Two boats...which to buy?

[FredGarvin]

Re: Two boats...which to buy?

This boat topped out at about 42 today (yeah, on a fairly smooth lake) with three adults and two kids...I'd like more power but I am also on a budget. I've looked up some Sea Ray 185s with a 4.3 and the price creep limits me...I'd have to stretch hard to get in to one (heck, I'm stretching a bit on the boats I've posted about here).

Having said that, I don't want to buy a boat that I'll think is crap speed-wise...mostly I'll be using it for cruising, goofing around, and towing my kids on tubes and boards. Do I need to be able to top out at 60 for that?

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Two boats...which to buy?

Fred those are both really super looking boats and I guess I can appreciate the fuel sipping aspect and not needing a speed demon engine in every hull. Good luck to ya, love the tanning pad on the Stingray.

 

[samagy16]

Re: Two boats...which to buy?

Fred,

Was reading your thread earlier and looking around saw this. I know you are in Fl. and this boat is 6 years newer than the one you are looking at and only a couple k more. Always negotiable. Good luck with your search.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/1278074769.html

 

[dorelse]

Re: Two boats...which to buy?

This boat topped out at about 42 today (yeah, on a fairly smooth lake) with three adults and two kids...I'd like more power but I am also on a budget. I've looked up some Sea Ray 185s with a 4.3 and the price creep limits me...I'd have to stretch hard to get in to one (heck, I'm stretching a bit on the boats I've posted about here).

Having said that, I don't want to buy a boat that I'll think is crap speed-wise...mostly I'll be using it for cruising, goofing around, and towing my kids on tubes and boards. Do I need to be able to top out at 60 for that?

I cannot speak for how a 3.0L performs on the ocean or really rough waters. For the lakes I used ours in (I have a different boat now, smaller, less powerful actually), the 3.0L was great for a family to play around in, good luck with your decision.

I still think you'll like the sundeck layout over the Sea Ray's...BUT...you, of course, may not see it that way!

 

[H8tank]

Re: Two boats...which to buy?

Do I need to be able to top out at 60 for that?

Top speed is irrelevant.

Power to get on plane, get on plane while pulling a tube/skier etc.

The little more you pay now for a 4.3, will be right there when it comes time to sell.