New boat recommendation?

[elmonty]

I live in Michigan and I'm about 2 miles away from several lakes. I'm thinking about a boat, but I'm not sure which one is right for me. I have a family of 3: my wife, who doesn't really like boats :-( and an 8-year old daughter. I have a third garage where I can store a boat.<br /><br />The boat would probably get used only on weekends and likely only 10-12 times per year. I'm not into fishing, so the boat would probably be used for cruising, partying, and tube pulling. There's no apparent place nearby that rents boats, so purchasing one seems to be the only option.<br /><br />I've considered a PWC and I think they're absolutely great, but not good for just relaxing on the lake. However, their maneuverability, both on and off the water, is highly appealing. I'm sure the daughter and I would enjoy a PWC, but the wife would never get near it (perhaps not a decision factor ;-) ). Also, you can't take guests out on a cruise in a PWC. I've used my sister-in-law's PWC and it was a riot, but also a gas guzzler.<br /><br />We went to the Detroit Boat Show yesterday and saw a few interesting boats. Both the wife and I like pontoons, and the price is right, but I don't like the idea of storing and towing such a beast. We have a Mercury Villager minivan, which does not yet have a trailer hitch. I've heard that an after-market trailer hitch limits how much I can pull.<br /><br />I like the Sea-Doo Challenger a lot, but I've heard that it uses premium fuel and is not very fuel efficient. A 3-hour cruise at 30mph on one tank of gas doesn't seem like a lot. I like the safety of no prop, though.<br /><br />The Bayliner 175 seems like an incredible bargain, but it is a bit sparse. And I know it's a really minor nit, but the lack of a CD player annoys me.<br /><br />I've read other threads here about Bayliner vs. Glastron vs. Stingray, and I'm no closer to knowing what would work best for me.<br /><br />I've never owned a boat, so I'm not sure what the maintenance and winterizing requirements of these various boats are.<br /><br />Any help is appreciated.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: New boat recommendation?

Hi elmonty and Welcome,<br /><br />I think that an 18' or so runabout would be right up your alley. Something like the Bayliner 175 you mentioned would be a good choice. It would give you some room for the family and some speed, which it sounds like you are after. Your Van, with the proper hitch installed, should pull it with no problem short distances and it would be easy to store. Price is also a factor. For something you are going to use only 10 times a year and the wife really is not thrilled with, it may be the best package for both of you. Don't be too concerned with extras like the radio. Most times if you haggle with them, they will throw a few things in to close the deal. So shoot for that, along with life vests, cooler, Etc. when you buy. Something else to consider, is the choice between jet boat and a prop driven rig. You will have much more control and manuverability with a prop drive than the jet drive. Just remember this, most people buy one size boat and regret that they didn't get a bigger one real quick. That goes for the power plant as well. Get the largest motor package you can afford and it will pay off now and later when you sell it. Well, others will have their opinion for you to hear and I hope you become part of the boating community real soon. This is a great place for any info you will need in the future///

 

[stlouis_g]

Re: New boat recommendation?

I bought a bayliner 175 at the boat show at the Denver Boat show. Unfortanetaly, I have not taken it out yet because it has been to cold. Keep in mind you can get the 175 with the "Family fun package" which adds a radio and bimini top. I went for the XT package which adds a wakeboard tower. If you look at bayliners web page for the 175, one of the selling points is it will fit in a garage.<br /><br />Greg

 

[elmonty]

Re: New boat recommendation?

Thanks, Greg. Fortunately, my garage is pretty big.<br /><br />I've also thought about used boats, but several family members have recommended against them because I'm not an engine tinkerer, and they say that I need to be able to tinker with a motor on a used boat.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: New boat recommendation?

First, the comment about the minivan. I think I have only seen Category 1 receiver hitches on them which translates to something like 2 pwc on a 500 lb. trailer. They are the small square receivers; like 1 in to 1.5 in across. <br /><br />You get into an 18 footish sized boat with proper hp and then throw in your fun things and you will be hitting 3500 lbs real quick. Now you are in Category 2 with a 2 in receiver; 5000 lbs normal towing and 500 lb tongue wt.<br /><br />Even if you just tow it up the hill from the launch and put it in a rented shed at the lake, you still have to pull it up the ramp.<br /><br />I'd check that first; make your decision about what you are up against and what you are going to do about it and then go boat shopping.<br /><br />Lots of folks make some really nice party boats. I know of Searay, now a division of Brunswick, but there are lots of others. Lounge seats, swim platforms, sunning decks and all is what you're after.<br /><br />No place to put the tube unless you get a sun deck model has a rear deck about 5 ft from the rear of the boat and is upholstered real nice and even with the top sides of the boat. You can crawl right off the top of that into a boat seat inside, or going aft, right over and down onto the swim platform. Suim platforms are really a must for what I hear you saying.<br /><br />Usually these are I/O's....inboard/outboard...automotive type engine inside and outdrive outside. You can just put the tubes on top of that deck, lash them down and be on your way. Otherwise they are in your face in the cockpit and overwhelm the occupants. Can't do anything because the tube is always in your way.<br /><br />I agree that an 18 footer is a good all around choice.<br /><br />Pontoons are getting popular on at least one of our local lakes, but like you said; off the water they are real beasts; but they are relatively light for their size ....usually 20 plus footers, and may be more compatible with your van.<br /><br />Why don't you just do this. Go to your local lake and look over the rigs that people are using the way you want to use yours, and see what they are doing with them. As them about the rig; what they like and dislike. Will help you a lot. What they would do differently if given the opportunity.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Mark

 

[KCook]

Re: New boat recommendation?

I need to be able to tinker with a motor on a used boat

Only true for older used boats. A used boat that is only 3-5 years old should be pretty much trouble free.<br /><br />I agree with Mark that the minivan will be a grave limit on the size boat you can consider. Aluminum boats with outboard motors are lightest of all. Fancy aluminum brands include Lund and Princecraft.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[roscoe]

Re: New boat recommendation?

First off, WAIT.<br />You are all over the place in wants and desires.<br />You want a pwc, but you like pontoons, but want to tube, and want a stereo, and want new, and you better get something that the wife will enjoy.<br /><br />First, realize that the Villager is a limiting factor.<br />It does not have the factory tow package, which is more than a hitch. <br /><br />If you are looking at a heavier boat, get an older full size pick-up, and use it just for hauling the boat around.<br /><br />Second, figure out a budget, for purchase and getting it set up the way you want it. Are we talking $3000 or $15,000 or $25.000, or doesn't it matter?<br /><br />Maintenance will run from $100-$500 per year.<br />Repair costs are an unknown.<br /><br />THere are alot of smaller 10-15 year old bass boats out there at bargain prices. Friend just picked up a 1991 16' with a 1996 75hp on it, for $4000.<br />All he does with it is pull the kids around the lake.<br />It works great, lots of storage, plenty of room for the kids' junk.<br /><br />I have 3 motors between 11 and 24 years old. None of them have required a single repair. Just routine maintenance.<br /><br />You want a stereo.<br />I don't want you to have a stereo, neither do your fellow boaters and lakeshore land owners.<br />I think they are a distraction on the water, especially for new boaters.<br /><br />If you want to take friends with you, then figure on room for 6.<br /><br />A properly powered smaller pontoon can pull a tuber, and be very economical on the gas for leisurely drives. And they are easy to tow if your vehicle is appropriately sized.<br /><br /><br />I want you to forget about the boat show "specials", usually they are not special.<br /><br />Many used boats will be for sale between now and June.<br />And dealers always have lots of new boats to sell.<br /><br />Try to get out on a few friends or neighbors boats, to see what you like. Offer them a tank of gas and ask them to take you out and show you the good and bad points of their boat.<br /><br />There are about 500 guys in MI that bought the wrong boat in the last year or two, they will be selling theirs this spring.<br /><br />There are about 237 more things that you should concider, but lets start with these.