$3500 "ski" boat?

[tentantoes]

I know, I know. I can't expect much of anything for around $3-4K, but I figured I'd throw a question out there anyway and see what you guys had to say. I only pay cash for my stuff, so this is about all I'm going to spend at this point in my life.

Planned usage would be for a family (of 5) runabout, something decent to teach my kids to ski and wakeboard on as well as get some pulls in myself. My oldest is 4 and the youngest is due in August, so in 5 or 6 years when the baby can ski then we'll invest in something better.

I'm just trying to figure out what older boats have proven to hold up decently as far as the hull and construction are concerned. In my price range I see mostly Bayliners, old Glasstrons, some tri-hulls, and maybe a Maxum here and there. My father-in-law has a Sea Swirl bay boat so I figure a Bayliner will lay about the same wake as his, but what kind of wake will a tri-hull lay?

Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

 

[ArkBoater]

Re: $3500 "ski" boat?

They can be found!

I got this one last summer from the origional owner and ever thing but the speedo works. Been kept in storage when not in use. Was $3500

1988 Cheetah 1650LS with 3.0l Merc. Alpha 1 OD.

Just keep your eyes and ears open and you find exactly what you are looking for!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: $3500 "ski" boat?

you will do better finding an outboard, say 17-18 ft range, suggest closed bow with babies, they can get out of the sun, for a nap. you could cut some vent into the deck for ventilation. 115 -150 hp. there are going to be a lot of boats coming on the market this summer and fall.

also have a ton of sunscreen on board. there is nothing worse for a nights sleep, than a sunburnt little one.

 

[paul88]

Re: $3500 "ski" boat?

I got a bayliner 1985 19' bow rider w/ force 125 and some rigged ski pole. The guy took me out on the water to prove it ran good . Paid 1850, galvanized trailer. NADA: 3250~ low. I'd recommend an outboard as well. Outboard: Harder to steer, easy to work on. I/O: Depends, but I can envision some bloody knuckles, easy to steer. If you're buying an older model and strapped on cash like we all are, the do-it-yourselfer will better appreciate the outboard's open air access to the plugs, cooling systems, ignition.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: $3500 "ski" boat?

Available under $3,000 if you shop around. Be careful of condition before buying. My 23 year old outfit is in better shape than some 5 year old outfits that I have seen. Age means very little, condition and how well maintained it is means a lot.
Best of look with your search and please post some photos of what you get. If you are going outboard go with Johnson, Evinrude or Mercury as spares are plentiful and very available.

http://www.zshare.net/image/125952314ee64fe8/
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http://www.zshare.net/image/12595533a4fab4d9/
http://www.zshare.net/image/125955616165f020/

 

[dodgeramsst2003]

Re: $3500 "ski" boat?

Not sure where you're at, but I ran across this one this morning.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/721157863.html

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: $3500 "ski" boat?

Looks great but beware the soft spot. It usually means it is spreading elsewhere.