[Douglas K]

Newbie here. Didn't review all old threads so I appologize if this has been asked recently. I want to by a boat for skiing with the family (wife and 2 kids). Want to buy 10-12 years old, I/O, approx 19', bowrider. Want to buy older so I can get a higher quality boat. From earlier posts - looks like Sea Ray, Glastron get good marks. What about Four Winns, Rinker, Wellcraft? I don't want to get a dedicated ski boat like Tige or Mastercraft. Please give me your opinions on your favorites (based on quality, handling, workmanship, reliability). TIA

[KCook]

If we are going to dial the time machine to over 10 years ago my short list would be Chaparral, Four Winns, Regal, and Sea Ray.Kelly Cook

[Lou C]

I would agree with those choices, but if you can try to go newer than 10-12 years. Remember, old boats have a lot of structural wood, and wood rots if it is not protected properly. Even leaving it under a cover can cause rot since you have dampness with a lack of air circulation. Fixing a rotten floor or transom is not going to be your idea of fun, trust me on that one!I think the best buy in used boats is the newest one in the best shape you can afford.10-12 years and you are getting to the end of the life cycle unless it was immpeccably maintained.Fresh water use is better than salt, out here in Long Island, salt water used boats seem to be worth much less that an identical boat used on freshwater lakes.

[sundog]

Doug~ also depends on how much work/money you want to put into it. I disagree with Lou on a 10-12 yr boat being at the end of its life cycle...1990 boats in good condition will last you forever if you take care of it. thats the key...find a boat that has been taken care of, or be prepared to spend some time fixing it up. make sure to check it out very well before buying...spend a lot of time on transom and floorboards. your boat choices are good.

[Lou C]

I agree on the point "if has been maintained" but a fact of life is that when a boat gets older, it tends to get negelected, and not used as much, which accelerates the decline of its condition. If you live in a damp climate (like here!) rot is a real problem, even if it is covered, the cover has to breathe. Check the transom and floor very carefully (tap with the handle of a screwdriver all over the floor, on the transom too) and listen for a dull thud, that is rot, a sharp rap is what you want to hear. The thing about plywood is that it can be sound on the top couple of plies and rotted underneath. Your best bet is a boat 3-4 years old that is in good shape and has leveled out on the depreciation curve. My Four Winns had some floor rot that I fixed last spring, it is not that hard but time consuming and messy! The rest of the boat is fine, it was built solid but it is 16 years old and like an old car, you get to a point where a lot of things have to be redone.

[Douglas K]

Thaks to everyone. I will be tapping with a screwdriver!!