Buying new boat... have some questions??

[Learo2000]

Well I went to the Seatlle boat show to just have a look see, and it looks like I may be buying a new boat..... IT will be used in the Puget Sound.....<br /><br />Campion 542 sc with a suzuki 140 O/B http://www.campionboats.com/explorer/542.htm <br /><br />Does anyone have any comments either way on this boat or boats that I should also look into. We were looking at the Trophy as well, but this boat just seemed to have so much more quality features, and was a good mix between a utility boat with extra seating and features.. I signed the paper work, but it is not legal binding (or so they say).. I am going to test drive it this weekened and see what they will give me for my trade in. any comments would be great.. thanks Doug

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

That is a nice boat. If you are going to really go do it hard, then go for a Whaler. Whalers are nice and I have one. I like those kind of boats that you are looking at to. Those are nice. Thanks<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

depends on what you'll use it for. i think the 140 will be sufficient, but don't expect to win races. looks like a good boat to cruise on and do some skiing/tubing. maybe a little fishing. cutty seems like a waste to me, it has to be small being on a 20 footer. but it's all in what you want. good luck-

 

[Learo2000]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Thanks for the info... I would like a whaler as well... but I think they are out of my price range....... <br /><br />We will mostley use it for cruzing the sound, some fishing, crabing and relaxing... sound is to cold most of the time for tubbing.....yeh the cuddy si a bit small, but will be good to use for the potty, and the dogs can take a nap in it.....<br /><br />any other comments would be great.. thanks Guys

 

[JB]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Moved to Boat Questions.

 

[Learo2000]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Thanks JB.. I saw after I posted that.. I might have put it in the wrong spot... sorry <br /><br />Doug

 

[flashback]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Hey Doug, thats a nice looking boat, don't know anything about the brand, except that it has been around for quite a while.. as far as the cuddy goes, I wouldn't be without it..it is a great place to store all your tubes,wakeboard,skis,fishing tackle etc....get the picture. anyway thats my opinion.........good luck.........

 

[Learo2000]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Thanks flashback.... anyone have any comments on the suzuki 4 cycle 140... All the reviews look good... thanks in advance.. Doug

 

[Boatist]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Learo<br />I really like the way it is laid out. Seem really light for a 18 foot Glass boat. My 21 foot Aluminum weighs 2800LB dry. I know that is without engine right. Mine is a I/O. If going to do any ocean fishing the fuel tank could be bigger but with the 4 Cycle on that boat should get 3.5 to 4.0 mpg crusing. My boat has same lay out as yours except mine has a walk thru window instead of a hatch. My boat is a 140 HP also but an I/O.<br /><br />The 140 Suzuki 4 cycle sounds good but one thing I noted on the 15 HP Johnson/Suzuki was no oil filter. Maybe the Bigger motors have one or maybe you do not need one on a 4 cycle but many of the other companies have oil filters. Also the Johson 4 stroke is made by Suzuki and has a 3 year non-declining warranty, 40 amp alternator, Digital multiport fuel injection, and comes in white. I belive it is the same engine but at least in my area more Bombardier/Johnson dealers than Suzuki dealears. I would check price of both and who stocks more parts. <br /><br />Make sure you get a soft top for it. Great in the rain and hot sun and easy to remove when not wanted. Also if get compass be sure what your are getting and where they will mount. On my boat they mounted 4 inches from winshield wiper motor so if wipe window compass change 20 degrees. Also so low Wife has trouble seeing it over the dash.<br /><br />Since you just went to a big Boat show I have to ask one questions. Did you see any boats rigged with Johnson or Evinrude engines at the show???? Reason I ask is at our local International Sportmans expo out of about 200 boat only one had a 50 HP Johnson and not a single Evinrude. Just wonder if it is just here or all over.

 

[Learo2000]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Thanks for the fead back.. it comes with a full cover.. that it tall enough to stand up in and the sides, front and back can be zipped off of it as well. The engine comes with an oil filiter.<br /><br />IT seemed like every single O/B there was mercruser... do not recall and johnson or evenrude....<br /><br />I am a bit concerend about the lightness of the boat as well, the engine adds 400 pounds, and with a load of fuel, it should be in a good weight range. I am going to test drive it this saturday before I put any money down on it.<br /><br />which brings me to another questions, they have to order the boat, and it will not be in untill March. So do I have to pay all of the money up front?????? I have the money, but would rather hang on to it untill the boat comes in and I can inspect it for any defaults. I would never put all the money down on a new car untill, I drove the exacte one I was buying and gave it a final walk around..... thanks Doug

 

[Boatist]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Doug<br />I like the fact that it is lighter. To me it means better fuel mileage on the trailer and on the water. Also less draft and more speed. Easier for your better half to handle at the dock. Only down side could be in a heavy chop may not ride as smooth. In the big swells offshore lite and heavy boats must go over swells. Over is better than under. When the swell are 7 feet every 8 sec you will just have to slow down. Our limit is 8 feet every 8 sec. Bigger or shorter we do not launch. When out 9 feet every 6 we head in or if the fishing is bad or we have a long way to get in even eariler.<br />When we bought our boat at the San Francisco boat also took about 1 month. We made a down payment but next payment was not do until 30 days after got boat. Also could pay off anytime with no extra cost. When we got our boat had about 4 big problems but I fixed all but one. Had dealer fix the other at no cost to us.<br />When buying boat dealears said had a fixed price but found a different price from each dealer on the same boat. Turn out dealer closest to us also had best price. Know what options you want and don't want. We also got full canvas but only put up back canvas one time one day. I felt like a sail boat. I would not get back canvas if I did it again. If going to sleep on the boat with family it is a must. I know you will love it. Is this boat bigger than old boat, almost always is.

 

[Learo2000]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Boatist.,, thanks for all the information.. yes the boat is bigger then my last one... had an 18 before and this is a 20 footer... I really dont want to go any bigger.....<br /><br />thanks for all the advice and comments...<br /><br />Doug

 

[Boatist]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Doug<br />You call it a 20 foot, I would called it a 18. Is centerline length 17 foot 11 inches?? I see the 20 foot 3 inches but figured that to be gunnel length. Down here length is center line with out counting and pulpitts or any engine extentions. If it is a 20 foot then it is very light for a glass boat.

 

[Ripsnort]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Learo2000, you still post here? Did you ever get this boat? I'm test driving the exact same boat and engine in a week. Wanted your feedback please.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Learo2000 and Ripsnort,<br /><br />I'm looking for a boat. I was looking for something used but new is not out of the question. Wifey and kids need a small cuddy with a potty. This boat fits the bill. I like the layout. Any idea on price? Ripsnort, I can't wait to hear your report on the sea trial.

 

[Ripsnort]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Test drive is Saturday, I'll report back in this thread. You're needs are identical as mine. Our first Cuddy was a Larson 190 All American with a VP dual-prop, great boat with spacious cuddy considering the side of the boat, but our kids were toddlers then and didn't fish. Now that they're bigger, I needed something that was more a fishing boat, and the Campion fits the bill of spacious fishing boat and the ability to waterski behind it too. It has a smaller cuddy than our Larson did, but its use will be just for the potty and keeping stuff dry since in Washington state you have to expect rain. <br /><br />Good luck finding a used Campion, they're rare out in this part(Even though they're made in British Columbia, about 200 miles north). The MSRP for a new Campion 542 averages about $28,000 with a 115-140 horse outboard. I found one used one that was already sold (2003) with a 115 Yama for $27,500 on the internet...<br /><br />The boat show price was $23,000 but I got them to throw alot of extras in too (Ski tow bar, washdown pump, full guages, pump out Porta-potty, few other things I can't think of right now without my paperwork) This one comes with a 140 Suzuki, and I got a 6hp Suzuki kicker motor for trolling ($1250) I'm loading this boat up with every gadget imaginable so that we can break the $25,000 mark and get a lower interest rate.<br /><br />Look for my post on Saturday, I'll post some pics too.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Buying new boat... have some questions??

Ripsnort,<br /><br />I'm in New Jersey but I have a couple of Campion dealers within a reasonable distance of my home. I'm going to the Atlantic City (NJ) boat show next week. I hope at least one Campion dealer is at the show. I'd really like to check out the 542. Be sure to let us know how you make out.<br /><br />I was also interested in the Wellcraft V-21 Cuddy but that boat is about 36K (MSRP) with a SX150 Yamaha. That's a little pricey for me.