Looking for Open Bow recomendations

[hill392]

Hello,
I have always been a fish and ski. I currently have a 1992 20' Ranger fish and ski. Latley we've been doing more pleasure boating than fishing and would like to get somthing just for cruizing and skiing, Somthing with a little more room in the 20'-24' range. Looking for some suggestions for an open bow, not looking for a new boat, need to stay under $10,000.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Looking for Open Bow recomendations

Jump on Craigslist - their should be bunches of them. There are probably as many suggestions on which boats to buy as there are members on the forum. I've never managed to find a favorite brand at a deal that I was willing to make. I like SeaRay, FourWinns and Glastron for pretty consistent quality (and availability) but there are PLENTY of other good boats out there.

Coming off the Ranger means you're probably used to Outboards, and so you may find you like the offerings of center console boats with outboards a little more at that size range. However, those types are not made as much for comfort as the bowrider I/O's are. My current boat is an OMC I/O and while I like what I have, I generally suggest to others to look for Mercruiser or Volvo drives. OMC requires you to be as much mechanic as boater.

Lund is another option that is a mix of fishing and skiing. They're not a utility as the center consoles, but not quite as comfortable as the I/O bowriders. Nice boats though.

Happy hunting.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Looking for Open Bow recomendations

best advice - look at several, sea trial anything before you buy it...

 

[hill392]

Re: Looking for Open Bow recomendations

Thanks for the reply. I am constantly searching craigslist, ebay and boat trader.Seems i'm on the same line as most looking at sea rays, four winns, glastron, chris craft, tahoe, larson,crownline and the list goes on. Really like the wrap around seating that I have found in some tahoes and sea rays.I'm going to keep looking. Anyone wants to tell me what they like or what they dislike would be great. I'm really in no hurry, so I will look at as many as I can.