[jajones2051]

I'm in the process of looking for a new ski boat (first time buyer). I also kinda like the fish-n-ski options, but the majority of the time would be spent skiing. Ideally looking for something to hold up to 8 people.Just in the early stages of my search, I've found 2 boats that look interesting, but would appreciate any feedback. They are:1. Tahoe Q3 SF (fish n ski)2. 2003 Bayliner 185These are about my price range...any pros or cons with these? If anyone has better suggestion, i'm all ears!As far as price range, I could go anywhere from

[mattttt25]

don't know about the tahoe. bayliners are everywhere, so you'd think they're a quality boat. but they are value, and many people would rather be onshore than caught in one. i guess my opinion is that they are a value line that will last if you take care of it. don't expect a high resale. check out stingray on their website. they seem to offer a lot for less money, and are one of the few companies that i've seen that offer instant pricing on their website. good luck-

[saporoc]

i bought a 2002 180 bayliner with a 125 mercury the boat handles very well and rides smooth for the money you cant beat it 14,000. the only thing that im not sure of is the floor fiberglass over wood in 80's and 90's they had problems with the floor rotting out im not sure if they had fiberglass over wood or not.im sure if you keep it covered and take care of it will last. good luck.

[ajp]

If you want a ski boat, get an inboard/outboard, minimum V6. I bought a new Glastron SX195 in 1999 for $14,995. Then fish from the bank. You don't want fish slime in your wakeboard bindings.

[snapperbait]

I kind of agree with ajp.. If you want a ski boat then get a ski boat especailly since your looking for seating capacity for up to 8 persons (which is about 3 or 4 too many IMO)...I would go a bit farther though, by looking into a ski boat with a V8 straight shaft or V-Drive inboard like you might find in a Mastercraft, Ski Nautique or Malibu... Most of these can be found in combinations like bowriders which would offer you the seating capacity and most importantly the power you will need to haul the gang around... You won't be able to find a new one in the price range of a new Tahoe or the Bayliner but used ones that are in excelent shape are out there for those who a willing too look a little... These type of boats often hold there resale value very well if they are well kept... I skied for many years behind just about everything that floats and can honestly say that you simply cannot beat the straight inboard combination for sking from the perspective of the skiers, passengers and drivers...

[KCook]

None of the boats on your present list are big enough for 8 people. So you may want to consider spending the same money on a larger used boat. Instead of new.Picking out that first boat is a popular topic on the message boards. Here are some more threads that may help - FTB - Need Direction new boat purchase advice min HP requirements for skiing/tubing, etc Name some "value" brands of family runabouts Kelly Cook

[ajp]

One addition to Snapperbait. Unless you are really into semipro skiing or wakeboarding I would stick to the bowrider with a V6 motor. This motor uses a lot less gas and has plenty of drive for amatuer wakeboarding and skiing. If you are not wakeboarding, why not. It is the best thing to happen to boating in years. I gave up skiing 3 years ago. I water skiied slolam for 30+years and have given it up completely. Ask any dealership, they are selling wakeboards 10to1 over water skis.A much easier pull, less hp needed and easier to learn than slolam skiing. And there is unlimited tricks to learn. It is a combination of surfing and skateboarding and snowboarding on the water.Good sites for info:www.wakeboarder.comwww.wakeworld.com

[jajones2051]

Thank you all for your input. After looking and researching the Bayliner and Tahoe, I've decided to spend the extra money and go for something with a bit higher quality...looking hard at some Caravelle's. Does anyone have opinions on them? Specificly the 2003 187 model.

[fosterjed]

Removed by author.

[KCook]

The Caravelles are not fancy. But the construction is decent, IMHO they are a good value. For comparison purposes some other nice boats in about the same $ range would be the Ebbtide 180 and the VIP Valiant 1996. Unfortunately, none of these are big enough for 8 people.Here are some more threads with Caravelle owners - Caravelle 210 NOT an Inteceptor caravelle / 240 New Caravelle Kelly Cook

[sundancer270]

Your First BOAT ? Buy a used one ! I have seen so many people buy a new boat to find out that they are more work than they thought. Look around the harbor. LOOK at all the one & two year old boats FOR SALE. Boats are a LOVE. Take my wife, but don't take my BOAT ! See if you really LOVE Boating before you Buy a NEW one. Remember Boats LOSE 50% of there Vaule in 3 years. Buy a good used one. ( one or two years old) I think a good first Boat would be a 19-20 ft. Open Bow . SeaRay, SeaSwirl. Beachcraft.Stay away from Bayliner if you want to live. Eight People on a Boat ? You'll find out your the only one doing all the work and not haveing any FUN. I Like just the wife and the two kids, and thats to many some times. Haaaaa ( the two best days of your life are the day you buy a boat and the day you sell it ! )