Finally getting my first boat.

[Penningtonsm]

Hey Guys. As the title says, I am finally going to get my first boat. I've been bouncing around numerous sites trying to find "the one" A few things that I need help on please.

First, buying a boat isn't quite like buying a car. I mean when I shop for a car I typically test drive quite a few cars before purchasing. Its not that easy with a boat. So, question one is, how do you go about "test driving" a few different style boats to see which one you like best?

Question two is: I''m more than likely going to buy a used boat. What is considered "too used"? Like, how many hours is too many hours, what year is too old...etc. etc.

And finally, there are so many different manufactures. Some I am told are better than others. How does a newbie like myself find out which manufactures are good and which ones I should avoid like the plague? Many people have told me (and I have read) that bayliner is one of the worst. Yet I see so many bayliners in the water.

I'm hoping I can get some help here. Buying a boat is a huge purchase, and I would hate to buy one only to find out a couple of years later that I bought the "wrong one"

Thanks for all your help

P.s. My budget is up to $25,000 and I am leaning towards a wakeboard boat and a bowrider. Don't think I will be doing much wakeboarding, but pulling kids on a tube will probably happen often enough. Mostly though, we just like to cruise around and enjoy the water and the sun.

 

[wingmastr23]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

I have a bayliner.....and I haven't had any problems with it. - "it is, what it is"....an affordable way to get on the water - and it looks pretty good too.....it is basically like buying a honda vs lexus....the honda will still run forever (typically the same engines - Mercruiser, Volvo, etc) but is lacking in the "finer" things.

The reason bayliners get a bad rap is because most people who purchase them are newbies...and don't take care of them.....add that to the fact that they are an entry level (quality wise) and it is a recipe for disaster.....The boats themselves, if taken care of, will last a long time. My boat is 15yrs old, and it still looks pretty darn clean....I have seen Cobalt's that are newer, and they aren't in as good of shape.

If you are buying used......you gotta take it for a test drive...no ifs, ands, or but's!!!!

25k will get you a very nice used boat - especially in todays market! Good luck!

BTW - this place is a wealth of information....most of which is helpful! Don't hesitate to ask questions.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

Watersports (wakeboard) boats are ideal for that application. They are less than ideal for pretty much anything else. If that's not your primary usage, stick with a bowrider. I wouldn't recommend going new for your first boat. First, you'll probably beat it up a little bit till you get the hang of it. Second, it probably won't end up being your ideal boat. You'll take a bath on depreciation if you try to trade up after only a couple years. There are plenty of low-hour lightly used boats out there. Test driving different boats will be tough unless there's an on-water boat show or a dealer demo-days kinda thing going on near you. Really your only option there is going out on friends boats if they have them. As far as brands or hours.....what matters most is how it was maintained. The WORST thing that can be done to a boat is it being left, unused, out in the elements not properly covered for a period of time. I'd rather have a well used but properly stored boat with a 1000 hours on it, than one with a 100 hours that sat out for a long time. You should update your profile with your location because a lot of boat advice differs depending on where you are (climate, fresh/salt, etc).

 

[roscoe]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

First, congrats on your decision to buy a boat.

Now, we need more info.
What experience do you have?
Where are you located?
Where do you plan to boat?
How big are the waters? ocean? The Great Lakes? Rivers? 500 acre lakes?
how many days a year will you boat?
Will you trailer your boat, or keep it at a marina?
What do you have for a tow vehicle?
How many people will be on board? friends going along?
Do you require a head on board?
Will you be doing your own maintenance?
Are you "handy", or will you be paying someone to do it all?

Cut your budget by at least $5000, and keep it for incidentals after you buy the boat.

THere is no answer as to "how old" or how many hours.
It all depends on the use/abuse, and the ongoing maintenance.

Your main concerns when buying any used boat are going to be the engine, drive, and rot.
Boats are supposed to get wet on the outside, they are not supposed to repeatedly get wet on the inside, this is what causes rot in the floor and stringers.

You should hire a competent surveyor (inspector) to check the boat out before purchase.

There is nothing "wrong" with a newer Bayliner, 18' or larger, IMO.

A specialized wakeboard boat will be a waste.

There are many many very nice used boats to pick from for under $20,000.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

Congrats on your decision and welcome! This is a great place to start and to gather opinions - keep in mind, everyone has one. That said, here's mine:

If you are not a wakeboarder, don't spend the money on a wakeboarding boat. A nice used bowrider will be easier to find and probably cheaper. True wake boats tend to be inboards and often have towers and balast tanks. Opinions vary in regards to inboard vs. I/O, but the tower and tanks you don't need to pull a tube. What size boat are you looking at? Will it be towed, wet slipped, or kept in a boatel?

You are correct, there are a number of different manufacturers out there and each person is going to have a different opinion on which is the best. Asking why there are so many Bayliners in comparision to say, a Hinkley, is kind of like asking why there are so many more Honda Civics than there are Rolls Royces. Mass production and price point. Another good example is Cobalt - yes I am biased. They only build about 1400 boats a year. How many boats does Brunswick (Massive conglomerate that owns Bayliner) build per year? Now, Bayliner to Hinkley isn't really even a fair comparison, but I was just making a point. Hinkley builds them one at a time by hand. They're also EXTREMELY expensive boats. To answer your question, my opinion for bowriders is as follows:

Cobalt
ChrisCraft
Chapparal
SeaRay

I have heard that Bryant makes a nice boat, but I do not know anything about them. I am sure there are several that I am missing that my fellow posters will be kind enough to fill in.

I would look at something built in the last five years or so. That said, I bought a ten year old boat and am very happy with it. It all depends on how it was cared for.

In terms of a "test drive", that can be a little more tricky. If you have your eye on a specific builder, find a dealer and ask for a test ride. It can't hurt. Just be prepared for them to want to talk money first. Especially if it is used. You should also check out an in water boat show if you can find one. Might even be worth traveling for. It is amazing how much your opinion of a boat's stability changes when it is in the water...even at the dock.


Good luck and have fun!

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

First, congrats on your decision to buy a boat.

Cut your budget by at least $5000, and keep it for incidentals after you buy the boat.

+1 on that! And make sure you can take the incidentals with you when you come down with twofootitis.

 

[Penningtonsm]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

Thank you to all that have responded. Wow! Lots of unanswered question. Let me say that I am looking for a boat between 21-24ft. I want to be able to have around 6-9 people at a given time on it. Bowrider is where I am leaning more to after reading a bit. I look on this forum for used boats as well as others, and when I find one that "looks" good, i go to boattest to see if they have a video on it. But i never get any bad reviews out of boattest. They like all the boats they review. I saw a Regal 2400 for sale in my price range, and my wife and I loved the look of it. However, not knowing anything about Regal (or any other boat manufacter for that matter) has me wondering if they make good boats or not.

What I liked most about the wakeboard boats was the C-shaped open seating. I think that is most important on my list as far as the look of the boat goes. Comfortable seating for 6-9 people. I was also looking at a Four Winns boat, and a Reinell boat.

I only have two friends that have boats. One has an older Bayliner bowrider (its what got me hooked on boating five years ago) and the other has a Glastron cuddy cabin. My neighbor has a malibu wakesetter that has the C-shaped seating I was referring to.

I guess I just need to get out there to the numerous boat shows they have and see about test driving one or two.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

ok before I jump into this mix can I ask what your boating experience is? I understand that this is the first boat you have bought but have you ever been on or driven a boat is what I am wondering? Reason I ask is that it may be better for you to get into a used boat that quite frankly you are not worried about accidents happening. Learning the proper way to tie up a boat on the dock or to another boat or load onto the trailer etc etc. I think you may be better off lowering your purchase price by half or more and get into a decent used bowrider that you and your family can learn together how you like to boat, then after you think your ready to jump in with both feet you will all have a better understanding as to what your family wants in a boat and can jump into the right boat for the long run...

Also I will counter everyone and tell you I am sorry for your inability to resist the most relaxing hobby there is!

Welcome to the site and to boating!

 

[Penningtonsm]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

Reason I ask is that it may be better for you to get into a used boat that quite frankly you are not worried about accidents happening. Learning the proper way to tie up a boat on the dock or to another boat or load onto the trailer etc etc. I think you may be better off lowering your purchase price by half or more and get into a decent used bowrider that you and your family can learn together how you like to boat, then after you think your ready to jump in with both feet you will all have a better understanding as to what your family wants in a boat and can jump into the right boat for the long run...

Also I will counter everyone and tell you I am sorry for your inability to resist the most relaxing hobby there is!

Welcome to the site and to boating!

I've had a few guys tell me that, but here is my take on that. If I get a used boat to say "learn" boating with, one that I don't mind dinging up. How easy is it to sell a boat nowadays? To sell and get something worth selling it for in the first place.

That's one of the reasons why I want to get a boat that I will enjoy for years to come. I don't want to have to go through the sell -my- boat- to -buy a better boat stage. I have been on a few different boats but have only drivin my buddies Cubby cabin. But when we go out, I ask him to let me help and learn all it takes to get the boat from point A to point B along with some minor maintenance.

I guess what I am getting at is, I would rather Learn in the boat I want rather thna ding up a boat for a few years and then try to sell that dinged up boat just to get the boat I've been wanting anyway. I dinged up my firt truck I bought too, just something I am willing to go through and have fixed if need be.

 

[wingmastr23]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

If you like the open seating concept you should really look into a deck boat like a Four Winns Funship or a Chaparral Sunesta......Great boats...alot of fun - tons of things you can do with them from parties to towing the kids on a tube....really cool boats - and pretty good manufacturers as well! It sounds like a deck boat would be right up your alley.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

What I liked most about the wakeboard boats was the C-shaped open seating. I think that is most important on my list as far as the look of the boat goes. Comfortable seating for 6-9 people. I was also looking at a Four Winns boat, and a Reinell boat.

You need to look at deck boats. Here's one manufacturer http://www.hurricaneboats.com/ They've become more popular now so many manufacturers have added a deck boat model or two to their lines ups.

 

[wingmastr23]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

Reason I ask is that it may be better for you to get into a used boat that quite frankly you are not worried about accidents happening. Learning the proper way to tie up a boat on the dock or to another boat or load onto the trailer etc etc. I think you may be better off lowering your purchase price by half or more and get into a decent used bowrider that you and your family can learn together how you like to boat, then after you think your ready to jump in with both feet you will all have a better understanding as to what your family wants in a boat and can jump into the right boat for the long run...

This is what I did......and after having the itch to replace the current boat many times.....I still have resisted the urge!! I must say that everytime I see a sweet boat on the water it makes me wanna get a new one......My thought process is: If I still think I need a new one in December - then I will go ahead and get one.....so far I have been able to resist the urge...lol

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

I think 21-24 is a lot to learn on, especially if you are going to trailer it. start at 19 feet; see what you think. The more effort it takes to use it, the less you will use it. Forget carrying the big crowds to start with.
Also, to get a 24 for $20,000 you may have slim pickings. But you can do a lot with less than that in the 19' range.
Unlike cars' mileage, age (measured in hours) really doesn't amtter; in fact, a boat with low hours is less desirable than one that has been used frequently and consistently. Care/maintenance is way more important. See if the seller seems to have his stuff squared away, and he is more likely to have taken care of it. Buy one that needs fixing up and you have bought a lot of time on land and frustrating time on the water. In your case, you want to pay for reliability.

Your best resource for shopping is to have an experienced boater, who knows your boating environment, accompany you. Lots of help here, but the people responding come from varied types of waters and boating objectives and needs.
A boat is like a car, as a motorcycle is like a horse.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

I've had a few guys tell me that, but here is my take on that. If I get a used boat to say "learn" boating with, one that I don't mind dinging up. How easy is it to sell a boat nowadays? To sell and get something worth selling it for in the first place.

That's one of the reasons why I want to get a boat that I will enjoy for years to come. I don't want to have to go through the sell -my- boat- to -buy a better boat stage. I have been on a few different boats but have only drivin my buddies Cubby cabin. But when we go out, I ask him to let me help and learn all it takes to get the boat from point A to point B along with some minor maintenance.

I guess what I am getting at is, I would rather Learn in the boat I want rather thna ding up a boat for a few years and then try to sell that dinged up boat just to get the boat I've been wanting anyway. I dinged up my firt truck I bought too, just something I am willing to go through and have fixed if need be.

I have been told that these days entry level boats are out selling new boats 2 to 1 so while thats a relative issue I understand your ideology and it sounds like you have thought this out and have made your decision which is absolutely fine. I bought my 2000 248 BR Crownline in near showroom floor condition with 250 hours for right at the $25,000 range yes it was a 10 yr old boat it was about $2000-$3000 over NADA but the condition of this boat was spectacular to say the least, I feel I got a nearly new boat for half the price. Crownline has consistently been in the top 5 of JD Power quality ratings over the last 5 years. Here are the other manufacturers that I feel are top notch and in your price range, Sea Ray, Monterey, Chaparral might be missing one or two, Cobalt is consistently the top rated boat manufacturer by quality, problem is they are also consistently the most expensive.

Please understand that once you find a few boats that your interested in get some pics and come back, we can help you look into common problems of the boats that you should look into for instance Sea Rays and their stringers, Look in the restoration forum on this sight for some great information on a few sad stories, What I always tell people that ask this question is that you need to look for a boat that has been maintained at a good to excellent level, Bayliners got hammered for their quality but I can tell you I have seen 15 yr old bayliners that look 10 times better then a nearly new Cobalt the difference being the owner!

I hope that helps!

 

[444]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

I think 21-24 is a lot to learn on, especially if you are going to trailer it. start at 19 feet; see what you think. The more effort it takes to use it, the less you will use it.

That's what I was thinking too. My first boat was a lot smaller than a 21-24. I started with a 15' Glastron GT-150. Was a nice, small, powerful boat to learn on. Easy to launch/retrieve, lightweight so moving the boat/trailer around the driveway by hand was easy, etc. Not saying you need to go that small but be sure you're ready for what you're getting into. I always suggest to go used, why be the one who takes that huge depreciation hit in the first few years? Just look for something that was obviously clean and well maintained or seen little use and stored nicely. Go for overall condition over hours or model year/manufacturer name.

 

[BigReidy]

Re: Finally getting my first boat.

Just bought my first boat, After a lot of looking about and with a price range similar to yours I bought this 2005 Monterey 214 FS, I really liked the seating layout and it has the 5.7L V8 Volvo and with just under 100 Hours for $17K fitted my needs exactly.

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