I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

wait2boat

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Jun 9, 2009
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http://www.searay.com/2008_sea_ray_sport_boats_225_weekender.asp

I have been looking for a boat for my family and I am really starting to fall in love with the idea of a Sea Ray 225 Weekender. However, since I am new to boating I am hoping you all can give me advice is there are other brands and models I could be interested in. Thank you already for reading this.

My family consists of myself, my wife, and my 3 kids (5 yrs, 2 yrs, and 7 months). We currently boat with friends who have an 18 foot Maxum open bow. They have 2 kids (5 yrs and 1 yr) All of us on their boat is a little cramped and we want a a place we can put the kids for a nap without a life preserver while the boat is underway.

Deal breaker for the boat:
Enough power to ski/tube (with 4 adults and children on board)
A place the kids can nap without a life preserver on
Towing requirement of 7500 lbs or less (My vehicle is rated for 8200)
At least 2 seats (not counting the captain seat) well within the boat (not in the cuddy) for safe riding of children
Able to be put in and out at a small boat ramp on the KY river

Things I really want in a boat:
A swim platform (Almost a deal breaker, perhaps it is)
enough power to slalom ski
Bench seating on the back
head
Price at $25k or less
1995 or newer

Concerns with the 225 Weekender:
Concerned there isn't enough power for water sports
I don't care to have a sink (at least I don't think I do) so I feel like that is wasted space
It's hard to find the lounge configuration to get two seats in the boat.

PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE:
What other brands and models are similar to the 225 Weekender that might fit my needs better? Is the 225 Weekender a great boat?

Thanks again for reading this and for giving advice.
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

we want a a place we can put the kids for a nap without a life preserver while the boat is underway
No can do . . . Technically even on a Houseboat anyone 12 or under must wear the PFD all the time. All three of my boys spent many a snooze in their life jackets. I am not even convinced that the various state PFD laws allow them to take it off at anchor . . .

My advice if you are into boating with friends is to not fall in love with a Cuddy unless you are dead serious about overnighting. If you want more space on board consider a 22 - 24 ft. Bowrider. You can make very nice nap spots with towels etc. The boat will put them to sleep anywhere just like, or better than, a car ride ;)
 

wait2boat

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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

We have been out 10+ times with our friends and our 7 month old and 2 year old have never taken a nap with their life preserver on unless someone was holding them.

I know I am new to boating so I shouldn't argue with those who know more than me, but the Coast Guard law reads as follows:

The United States Coast Guard's Life Jacket Rule for Children went into effect December 23, 2002. In support of the ongoing efforts of the states and Coast Guard to improve boating safety, the Coast Guard is requiring that all children under 13 years of age wear Coast Guard approved life jackets, while aboard recreational vessels underway, except when the children are below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
 

JoLin

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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

Couple observations-

1. If you want cabin space why not go to a full express cruiser design rather than a weekender type that only has a cuddy? You might not use all the amenities available, but they're there if you want them. You likely won't give up any cockpit space, either. Your weight limit could be an issue, tho.

The boat in my sig weighs a max of 6000 lbs fueled and loaded normally, and the trailer adds another 1700 lbs. How far and how often do you tow?

2. A boat in the 22-25 foot range with a 5.7 liter should do fine for watersports. Others can tell you if a 5.0 will also suffice, but I think a V6 may be underpowered. A Volvo duo-prop or Merc Bravo 3 outdrive is a great complement to the motor.

3. There are so many pocket cruisers available in the low-20-foot range, in your price range, that it's hard to advise. Sea Rays are pretty well thought of, but so are many others. Condition of the actual boat you're interested in is more important than the brand. Your price point absolutely warrants having a professional marine survey done. Make it a "must do" before you lay down any cash.

Good luck and good hunting!
 

wait2boat

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Messages
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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

Couple observations-

1. How far and how often do you tow?

2. Merc Bravo 3 outdrive is a great complement to the motor.

3. Condition of the actual boat you're interested in is more important than the brand. Your price point absolutely warrants having a professional marine survey done. Make it a "must do" before you lay down any cash.

Good luck and good hunting!

1.) It will always be towed as we will not be keeping it in a slip. For our normal trips it will be towed 10 miles each way. However, I want to be able to tow it 3 states away if the opportunity arises.

2.) If I were to get a 225 weekender I was hoping to get it with the Bravo 3.

3.) I agree about the condition but I was hoping to get a few other models besides the 225 weekender that would fit my bill so I have more boats to search for. Also, thanks for the advice about the surveyor. I will be sure to do that once I narrow in on a boat.

Thanks.
 

MudSkunk

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 29, 2009
Messages
151
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

just from reading all the stories about who has died and who has lived in boating accidents it is nearly a 1 to 1 correlation those that are not wearing PFD almost always die and those that are wearing them almost always survive. most boating accidents occur while the boat is moving. if i had children on a boat especially really young ones they would be wearing their PFD 100% of the time. Live cranky kids > Dead rested ones.

Just my opinion.
 

wait2boat

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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

In regards to a cruiser, I started my search there, but I think ease of putting it in and out are more important than kitchens and such. I don't plan on using this for overnights.
 

Nico2112

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 15, 2009
Messages
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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

You could also check these two:

Glastron GT 249:
http://www.glastron.com/us/gt249.html

Glastron GT 209:
http://www.glastron.com/us/gt209.html

If you really dislike the amenities a cruiser gives you, maybe a 22-24' deck boat could do, and get a retractable bimini top for the bow area, and the filler cushion, and you have a nice lounge for the kids to rest.

Just my 2 cents.
 

wait2boat

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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

Thank you very much for those two boat ideas. That is exactly the type of advice I was looking for. Also, though I appreciate our concern for everyone's safety (me included) I would prefer to not turn this thread into a discussion of PFD's. I would really just like advice about which boat models and brands may fit our needs. With that said, I 100% agree that everyone's safety onboard (not just the children) is more important than anything else. However, please let's not hijack this thread to discuss safety of boats with cabins. Thank you again for the two links.
 

JoLin

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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

You could also check these two:

Glastron GT 249:
http://www.glastron.com/us/gt249.html

Glastron GT 209:
http://www.glastron.com/us/gt209.html

If you really dislike the amenities a cruiser gives you, maybe a 22-24' deck boat could do, and get a retractable bimini top for the bow area, and the filler cushion, and you have a nice lounge for the kids to rest.

Just my 2 cents.

I'm liking that GT 249- very similar in layout and dimensions to my C-C, but 800 lbs. less dry weight. If I were trailering regularly it'd be a great choice. Cool boat.
 

Nico2112

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 15, 2009
Messages
239
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

Anytime mate:)

Other cuddy cabin models that are very appealing to the eye are Four Winns:
http://www.fourwinns.com/model/S215

I'm an outboard guy, so if I ever got a boat like the one you describe, I would get something like this:

http://www.mako-boats.com/boat/?boat=3056

You have to do some homework, and check out the many brand options you got. Just to name a few I got in mind:

Glastron, Four Winns, Larson, Maxum, Mako, Grady white, Wellcraft, Hydrasports, Trophy, Boston Whaler, just to name a few:D
 

JoLin

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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

One other thought for you since you plan to buy used- go to the websites of the major manufacturers. Some of them have a customer service section that includes historical information - specs, brochures, etc. It was great when I started shopping. If I saw a boat listed that interested me, I could pull up pics and specs to see if it was worth my time.

Wellcraft, Sea Ray and Four Winns are 3 that come to mind that have this available.
 

Rogue427

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 4, 2008
Messages
207
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

I like the idea of a small cuddy 22' to 25' for the head for the women and girls will be well worth it. Yes you can also get a head in a same size bowrider. I have a 19' Sea Ray bowrider but wish I had a small cuddy now. With the cuddy you might decide to try overnighting. I like the Monterey cuddies. Just make shure it has enough POWER no matter what brand you buy. :D
 

wait2boat

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Messages
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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

Not a fan of that Mako boat. The Four Winns looks gorgeous but the price is almost doulble than the Glastron. Does Glastron make a nice quality boat?
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 22, 2005
Messages
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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

I understand about this thread turning into a PFD disaster, and I will leave it alone. But do check the State law wherever you plan to boat as the Coast Guard rules are not all that you have to consider. Example on Lake Mead: All persons 12 years or younger must wear a PFD while on board a vessel
 

wait2boat

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Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

How big of an engine would a Glastron 209 need for fun skiing? Thanks.
 

QC

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Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

How good a of a slalom skier are you? If you are good a V6 would get you up. If you like being yanked out then a 320 with a DP or Bravo 3 would be fun. How fast do you want to go?

Edit: I just checked the 209 and max power is the 270 5.0. Great package, but not going to yank your arms out. I had a 250 in a lighter smaller 20 footer. It was good, but didn not perform like a tournament boat. What have you skied behind before. What did you like?
 

traderdavel

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
99
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

just from reading all the stories about who has died and who has lived in boating accidents it is nearly a 1 to 1 correlation those that are not wearing PFD almost always die and those that are wearing them almost always survive. most boating accidents occur while the boat is moving. if i had children on a boat especially really young ones they would be wearing their PFD 100% of the time. Live cranky kids > Dead rested ones.

Just my opinion.

More than 100% agree. Young kids are adaptable and will sleep with it on.
 

wait2boat

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Joined
Jun 9, 2009
Messages
15
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

How fast do you want to go?

Good question. I have never been able to get up a slalom ski though I would love to. The only boats I have tried on were a pontoon boat with a 150 Mercury and my friends Maxum (not sure the engine on theirs though I think its a V6) with 3 adults on board and 5 kids. Thanks.
 

Nico2112

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 15, 2009
Messages
239
Re: I want to nap and ski at the same time. Advice please!

I think a 220HP could do the job easily (carrying people and towing at the same time)

This boat is only 20'2" and weighs 2,832 Lbs, easy to trailer and you don't need a huge motor.

I really wonder the same thing as you: why Glastron boats are a lot cheaper than their counterparts? Four winns and Larson belong to Genmar too, and are more expensive.

I for sure know, Glastron is a fine brand, with many satisfied and loyal customers. I don't think their boats are bad quality.

I own the cheapest model of their 2009 lineup, and I'm amazed at the features and quality.

Oh well, I could be biased, and living in a country which doesn't give you options as a boat buyer, what do I know:redface:

Just make sure you get a qualified surveyor before buying your boat, and you'll do fine:)
 
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