etc. Someone bought it, found it they didn't have enough time to use it, or found out that boats are expensive and want someone to take it off their hands. THe original owner also paid the first year depreciation. <br /><br />I bought a 15 year old 20' bow rider with 5.0 V8 for my first--had 450 well maintained hours and we have been very satisfied for the last 2 years.<br />I'd recommend at least 20' (maybe 22) open bow and v8. Crownline, Sea Ray, Regal, FourWinns are good, but don't pass by Monterrey, Chapparal or even VIP if they are in your area.<br /><br />I go to boat shows now to find my next boat--which I will buy used in 2 or 3 years. Hope no dealers are lurking on this forum--just my 2 cents.

 

[swist]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

My opinion is that with the latest 4-stroke or DFI 2-stroke outboards, there is little reason any more to buy an I/O. It is a clever but flawed engineeing design from the day it was invented. It will cost you plenty in maintenance and even then you will still not have the reliability you might hope for.

 

[swist]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

I also believe Murphini has the right idea on buying strategy. I too have been looking at high end boats (Whalers). Although they have a history of high resale value, it is still significant how much they lose after a year or two, particularly as most have all kinds of stuff (fishing, safety & electronics come to mind) added by the first owner which almost always comes along with boat and adds very little to the depreciated price.

 

[DaveM]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

I like what Upinsmoke said. Keep in mind that your usage definition might change once you start boating, especially when it comes to skiing. A deep V can deliver a nicer ride in rough water, but it has a larger wake (less desireable for skiing) An inboard tournament ski boat can't be beat for skiing and tubing. However, it will kick the snot out of you in even the lightest chop. <br /><br />The 17 foot bowrider is a great place to start. Just make sure it has enough power for skiing.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

The only 'usage' defined that I can see is "We like to run around, ski etc."<br /><br />How many people are we?<br />How often will you use the boat?<br />Will you trailer or leave it on a mooring?<br />Does running cost figure high or low?<br />Are you thinking of overnighting?<br />Will you do your own maintenance?<br />If Crownline was too expensive, what budget do you have?<br /><br />The more specific your 'usage', the more specific your advice from the experts will be.

 

[KCook]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

Exactly what stillfishing said. We are working with a blank page when there is so little information. Examples:<br /><br />If you're shopping for an 18 footer we can fight over brands.<br /><br />If you expect to run in saltwater we can fight over OB vs I/O.<br /><br />If you're shopping for a 21 footer we can fight over bowrider vs deckboat.<br /><br />But without some basic info we will be throwing punches in the dark .<br /><br />Kelly

 

[Stinger195]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

If you're interested...<br /><br />Call this guy: http://www.boatsun.com/ <br /><br />He's located in Crowley and has (at least as of 4 days ago) a 2000 Glastron GX180. It has the 190 hp Volvo Penta I beleive. Get this, the boat has 4.7 hours on it. The owner is a fighter pilot, bought the boat around the time of 9/11 and has been deployed ever since. Boats unlimited has stored, winterized, and summarized the boat every season since new. He wants $14,900 for it. I don't know if he still has it but like I said, this boat is like brand new...

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

Burkhart:<br /><br />I found myself in the same situation a couple months ago. You are among many boaters here who will provide much valuable advice.<br /><br />I have been VERY happy with my Caravelle 187LS Bowrider with the Mercury 4.3 liter V-6. So far, this boat has done everything I have asked of it. It does it with space, comfort, quality, and great looks. I'd check out this model. It deserves at least a look while you're out shopping. <br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Steve

 

[ryanburkhart]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

You guys have been awesome! Here are some answers to your questions...<br />How many people are we? 2 but have many friends without a boat and will want to tag along..<br />How often will you use the boat? Often since we are so close to the lake atleast 5-6 times a month. <br />Will you trailer or leave it on a mooring? Trailer<br />Does running cost figure high or low? low?<br />Are you thinking of overnighting? No<br />Will you do your own maintenance? For most extent yes, except winterizing<br />If Crownline was too expensive, what budget do you have? We would like to keep it under 25,000?<br />Thank You again!!!

 

[KCook]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

Many friends = big boat<br />Big boat under $25k = used boat<br /><br />Check your local ads and BoatTraderOnline.com for something like a 22' deckboat. That will handle many friends.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

As Kelly says ...<br /><br />And friends will materialise from nowhere once they know.

 

[stevens]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

I've found that the boat, any boat, ends up being too small. You will end up with more friends and more gear in that boat than you think could be possible. My advise would be to get the biggest boat you feel comfortable in handling, and then some. You'll soon grow into it.<br /><br />Also, make sure you have more than enough seats available, lots of room for stowage, and a head with a holding tank if possible. Makes it easier to stay out all day.<br /><br />Inboard or outboard will be a matter of personal preference; there are pros and cons to each. Over here in Europe, we tend to favor inboards because we can then use cheaper diesel fuel. In the US, where fuel prices generally are lower, the scales would probably tip more in favor of outboard engines, due to less noise, lower weight & easier servicing.<br /><br />Whatever you choose, take her for a long test drive before you buy her. Load her up with people and push her as much as you dare to see if you're comfortable with how she handles; with loads, in the waves, at speed.<br /><br />Good luck - and please let us know how this goes!

 

[stevens]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

 

[markvan]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

Have you checked out the Glastron GX255. I was looking for a deck boat, until I saw the GX255 at a boat show. If the 255 is too big they have a 20 footer and a 23 foot, nice looking boat.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: First Time Boat Buying! HELP!

Bought a then new 2002 Chaparrel 186 SSI 5.0 V8 loaded. Planes in 3 seconds, does 54 mph alone, 48 with 4 bigges. and Blue Book has it at the same price I paid new because of being loaded /covers, 5.0 and gauges +. A overpowered boat, loaded, is ALWAYS a good boat.-----------------------NEVER have had a problem I did not cause.