Need help choosing a boat!

wakeforce

Recruit
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
2
Need help from the boat gurus here! <br /><br />We've decided that we've had enough of our sea-doo challenger 1800, and enough of jetboats too... So we've went to a boat show sunday, and there are so many choices we don't quite know what to do... We don't have an infinite amount of cash, but I think we should be able to go in the 25kCAN for a boat... Sure we'd like to have 100K US for a malibu or tigé or mastercraft wakeboard boat, but we don't...<br /><br />We're going to let it stay in the water for the whole summer, pulling it out a few times to clean it, so NO boats with wood or balsa or whatever in it will be considerated... We we're preety much looking at I/O boats, because v-drive or direct drive boats are too expensive <br /><br />So what we want is something that'll be pretty good for wakeboarding, but still be good for cruises and stuff... We're looking in the 18-19 feet range, anything bigger won't fit in the garage... <br /><br />So here are our choices for now, if you have any other ideas with what I have said in mind, I'd like to hear it! <br /><br />Larson SEi 180 I/O <br /><br />Four Wins 180 Freedom <br />Four Wins 180 Horizon <br /><br />Monterey 190 LS <br /><br />Sting Ray 185 LX Bowrider <br /><br />Oh and also, we don't really like the boat designs wit the motor in the middle or getting in the passengers seat like the LS bowriders... We prefer the ones with a straight back seat... <br /><br />I don't think there is anything else... Of course we'll probably fit a monster tower on it, and something that can take weight in it'd be good...
 

blifsey

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 17, 2002
Messages
769
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

I've been very happy over the last 1-1/2 with our Glastron 20' bowrider. They also have a 18' version in I/O or outboard. They are kinda cousins to Larson.
 

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

My suggestion: BEFORE you decide on a boat, get your hands on a copy of “Getting Started In Powerboating“ by: Bob Armstrong and read part 1. It’s on eye opener on hull design functions, drive systems, single screw vs. two screws, etc. Choosing a boat is always a compromise between what you get and what you don’t. Chapter 8: Twenty Questions To Codify Boat Selection.
 

KCook

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
1,624
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

NO boats with wood or balsa or whatever in it will be considerated
This is really a tricky requirement. Most boats still have a little wood in them somewhere. This includes the high tech brands that brag they use composite construction. You will have to make your own inspection of each model to be sure there is no wood anywhere. Only expections I can think of are Byrant and the new poly boats by Triumph.<br /><br />Kelly Cook
 

sandijk

Cadet
Joined
Jan 31, 2004
Messages
20
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

Have you looked at the new Bayliners? Bayliner is the world's largest mfg. of boats and for good reason. You cannot go wrong with a Bayliner. I have owned 3 and they are, for the money, the best on the market! Sandi.
 

sandijk

Cadet
Joined
Jan 31, 2004
Messages
20
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

Have you looked at the new Bayliners? Bayliner is the world's largest mfg. of boats and for good reason. You cannot go wrong with a Bayliner. I have owned 3 and they are, for the money, the best on the market! Sandi.
 

KM2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 15, 2003
Messages
556
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

I have a Four Winns 180 horizon with the 4.3 VP. It a nice boat and I have been very happy with it. It's my opinion the Larson, Glastron, Stingray and Four winns are simalar in price and quality. I don't think you can go wrong here.
 

wakeforce

Recruit
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
2
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

Thanks so far guys!<br /><br />Any other opinions/ideas?
 

aqpweene

Cadet
Joined
Jul 16, 2003
Messages
10
Re: Need help choosing a boat!

Hi, We had a 2000 Rinker 180 BR for 3 years. It was powered with the 3.0L engine which was adequate for wake/kneeboarding. The price was right and we loved the boat but outgrew it. I don't think they still have the same model but the 192 would probably be worth looking at.<br /><br />Cheers
 
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