[ahnatiw]

Hi Everyone,I am new to the boating world, in fact I am still looking to purchase my first boat. I would like to get your opinions regarding 18-20 foot bowriders.I have narrowed the selection to the Maxum 1900 SR3, Glastron GX185 or 205 and Carvelle 187 or 207.Part of the choice is dealer proximity - Maxum is about 10 minutes, and the other two are about 30 mintues. From what I have read, the dealer is very important cog in the propeller of a boat I plan to be towing tubes, water skiing and doing some fishing. I originally looked and some of the fish and ski boats, but decided that aerated live wells, rod storage and fishing seats are not so important, especially given the additional cost and more importantly compromise in boat selection. I would like to mount a GPS/Fish finder and maybe a bow mounted electric trolling motor.So I am really interested in your experiences with the above mentioned boats. The negative (slightly) comments I have read through the forums or else where are:1. Maxum may have some steering issues at slow speeds, but sounds like it to be common to many deep vee boats - trim tabs (I do not know really what they are) correct much of the handling issues.2. The VEC technology in the glastron is not as rigid from what I can tell, i.e. the boat tends to flex more (might now be bad, would like to hear you experiences). I do like the fact that there is no woodI would also appreciate any comments regarding the engine choices. It seems that on paper a 4.3L MPI (220HP) is the same as a 5L carb (220HP), so how does it affect performance. I do want a fairly quiet boat 82 dBA at cruising and say 93 dBA at WOT. (Note that was one reason for eliminating Larson's boats - they are lound, 107 dBA at WOT). Is there any difference between Volvo Penta and Mercury (I know this is pretty broad)Well, thanks in advance and hope to share some of my boating stories in the near future.Cheers,Al

[DJ]

Al,A tall order.My opinions.1. Maxum is a division of Brunswick/Bayliner& many others. To some, that is a death sentance. To me-not necessarily.2. "Maxum wander". That is a fact of hull design (deep vee) not a defect. All deep vee hulls "wander". The deeper the 'V' the more the wander. Keep in mind that deep V hulls ride better, but use "potentially" more fuel.3. Glastron has always made a fine boat, emphasis on performance. Might "wander" less, but will ride harder. Don't know, check it out.4. Can't speak for Caravelle other that I've seen them around.The most important thing is the DEALER. Choose one you trust. All the brands you mentioned are more than OK for your needs, the important point is dealer service.By the way, go V-8. More torque, better sound, idle, and better resale-even if carb'd.Also, looked used. There are some bargains out there. Of course, have them (used) checked out. Again, dealer service is PARAMOUNT.

[KCook]

Good short list! I don't see a 30 minute drive to the dealer as a problem. In my state it is not usual to buy from dealers 2 hours away.If there is any chance you will want the bow mounted trolling motor, then go ahead and get the fish-n-ski package. Cobbling a trolling motor onto a standard bowrider is not fun. Both Caravelle and Glastron offer fish-n-ski packages in both size boats that you are considering.All V-hull bowriders wander at very low speed, not just Maxum. No big deal, you get use to it. IMHO bowriders this small do not need trim tabs. Trim tab fans will differ with me on that vigorously.There is also no wood in the Caravelles.Either the 4.3L or 5L will work for the 18-19 footers. The 20' boats definitely should get the 5L.See if you can get demo rides. Here are some existing threads with good info for you - Boat buying advice Glastron 195SX Glastron 205 GX Kelly Cook

[garycinn]

A source that is sometimes forgotten is www.boatinglifemag.com that will give specs including dba ratings.For example, Glastron gx185 is 88 db at cruising: http://www.boatinglifemag.com/articl...tegoryID= 122 Caravelle 187, 84 db: http://www.boatinglifemag.com/articl...tegoryID= 122 BTW, there are boats that are in the high 70's for sound. Here's mine at 78db : http://www.boatinglifemag.com/articl...tegoryID =122

[garycinn]

I agree with Kelly, seriously consider a fish and ski if you are wanting to mount a trolling motor.I would opt for the Caravelle 207 FS if you are going to do that much fishing. Nice boat, no wood, decent construction, not much compromise between fish and ski. http://www.caravelleboats.com/Boats/...sh_and_ski.htm Only about $1K (US) more for the F/S over the bow rider.

[carrotsnapper]

Is there any difference between Volvo Penta and Mercury?I personally have a mercruiser, but my mechanic prefers the volvo. He said that they have more standard packages ie, they seem to be built to a standard where the parts are always in the same place. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know if that's true, just something he said to me. I have a deep v hull and it is not really a problem with the wander, just something to get used to. I like the stability it offers. I am fairly new to boating also so I sympathize with your questions. This is the place to get answers. buying a boat was one of the best things I've ever done. I love every minute on it and even the cleaning and caring for it is pleasure for me. good luck, be careful and have fun. Mark

[KCook]

Shouldn't that be "fewer" engine packages, not more? The Mercury line is a little more confusing, do largely to having two single prop drives instead of just one. Of course Volvo now has their composite drive for saltwater, so even that is no longer true. IMHO the differences between Merc and Volvo as to business practices and warranty are greater than the differences in their hardware. Some buyers see Volvo as being more in tune with what customers want, some have been happy enough with Merc.Kelly