Watcha think???

[itguy]

Hi - My wife and I are looking to purchase our first boat! We've been to a few dealers and my wife likes the look of the Four Winns fish and ski but we don't want to spend 30k on a new boat. They also had Stratos and those looked nice but were around the same price. Ideally, we would like to stay around 15k. We want a fish and ski boat because I want to get back into fishing and my wife loves to ski...good compromise.

So, I stumbled across a couple boats last night and I want your opinion on the boat, motor, pricing, things to look for etc...

I only looked for information on the Stratos but I wasn't able to find a ton of info. The NADA value is between 17-20 (if I'm doing it right). We would definately need trailer brakes so I hope it's equipped.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-STRATOS-290-SF-94302653

http://www.boattrader.com/find/listing/2004-STINGRAY-195+FX-94226485

This site is a wonderful resource and I know I have a lot of reading to do to continue learning. Since this is my first boat I'm also going to look into beginner's boating classes, etc...

Thanks for your help!

Walt

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Watcha think???

Both seem like nice boats. One is an outboard and the other is an inboard/outboard. This forum contains a lot of threads debating the difference between the different drives. Do a search to see the pros and cons of each drive so that you can determine what is right for you. Since this is your first boat, I would pay for a professional to inspect the boat. Also, I like used boats as a first boat, so I think you are on the right track.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Watcha think???

being a first boat, the inboard/outboard requires much more mechanical maintainance. if you plan on maintaining yourself, the outboard is the way to go. the outboard is set up to be a ski boat, the i/o is set up for an all round boat.

you need to decide what you want to use the boat for. the i/o is far more realistically priced. you really need to do some homework before buying. to me the two boats don't really compare.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

here is a prime example of not doing homework. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288830

 

[itguy]

Re: Watcha think???

Thanks for the replies! I admit, I'm not comparing apples to apples here but these are two fish/ski boats for sale locally. I agree the Stratos is setup more for skiing but the tower is easily removed so maybe it won't be too hard to switch to "fishing mode"

Do you believe the Stratos is overpriced? I will not be doing any maintenance myself so I guess this one gets a point.

Is the Stingray a good boat? I have a "problem" (that's what my wife calls it) buying more than we really need..buying the better "brand" just in case you do need to sell something...maybe they hold their value better and such. I'm sure the Stingray will fit our needs but I would hate wondering what if just like the other guy right now..haha

The Stingray already has a bimini but no trolling motor which I guess isn't a big deal. I don't think we'll have any issues pulling it and it will fit in our garage. We think the Stratos will fill our garage due to the length and the wife isn't too happy about that but I see the Stratos as something that will satisfy our needs for the next 4-5 years..just not seeing the Stingray in the same light right now but things change once you come down to reality!

 

[kaferhaus]

Re: Watcha think???

here is a prime example of not doing homework. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288830

While it's true that the fellow who started that thread didn't do much (if any) homework he's likely going to come out just fine... not really a good example of a guy who failed to exercise "due diligence" and got hosed as a reward for his lack of effort.

First order of business is to determine if this is the "type" of boat for you. If you decide it is then proceed from there.

Check the boat for rot.

Water test the boat.... never ever buy a boat (unless you're getting it for next to nothing) without trying it in the water. Preferably take the wife and kids along so you'll get a better idea whether or not it's underpowered.

Check out the trailer, all the boats systems such as gauges, pumps, condition of hatches, hull dings and the condition of the gel coat if it's a fiberglass boat.

Obviously take the engine cover off and look at the engine for any signs of abuse, peeling paint, corrosion etc.

If the dealer or owner balks at a water test then say your good byes and move on to the next candidate.

Any seller that's not willing to jump through hoops to sell a big ticket item is not worth dealing with.

Part of doing your homework though is making up your mind what kind of boat will meet your needs... sellers, be they private or otherwise usually can smell a "tire kicker" a mile away and frankly that's why some folks are turned away when they ask for a "water test". If the water test is going to make up your mind one way or the other then demand it.

True story:

I once met a guy at the ramp to water test a 2250 Edgewater that I'd decided was not what I really wanted (wanted a faster boat). He showed up at the ramp with two fishing poles and a tackle box!

When I asked him what was with the fishing equipment he said "well we're going out anyway I figured we might as well catch some fish".

I left him at the ramp and went fishing with my wife.

My idea of a water test is 30 minutes to an hour tops. It doesn't take half a day to find out if the boat acts properly.

And I found out many months later that this guy (gotta give him credit I guess) had been snagging freebie fishing trips for several years.. guess some guys just took him on out and let him fish... LOL