new boat shopping

[coltmans]

OK, my dad always had boats when I was growing up but he always bought very used cheap run abouts. My wife and I are looking at purchasing our first new boat next year. I was looking at Four Winns H203 until they discontinued it this year. I do fish sometimes but want something that we can tube behind and take friends out lake riding.. I have since been looking at 21 or 22 foot Byrant boats with the 5.0 mercruiser engine. I really like Bryant with their built in cooler. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or thoughts on Bryant boats??? They seem to pride theirselves with quality and no wood design on any of their boats. I am looking at something that we will keep for 10+ years so I want something that is easy to maintain.

all help is appreciated

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: new boat shopping

Welcome to iboats.....

In the category you are looking you should also look at Cobalts

 

[hubbard53]

Re: new boat shopping

welcome to the board.

You should also take a look at the yamaha jet boat series - they range from 21-24 ft and are incredibly easy to maintain; that's why I chose it - just like maintaining your care engine. Additonally, the MR1 engine used in the jetboats is one of the best tuned and reliable engines around.

Plus, they're incredibly versatile, have great styling, and awesome layouts.

Not to be a yamaha fanboi, just thought your needs sounded similar to mine when I was shopping

 

[Subliminal]

Re: new boat shopping

I think pretty much any new boat will do you right...just find one you like, in your price range. Boats are built so darn well these days.

We ended up with a Monterey and so far (3 months in) are very happy with it.

However, if I had to do it again, I'd've looked harder at Deckboats. A 21-23 foot deckboat has so much more usable space than a bowrider, it isn't even funny.

 

[hubbard53]

Re: new boat shopping

I think pretty much any new boat will do you right...just find one you like, in your price range. Boats are built so darn well these days.

We ended up with a Monterey and so far (3 months in) are very happy with it.

However, if I had to do it again, I'd've looked harder at Deckboats. A 21-23 foot deckboat has so much more usable space than a bowrider, it isn't even funny.

yeah deckboats are cool - sorta I like thier layout too and was very interested in them when I was shopping. At the time, and it was probably the manufactureers I was looking at, they seemed too "pontoon-like" for my taste.

I'm sure others are doing it but yamaha has done a great job at mixing function with performance - their new 2010 series, viewing from the top only, is closer to a deckboat than a regular ole' bowrider: