[andrewgroup]

Looking to buy a newer (not new) boat in the coming year and want to get started this fall. My basic search criteria are:No Wood used in constructionMinimum 4.3 V6 engineMercruiser Bravo preferred unless someone can tell me a better choice.My current boat is a 1969 Deep V and I like that stability and would prefer deep V again since my common lake is shallow and choppy mostly.I would appreciate any recommendations of what boat builders eliminated Wood and have these basic features. (I got burnt buying a Mariah with a near rotten wood transom)

[89cruisers]

Hi, Well I dont know what kind of boat you want(speed, luxury, runabout etc.) but Cruisers inc. (Cruisers Yachts for newer models) makes a good luxury/speed hybrid boat and they are excellent on the water I use mine in Lake St. Clair which can get choppy and it handeles pretty good. the frames are (not on every model but most) aluminum, and the exteriors are 100% fiberglass not fiberglass plated like some. and they have great stringer systems. theyre website is Cruisersyachts.com

[KCook]

You won't find a lot of 4.3L motors hooked up to Bravo drives. If you don't like the Merc Alpha drive then try the Volvo with SX drive.Kelly Cook

[xltier]

the bravo is mostly higher horsepower.

[RatFish]

Originally posted by KCook: You won't find a lot of 4.3L motors hooked up to Bravo drives. If you don't like the Merc Alpha drive then try the Volvo with SX drive.Kelly Cook

I've never seen a 4.3L, Deep-V with a Bravo drive. I'm with Kelly on this one. I don't think you'll find many "main stream" manufacturers putting out this configuration unless special ordered. IMHO, the Bravo is overkill with a 4.3L

[andrewgroup]

Seems I was confused on the outdrive issue. I didn't understand the advice I recieved. To me more clear, I think an Open Bow boat is what I'm looking at. Top speed in the 40 to 45 mph range, but since we are a skiiing / tubing family having a better pull power is more important. We are used to our 1969 DeepV 19' run-about with a 225hp 327chevy and an Older TypeII 1:1.78 Outdrive. It's a heavy old boat and does well in the choppy waters.Buying a used boat again scares me a bit as I don't want to risk repeating that rotten transom.I was told the Bravo was a tough outdrive... My 1969 outdrive is in original condition and never cracked and still runs great, but I'm getting ready to move up a few decades when it decides to shread some gears....(nobody works or has parts for that old dog"

[DJ]

In the 19' range, the Alpha is fine. Or, the Volvo SX-my preference. The Volvo shifts smoother nad has a better warranty.At any rate, get a V-6 over a 4 cyl.

[KCSteve]

One boat that comes to mind is Caravelle. A buddy of mine has a 207 that he really likes. All fiberglass. Check em out

[KCook]

Unless the boat is only a few years old, the no wood construction requirement is going to be tough to meet. Here is another thread that gets into construction on different brands - Four Winns or Rinker Kelly Cook