Lots of newbie questions...

[Timmys88Z]

Ok first off hello everybody!<br /><br />Now I just started considering looking into a used boat, my price range would be about $6,000-$8,000 ballpark. I have looked through boattrader.com and the local classifieds and it seems I can get a decent 17'-20' boat in that price range, about 10 years old.<br /><br />Buut.... I don't know a thing about boats, I am really brand new to this. What should I look for? What do I need? Is what I want realistic? What brands? What type?<br /><br />What I would use it for is just general cruising out on Lake Tahoe, maybe skiing or wakeboarding.... no fishing an no ocean going. Basically just something to take out for the weekend with some buddies (and some chicks of course) and chill on the lake. Doesnt have to be super fast but a nice V8 would be good.<br /><br />Also, what is the difference between outboard and inboard/outboard? And what do I want?<br /><br />If someone can bring me up to speed on the terms and different types of boats that would be great also. <br /><br />Think thats it for now, any help is really appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Tim

 

[JB]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Howdy, Timmy.<br /><br />You are asking for algebra suggestions but you can't do division yet.<br /><br />Spend some time around launch ramps and dealerships. Boaters who have good boats love to talk about them and aren't anxious to sell them. Guys who want to sell you their boat right away want something else, which doesn't say a lot for the boat.<br /><br />Come back when you have some specific questions and a lot of guys and gals here would be glad to help.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Like JB said, go spend some time at ramps and marina's. Look for folks who are doing what you want from a boat. Best advice I've read is that a boat is a big compromise. If I had a boat for every thing I *really* want to do I would have a go-fast bass boat for big water fishing, a small water fishing jon boat, a pontoon for floating & grilling, a inboard ski boat and a wakeboard boat for the kids, an express cruiser for family outing on Intercoastal Waterway, and a center console for near shore fishing. So, I settled with a 17-1/2 fish & ski and love it.<br /><br />Haven't 2 strokes been banned from Tahoe? If so, that will probably limit your ability to get a 10yr old outboard. Basically, an outboard has the motor and lower unit as a single piece mounted on the transom. Only in the last few years have 4 stroke outboards become common. An Inboard/Outboard is a combination where a car type engine (4 cylinder, V6 or V8) is mounted inside the boat and connected to a lower unit that is outside the boat.<br /><br />My other advice is to read, read and read all the posts here you can. You'll learn alot.<br /><br />BL...

 

[Timmys88Z]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Thanks guys, and I will read up here as much as I can. I'll do what I can to hang out at a ramp/marina but most of the time I am down in the valley and not near the lake.<br /><br />Any other suggestions or help is great.

 

[Timmys88Z]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Ok, well today by coincidence I hung out at Folsom Lake for a while, saw some boats. Just about all were smaller and had an outboard motor, so I got that part down. I think they were fishing boats (had these tall seats), are these "bass boats" ?<br /><br />Anyhow, I know what those look like now, and that is not what I want.<br /><br />This is the type of boat I am talking about:<br /><br />

<br /><br />

<br /><br />This is the same style boat that we went out on a couple weeks ago in Tahoe at the boat rental.<br /><br />Can you guys tell me what this style of boat is called? And knowing this is what I want, can you all help me out with anything else?

 

[Franki]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Well, I don't know squat about american boat brands, but that boat is called bow rider... you have seating up on the bow.. hense the name...<br /><br />That boat has a nice looking hull, but I don't know the construction.. its probably a bayliner (incidently, don't get a 10yo bayliner..)<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Frank

 

[Boatist]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Timmys<br />I would call that boat a Open Bow Modified V Runabout with a I/O engine(Inboard engine Outboard drive). For Lake Tahoe I would not buy smaller than 18 foot. If you plan to go on windy days might consider a Closed bow as can get very rough. Open Bow have much more room for the ladies in their Mono Bikini's and most days would be fine. They also have the advantage of being easier to beach or dock, but when it gets rough can take a wave over the bow. For lake Tahoe need a I/O, Inboard, or 4 stroke oudboard. Open bow like the one pictured very popular with the party crowd and very good for Folsom or Oravile.

 

[Timmys88Z]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Bayliner's are bad?<br /><br />Yup, room for the chicks.... thats what matters

 

[blifsey]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

As others said, thats a bow rider with I/O - meaning there's an engine similar to a car's in that area between the stern seats where you see the cup holders.<br /><br />Yep, the boats with the tall seats you saw were bass boats. The tall seats are used while fishing only, not while underway.<br /><br />Bayliners have a bad reputation but I know several folks that have them and are happy with them. But, they bought them new and bought very good used ones and have taken care of them. They are much lower priced and allow many people to enter the world of boating that might not get to otherwise. Regardless of brand, since your new to boating, have any used boat's hull and motor checked out. Find a "boat surveyor" near you that can do a good inspection. It will cost a little money but would be well spent.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br />BL...

 

[mikeblare]

Re: Lots of newbie questions...

Timmy theres nothing wrong with Bayliners they have a bad rep because of one thing they are an inexpensive starter boat( the smaller ones anyway). You can find them outfitted with anything from Force outboards to OMC or Mercruiser I/O's. For the money your looking to spend look for a 1989 to 1992 19 to 21 foot Capri bowrider(open bow) if you can find one go with the mercruiser setup very reliable. The OMC Cobras have a bad but undeserved rep they were notorious for having bad gear sets this wasnt the case the shift cable was the problem. If you end up looking at any boat from 87 to89 with the OMC look at the shift cable it should have red housing instead of black this will indicate that it was changed (it could be black if it was an aftermarket cable but unlikely). I personally dont own a bayliner but I know quite a few people who do from that time period and they are very nice boats for the money. Besides they are a very good looking boat. Oh yeah it doesnt matter what brand on older boat always have a survey done the owner should be willing to pay for it and if you buy the boat add the price of the survey to what you pay for it, if the owner wont do that or wont let you take it to be surveyed, walk away thats usualy a good indicator that the boat has problems. I always have a boat surveyed or a car checked by a mechanic before I buy or sell. It gives you peace of mind and is a great selling point.