Buying my first boat...need help

[jaredrhodenizer]

Hey guys, I am shopping around and getting ready to purchase my first boat sometime in the next month or so. My price range is about $15k. Just wanting something for me and the family. Possibly do some fishing but mostly just riding around and doing some skiing too. I live in Florida near the ocean.

Right now I'm considering two different boats:

The Bayliner Element
and
The Bayliner 160 Bowrider

Can anyone shed some light on the main differences in these two boats? Like I said I am VERY new to all of this. Don't really know too much about boats at all. Also, if you recommend something besides the two I posted above, please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

The Element is a fun type boat, good for a Sunday out in nice weather, not really suited to a variety of activities. The 160 BR will have a windshield and top, so if inclement weather should crop up the family will be more prepared. Nothing worse than whining kids in the rain.

Neither is suited for ocean use unless its a dead calm, so your use time may be limited.

Just my opinions based on 50+ years experience. Your lifestyle may provide a different opinion.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

Neither is suited for ocean use unless its a dead calm, so your use time may be limited.

… just what I was thinking. Where ya' gonna' be running? Lakes or out in the big stuff?

Welcome aboard.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

Don't change your use requirements, look for a better boat that will do what you want it to.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

:welcome: Jared. I wouldn't go new for your first boat because you're not really sure how you are going to be using it and you will loose a lot in the first year or two with depreciation. For 15K you can get something very nice in the used market and as with most new boaters the likely hood of you having the same boat for years to come is remote. Get something small and simple with as few systems as possible. Learn them and see how you actually use the boat. Then spend a little more for your second boat with a much better understanding of what you are getting into. In the mean time it would benefit you greatly if you took a boating safety course either online or in person while you conduct your search.

 

[jaredrhodenizer]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

Ok so after making this post I have discovered that the two boats I originally listed are not suitable for the ocean. I'm also learning that I should probably go used instead of new. Thanks for that.

Here's what I want the boat for:

- Skiing
- Inshore fishing
- Cruising around

The boat will be used mainly in the ocean but close to the shore. I'm not planning on taking it out far. Where we live (near the gulf) the water is pretty calm most of the time. What type of boat would you suggest for this?

Thanks

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

Ok so after making this post I have discovered that the two boats I originally listed are not suitable for the ocean. I'm also learning that I should probably go used instead of new. Thanks for that.

Here's what I want the boat for:

- Skiing
- Inshore fishing
- Cruising around

The boat will be used mainly in the ocean but close to the shore. I'm not planning on taking it out far. Where we live (near the gulf) the water is pretty calm most of the time. What type of boat would you suggest for this?

Thanks

Something bigger than a 16ft. If you are looking at runabouts then I would be looking for at least a 19ft - at that length they tend to be up out of the water a lot higher than the smaller versions, which helps you out when the water gets rougher. Consider renting a few boats so that you have an idea how well they work for your desired purposes.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

skiing, inshore fishing, crusing around........20ft cuddy is my choice... of course I'm partial because I have one as others have said, if your going to be out in the gulf, a larger boat's going to deal with average wave conditions and not toss you around like a 17 ft boat will....sea water has it's own wear issues that others deal with and can guide you,, Im in fresh water only...

 

[southkogs]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

Google search "dual console" boats. It's sorta' like a bow rider designed for bigger water.

It's a good design for fishing/cruising. Marginal for skiing, but unless you're really serious about skiing you should be able to ski some. I've been out on the Gulf and would be uncomfortable is much below a 19'.

Center console or walk around cuddy would be my second choices based on what you've listed. If skiing / water sports are a higher priority (was at the top of your list) probably need to re-evaluate the list.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Buying my first boat...need help

Something in a center console about 20 feet or so would be a good starting point. They have high freeboard to keep you dry, plenty of walk around room for fishing, usually have an outboard which would be easier to start with than an i/o and are typically easier to just hose off at the end of the day. Here's a link to to some center consoles.

Top 10 Center Console Fishing Boat Manufacturers – Get The Latest Boating News & Tips – BoatTrader.com