In the market for my (own) first boat. Would appreciate some input

[mvd2bze]

I find myself in the market for a boat and would like to bounce some ideas off the community. I have been in/around boats since before I could walk, but I never considered myself an authority on them. I know nothing of fiberglass repair, and every time I have every attempted carpentry on my own, I have regretted it. I am a former automotive technician, having worked on Saab, BMW, Mercedes, Audi for 5 years. I know not much of that knowledge/ability translates to carbureted marine engines, but I am very capable of learning. That said, my price range ($2k or less) means I am looking at boats that need work or AT LEAST some TLC.

I am pretty sure I want to avoid Bayliner, based on some comments from my marine tech cousin.
Also based on his advice, I am looking into Starcraft and Cobalt boats, among some others. He says for aluminum, Starcraft can't be beat, and Cobalts are the best boats *he* has ever worked on. I am leaning toward Starcraft since floor replacement is that much easier VS fiberglass re-fabrication, etc.

I am also trying to avoid OMC, as parts are harder to find, and they aren't new anymore. Should I reconsider that? I also hear that Volvo sort of "took on" OMCs designs, but that that wouldn't really help me. Is that just an opinion, based on appearance, or did Volvo actually appropriate the OMC designs?

I don't want a tri-hull, since my wife has back trouble and they don't ride very well over chop. I don't want an outboard, because I have always driven ridden in outboards and wanted an I/O with a "conventional" inline or V engine.

Any thoughts/suggestions critiques?

Thanks!!!

 

[cptrick3]

Look at an older Mastercraft.

 

[Scott Danforth]

At the top of the subforum is a sticky you must read if you are a new boat buyer looking for a boat

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...eeding-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist

regarding Volvo's purchase of OMC, yes, they may have purchased the company, however Nothing, not one bolt, washer, or gasket on a Volvo can ever be used on an OMC. OMC is dead, and parts are scarce. PERIOD. Volvo bought the distribution and service/parts network to expand US presence.

since your budget is low, you will be looking for older boats. my suggestion and recommendation for a first boat

Buy an aluminum boat with an outboard.

stay away from fiberglass in that price range unless you absolutely love the boat and want to do fiberglass work. this time of year, most of the fiberglass boats for sale under $2k will have rotten transoms, rotten stringers, and rotten floors.


However if you want an I/O, your price range will most likely be a 3.0. Not my engine of choice. not a bad engine, just not one I would recommend. I would recommend a 4.3 liter or larger. Avoid the Mercruiser 3.7 liter as much as you should avoid the OMC outdrive.

 

[tpenfield]

$2k and Cobalt don't really go together . Probably best to go aluminum, as a $2k fiberglass boat will likely require carpentry and fiber glassing skills.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

2nd what the others have said, depending on the size of boat you're looking for(not mentioned) 2K will put you a lot further going tin over glass.

 

[Grub54891]

For a first boat,I think a mercruiser 120-140-aka 3.0 would suit you pretty good as a learner boat,and better mileage too.You can ski and tube behind them so that's a plus.Glass is not your best bet as you and others have stated. Aluminum is a lot easier to upkeep. I have 2 glassers myself,lotta work restoring if you go that route,skills needed! But them 3.0's are easier to work on, troubleshoot,and maintain as a beginner boat.

 

[mvd2bze]

No Title

Instead, I found a solid (not the floor, naturally) fiberglass 18' with a 3.0 130 & Alpha in pristine condition for $1k. The skeg has only ever rubbed rocks, never whacked. I'll keep my eyes peeled for something to put it in, or maybe even sell it toward another boat. In the meantime, after a steering cable replacement and a trim re-wire, I'll have a family boat for the rest of the summer.

Look at an older Mastercraft.

I would love a Mastercraft/Nautique. My cousins on my mother's side had two of them, and they left an impression on me.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and advice.