My family and I are looking to buy a bowrider in the next year, but as we have never owned a boat before we are trying to get as much information as possible from seasoned boaters. I'd like to hear from as many people as possible so I can weigh the arguments and better educate myself.
The specs we are looking for are:
A carrying capacity of at least 1200-1300 lbs
Seating for 7-8 people (we think with 1200-1300 lbs capacity this isn't a problem)
A reputation for durability and not breaking down-hull integrity is paramount
Approximately 18 feet long, a couple feet more or less either way is fine
Good for kneeboarding
A captain's seat that isn't cramped (Most StingRays we checked were too snug, but largest were OK)
At first we were looking at buying a Bayliner, but we've since come to hear that the durability and reliability of those types of boats is sub-par with a high tendency of breaking down. I don't know if this has changed over the years, so I would like to know what others have to say on the subject.
We also took a look at StingRays and as I said, most of those were too close to the side windshield.
This boat will only be used on a freshwater lake for recreation, but not fishing. We are also aware of the upkeep that will be involved with winterizing and storage during the off season. With these specs in mind, we'd also like if anyone could give us their opinion on cost for value. We were not able to get estimates on the price of a new boat if we chose to go with a Four Winns or a SeaRay model, and we don't know much about Cobalt aside from one we saw at the boat show. A used boat is not out of the question, but we are understandably afraid of getting stuck with a lemon.
What boat brand(s) do you think is best for our needs?
Which brands do you consider most reliable for this?
Any rough estimates for the ones you suggest?
What things should we look out for or be cautious about if we buy used?
The specs we are looking for are:
A carrying capacity of at least 1200-1300 lbs
Seating for 7-8 people (we think with 1200-1300 lbs capacity this isn't a problem)
A reputation for durability and not breaking down-hull integrity is paramount
Approximately 18 feet long, a couple feet more or less either way is fine
Good for kneeboarding
A captain's seat that isn't cramped (Most StingRays we checked were too snug, but largest were OK)
At first we were looking at buying a Bayliner, but we've since come to hear that the durability and reliability of those types of boats is sub-par with a high tendency of breaking down. I don't know if this has changed over the years, so I would like to know what others have to say on the subject.
We also took a look at StingRays and as I said, most of those were too close to the side windshield.
This boat will only be used on a freshwater lake for recreation, but not fishing. We are also aware of the upkeep that will be involved with winterizing and storage during the off season. With these specs in mind, we'd also like if anyone could give us their opinion on cost for value. We were not able to get estimates on the price of a new boat if we chose to go with a Four Winns or a SeaRay model, and we don't know much about Cobalt aside from one we saw at the boat show. A used boat is not out of the question, but we are understandably afraid of getting stuck with a lemon.
What boat brand(s) do you think is best for our needs?
Which brands do you consider most reliable for this?
Any rough estimates for the ones you suggest?
What things should we look out for or be cautious about if we buy used?