Looking for first boat

[Flysooner9]

Re: Looking for first boat

Would a 3.0 Merc be enough power to pull a skier and have 3 people in the boat?

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Looking for first boat

not really


and stay away form the bayliner. I'm not a hater, I've owned several and loved them but I wont consider buying from someone that talks about miles on the engine.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Looking for first boat

Is it best to stick with a merc cruise or Volvo engine over something that has an OMC Cobra?

My response to another thread that might help you out a little...

All the GM blocks are good choices, mated to either Merc or Volvo. An OMC Cobra SX and a Volvo SX outdrive are the same animal. Anything else OMC (including the King Cobra) should be avoided.

Be cautious of a 3.0 in a 19-20 ft boat. I think you'll be disappointed in the lack of power. Don't buy a smaller engine thinking it'll be more economical to run. It generally doesn't work out that way because the smaller engine has to work harder. Less torque mean it swings a smaller prop. That means higher revs for the same speed. Anything up to and including a 5.7 in good condition, is a good choice.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Looking for first boat

Are they adults or kids in the boat? I know someone with a 3.0 equipped Bayliner, with 2 adults in the boat he can still have several kids on board and tow another on a tube. Adults on the boat with an adult on skis or a wakeboard would be problematic though.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Looking for first boat

Would a 3.0 Merc be enough power to pull a skier and have 3 people in the boat?

Yes, I've been doing it for years. Normal load in our 3.0L 195 Bayliner is 4 adult sized people in boat and 1 behind boat. Now the real question is does a potentially whipped 1988 3.0L have enough power

Skiing slalom requires some technique to get up behind a 3.0L, but one you are up you are fine. Wakeboard, no problem - you can get up on one of those behind a canoe.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Looking for first boat

Would a 3.0 Merc be enough power to pull a skier and have 3 people in the boat?

It would depend on the size and weight of the boat. It would have to pretty light to pull a skier and 3 more adults. Also as oldjeep points out a 1988 3.0 is far less likely to have the "umph" of a new one just adding to the strain of pushing all that weight and pulling a skier.

 

[Flysooner9]

Re: Looking for first boat

Due to my current job I have not gotten to look at any yet. However starting Feb 4th I'll be at a new job that will give me a ton of down time thus the reason for getting a boat.

I found a local dealer that has a very ample stock of late 90's boats I am at least going to look at next week. Should let me see a lot of different makes and models.

As for the 3.0 motor I'm not planning on getting one with that unless it's a 17 maybe an 18 footer. Sounds like they do much better on that size of a boat vs a 19.

I know I've been firing lots of random questions but just asking stuff as it comes to my head. Really appreciate all the feedback. Feel like my knowledge has really grown since I joined here and I can start this search with out feeling AS lost.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Looking for first boat

Don't know about OK, but in KS you don't have to pay sales tax on private boat transactions. Buying from a dealer you do. Just something to consider.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Looking for first boat

Don't know about OK, but in KS you don't have to pay sales tax on private boat transactions. Buying from a dealer you do. Just something to consider.

Also the case in MN - definitely worth knowing what the rules are in your state.

 

[Flysooner9]

Re: Looking for first boat

Thanks for that heads up. Mainly checking out the dealer to see a lot of different boats in one place. Still plan to probably buy privately.