Help Needed Buying Used Ski Boat

golf101

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Messages
182
I am a complete novice to ski boats, but would like to buy a used ski boat (probably five years or older if I can find one in good shape). I would greatly appreciate any help you can give on what makes, models and sizes I should be looking at.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,133
Re: Help Needed Buying Used Ski Boat

Ayuh,...

Are you looking for an actual Ski Boat,..??
Or,..
A Boat you can Ski behind,..??

There are Major Differences...
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Help Needed Buying Used Ski Boat

how much budget, how many people on board when skiing? what type water, like where? what type skiing, casual, pro? how fast do you want to go, close bow, bowrider, deckboat? outboard, inboard, inboard/outboard?

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.
 

golf101

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Messages
182
Re: Help Needed Buying Used Ski Boat

Thanks Tashasdaddy. Very useful. I've been hitting the Internet looking, and what I have in mind is a bow cruiser. I want to use it for skiing, tubing, wakeboarding for my three kids, as well as just general cruising. Typically would have 6-8 people on the boat (if sking, one of those would be in the water), and this would be a mixture of kids and adults. How long a boat should I be looking at? The 18-20 foot boats look small in the pictures, but I can't really tell. Also, how much horsepower do I need (is 240 hp sufficient? - I saw a boat with that hp that caught my eye), and is a 6 cyl. sufficient or should I go 8? In terms of price, I'd like to keep the purchase price under $15,000. (I intend to use this boat for only a few years and then, once I'm more experienced, perhaps buy up.) Any boat manufacturers or model recommendations would be appreciated.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Help Needed Buying Used Ski Boat

actually i recommend a 20' Deckboat, it is a bow rider only roomier. 4.3 L v 6 would be minimum, better off with 5.0 or 5.7, also recommend Volvo Drive if available.

i have a 1999 23 ft deck boat, 5.7 volvo seats 13, we love it.

remember you kids are growing, and will want to entertain friends.

Keys2008001.jpg
 
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