Newbie how big a boat can I handle

[sonny_k9]

I don't mind getting a small bowrider or a CC but I live in MD and there are excellent boating oppurtunities in the Chesapeake bay. I was thinking about the bayliner 175 as a starter boat, will teach me everything about boating (trialering, launching etc) but this boat might be too small to take in the choppy water of the bay. I am not sure I will be comfortable towing/launching a bigger boat. Am I making too big a deal out of it?<br /><br />I like the bayliner because its a LOT of boat for a GOOD price.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

How many feet is it? I wouldn't go any bigger than 18' for a starter. Remember that Bayliners are cheap for a reason...

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

Yes, because Bayliners are carefully planned, well built, efficiently produced, and smartly marketed. In the long run, you might be more happy with an outboard than with an I/O though.

 

[sonny_k9]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

Outboard motors are the ones that are hanging from the back right? I thought most Bowriders are I/O<br /><br />Bayliners are cheaper compared to other boats but not a whole lot cheaper. THe 175 is an exception where its waaay under any other 175 (stingray has one for the same price <10K and its vanilla even compared to the bayliner). I think the Bayliner 175 is an exceptional value, the few extras that other more expensive boats provide are not worth the extra $7,000-$10,000. A recent good used boat is real hard to fine. So for me, the options are to buy an average used boat which is about 6-9 years old or buy a stripped but brand new Bayliner.

 

[youngboater]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

I agree with EBG on the outboard part.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

I think for your first boat you should look for something from the 70s and 80s. You can get ALOT more for your money. It's like a car...would you rather have a '92 Honda Civic or a '70 Chevelle? There's a bunch of Mercury inline 6's around (outboards) and they are often cheap, and very reliable.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

Bayliner 175 is also cheaper because they are built in Mexico.<br /><br />Since you mentioned towing, What is your tow vehicle?

 

[cuzner]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

If your going to be in rough water I'd stick to a small cuddy.Bowriders give you room,but a wave or 2 over the bow in one can take the fun out of a boat trip.In an older boat,I'd suggest getting an I/O for your first,older outboards can can be tempermental.<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

all my boating is currently in the chesapeake. my 20' center console does me well, plenty of boat for the rivers, and can handle the bay on decent days. but when it gets messy out there, it's no fun.<br /><br />a buddy bought the bayliner 1750 two years ago for the bay. when he loaded up the family, he couldn't get into the bay even with a light chop. just not a lot of boat when you put 4 people in it.<br /><br />agree on the used thing. take your 10k and find a 20' center console or bow rider. 135-150hp is about the power you want. do your homework and you'll find a nice boat and get a good deal.<br /><br />make sure you can tow it, store it, etc. good luck and have fun-

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

Wait a minute here. Used boats are everywhere and you would be better off putting your money into almost anything made between the mid and late 90's than a new 17' Bayliner. You see, it is NOT an excellent value, quite the opposite actually. There is no make of boat on the market that will losse its value faster than a small Bayliner, none at all. You will loose your **** on it as fast as you come to understand that 17 feet is not engough and you should have bought something around 20 instead (which in a couple of year old boat shouldn't cost you a dime more than a new Bayliner). Get yourself a copy of your local BoatTrader or similar and start looking around. Don't buy anything until the fall and then take your time. Stay as far away from a Bayliner as the territorial bounds of the state of Maryland allow, and don't go out of state looking for one.<br /><br />Thom

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

Go take a look at the local marina on the bay. Walk around and talk to boat owners that boat the bay. See what they are using. There's nothing like a few opinions from actual boaters from your area.<br /><br />It sounds like a bigger boat is essential if you are going to boat the bay. If your boat is inadequate, your inexperience will get you into more trouble than you need. Don't be too proud when you do go out and boat the bay...wear your lifejacket and insist that all members on board do as well.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

I agree with the opinions stated above. I got into boating 2 years ago with my 1988 Four Winns 200 (20' 9") with the OMC 4.3 Cobra I/O. At first I thought it might be too big to start with but other than docking, the size is not an issue. In fact, I would not feel safe in anything smaller unless it was a self bailing fishing style boat, not a bowrider. My next one will probably be another Four Winns, maybe a 225 Sundowner cuddy cabin with the 5.7/Volvo. <br />Although I did a lot of minor repairs and re-did the interior, over the 2 years I have owned it, if I bought a brand new one 2 years ago, it probably would have depreciated more than I spent on this one! So look for a used better quality bigger boat, if possible, self-bailing with an outboard, better for those conditions. An I/O is nice because of the familiar car engine design, but in salt water you must maintain it well or it will cost you big time.

 

[gsbodine]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

Like cobra said, talk to people. Boaters are generally very friendly and helpful (and very proud of their rigs and will talk about them *a lot* if you let them).<br /><br />The other thing that I didn't see mentioned is that taking a class would also be helpful when you get started. Most are free (with a small materials fee) when given by the local Power Squadrons or USCG Aux. I think a used boat in good condition (having been surveyed) is a very good idea.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

The Bayliner 175 is an excellent value...regardless of where its manufactured. I'm a freshwater small lake boater myself so I can't speak to the kind of conditions the bay will give you. So if a bowrider will work in the Bay, the 175 is an excellent boat to learn on. The 175 is going to take a larger depreciation hit when you buy it, but that's because you didn't pay a whole lot for it in the beginning...its the way the market works.<br /><br />My advice...is to look for a used boat for a little less $. It will probably have a couple of dings/scratches in it, so when you put a couple of fresh ones in it as you learn, you won't be as bothered by them. Then in a couple years, when you know what you like & don't like about a boat, you'll be able to get what really suits your needs. Plus those scratches will have already diminished its value, and you won't take a beating when you go to sell it.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

I have never boated in chesapeake bay but I have boated alot in the sanfransisco bay. If it is anything like the bay here where the wind kicks up and weather changes without warning you do not want a 17' bowrider! I have a glastron 175sx and a 19' bluewater exec.cuddy. The first time I took the glastron out in less than perfect weather I had to run the bilge from the water over the bow. The 19' is much better suited to bad weather in the bay. If a big wave goes over the bow it runs right off the sides instead of coming in the boat. I won't get into the bilgeliner quality argument. Get a bigger boat for the bay. If you have to have a 17' then get a whaler. <br />Good luck

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

Ahh..., the ol' a new Bayliner vs. any-other-boat-on-the-planet debate!

 

[sonny_k9]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

So I went boating today (perks of being a full time student and it was GREAT....but the bay is just a scary place full of choppy water, not much fun at all. The inlets and places close to land are the ones that are fun. I'm probably going to stick to lakes and quiet inlets won't venture out in the bay much (can't really avoid it bcz its 15 miles from where I live). <br />Is the 175 Bowrider now a good boat for my boating needs??<br /><br />I scanned boats/us.com and there is hardly any late year BR or CC within my range (<15k).

 

[BinLurkin]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

I feel you are making to big a deal out of it. Get the biggest boat you can afford, it won't be big enough anyway, you'll always want a bigger one. It's a disease. Driving & launching anything you can tow is no big deal, you can handle it. It ain't rocket science, you can do it.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

A lot of good advice on not buying too small a boat in a year you will want a 19’-21’. <br />I bought my boat then took the new boater course from the local Power Squadron (Coast Guard also offers classes) in hindsight I wish I took the class first. You will learn a lot and get some good local advice on what to buy.<br />Roscoe asked:<br />

Bayliner 175 is also cheaper because they are built in Mexico.<br /><br />Since you mentioned towing, What is your tow vehicle?

What are you going to use to tow, is it set up with a towing package (oil cooler etc)? <br /><br />Good luck with your new boat; keep looking you should be able to find a good used boat for under $15K

 

[SELLADAM]

Re: Newbie how big a boat can I handle

sonny_k9 - You said in your last post that you couldn't find any late year bow riders in your price range. If your interested in looking as far away as NJ, I have my starter boat up for sale right now. It's a 1999 Sea Ray 180 bow rider with a 135HP Mercury outboard (and a trailer). It's listed for $11,500 at Causeway Marine in Manahawkin, NJ. This was my first boat purchased new in May of 1999. The boat is in very good condition, and the engine starts/runs flawlessly. It cruises at 30 to 40 mph and tops out at over 60 mph at WOT. After 5 years, "two-foot-itis" caught up with me and I recently took delivery of a new Cobalt 220. Causeway has the boat listed on boatshoppermagazine.com (go to the website, at the top of the page click "Dealers", then "NJ", then "Causeway Marine" and then in the featured inventory box select the "1999 SEA RAY 180 BOWRIDER").