wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

[indy440]

...after only weeks of buying a one, the wife says she wants a bigger boat, and I agree 100%...

Now im looking for a 19-ish foot bowrider with a minimum 4.3l I/O. The first boat was cheap... but now im terrified of spending thousands and thousands on a boat with a possible rotting hull or soaked foam... I read this forum too much and it makes me paranoid...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

And well it should. I think I've gotten to the point where I'm terrified of any glass hull more than 4 years old.

That being said....I know "get a marine survey" gets thrown around a little too loosely on this site (especially when suggested to people looking at <$2k boats) but for you that $400 or so may be well worth it peace of mind.

 

[pinecrestwoods]

Re: wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

1st of all.... hey!.... sounds like good news! What do you currently have? And what has led you to think of a 19 footer? I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that- it's just that you've become unhappy with your current setup so quickly that I'm thinking you should really get in a bunch of boats and see what feels right, plus a little more. I would think a boat show would allow you the opportunity to sit in one and play with all the stuff without a lot of pressure to hurry.

Also- to follow up with what ezmobee said: how does a marine survey insure that you do not have a waterlogged hull??? If there is some secret technique there- I, indy440, and everybody else would love to know!!! No disrespect meant- I'm just REALLY curious.

 

[oshkoshboating]

Re: wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

Indy - I know the feeling! Same thing happened to me (went from 15' to a sweet 19').

My biggest advice I can give you before you sign the contract is to get it professionally looked at. As several threads on this forum have stated, a 20 year old boat can be in better shape than a 3 year old boat.

Remember, boat is also "but only another thousand".

Cheers!

 

[indy440]

Re: wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

Currently I have a 1981 Glaston 167 with a 50hp merc outboard. Its a very small boat with a very shallow hull (not that good for small kids). I also have a 90hp johnson motor I had planned on installing on it, but at this point I just want to sell everything and buy bigger.

I actually went and looked at a 19' glastron bow rider less than an hour ago. It was nice, except it had a 4-cylinder...

Im thinking of going with around a 19' boat just because it seems that will fit our family of 4 pretty well right now...

 

[indy440]

Re: wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

There is a 1994 Crownline 182 listed in the local paper for $5k with a 305 in it. I might try to go look at it tonight or tomorrow night...

I'd really like to sell one or both of my other boats first though... I bought the glastron with the 50hp knowing I'd want a bigger motor so a week later I bought another boat (in bad condition) just for the 90hp johnson on it. I dont feel like changing motors anymore so I have two boats sitting at the house. Both run, one is in bad condition... I'd rather not have three boats sitting there so if at least one doesnt sell fast maybe I'll have to move one to a friend's yard for a bit... haha...

I'm just getting back into boating already have a collection going... hahaha.... not good...

 

[oshkoshboating]

Re: wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

I hear ya! I had a 1971 Steury four seater (see here: http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/1284611936.html) - anything over 6" waves was a bounce-fest (and I weigh 300+). Imagine the fun my 8 year old was having!

After much searching, we bought an 1987 18' Larson open bow 180HP Mercruiser Alpha one. DEEP vhull - now it slices through waves like butter.

I am no boating expert, but I think a 4 cylinder might be on the small side for a 19'. Just my humble opinion.

I suggest doing some searching on this forum, I thought I read a great thread on pro's/con's of 4cyl versus 6cyl, and how to determine what engine you need (skiing, fishing, cruising, combination, etc).

Good luck! Let us know what you get (and pics of course!)

 

[indy440]

Re: wife says its time for a bigger boat, who am I to argue? haha

I'm pretty sure I'll need at least a 4.3L 6-cylinder, but would prefer a 5.7L v-8...

This crownline has a 305 V-8, which seems like it should be OK...