Sanderskog
Cadet
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2011
- Messages
- 6
I'm new to the forum an have done quite a bit of searching on the site and would now like some feedback on what I'm looking for and planning to tow with.
First off, the tow vehicle I'll be using to pull a boat/trailer is a 2008 Honda Pilot with the factory hitch and coolers. I wanted to throw this out there as I've done lots of reading on using the Pilot for towing a boat and read a fair number of comments and reviews already (like get a real truck and such). Based on my experience towing with the Pilot (large tent trailers) I think it'll be adequate for my needs but I certainly don't want to over buy when it comes to boat weight. It'll be the only tow vehicle as I'm fairly certain my John Cooper Works MINI Clubman can do no better
. Max capacity for the Pilot is 3500 for a travel trailer and 4500 for a boat. I'm looking to stay under 3000 fully loaded (fuel, gear, etc.).
I'm hoping to pick up a bowrider at the end of season for a decent price. Ideally I'm looking to spend $8000 or under and am looking at Bayliner, Searay, and Maxum as they seem to be most common in my area. Bayliners stand out because I'd be looking at a much newer boat with fewer hours than the others although I know I'd be making a few sacrifices as well in niceties. As an example, I'm finding Bayliners at this price point in the 2004-2007 range with less than 100 hours whereas the others I'm looking at 1998-2000 with 200-400 hours.
Being that this is our first boat I'd like to learn from others experience. We plan to use it mostly for tubing/wakeboarding and just enjoying time on the water. 95+% of the time I'll be towing it to a lake 15 minutes away (down a fairly steep hill which is about a mile long). My kids are young (8 and 10) and I figure if we really get into it I can upgrade the boat/tow vehicle in the future but want to minimize the investment until I get a feel for how much we'll use it. Oh, and I want the boat to pull me out of the water with the family in it (I'm 6'4" and about 230 lbs).
Ideally I'm looking for a low hours bowrider with no time in salt water (common in these parts) and a wakeboard tower.
Couple of question I'd love input on.
I am sure I'll have more questions but that will get me started.
I appreciate any and all input.
Thank you,
Todd
First off, the tow vehicle I'll be using to pull a boat/trailer is a 2008 Honda Pilot with the factory hitch and coolers. I wanted to throw this out there as I've done lots of reading on using the Pilot for towing a boat and read a fair number of comments and reviews already (like get a real truck and such). Based on my experience towing with the Pilot (large tent trailers) I think it'll be adequate for my needs but I certainly don't want to over buy when it comes to boat weight. It'll be the only tow vehicle as I'm fairly certain my John Cooper Works MINI Clubman can do no better
. Max capacity for the Pilot is 3500 for a travel trailer and 4500 for a boat. I'm looking to stay under 3000 fully loaded (fuel, gear, etc.). I'm hoping to pick up a bowrider at the end of season for a decent price. Ideally I'm looking to spend $8000 or under and am looking at Bayliner, Searay, and Maxum as they seem to be most common in my area. Bayliners stand out because I'd be looking at a much newer boat with fewer hours than the others although I know I'd be making a few sacrifices as well in niceties. As an example, I'm finding Bayliners at this price point in the 2004-2007 range with less than 100 hours whereas the others I'm looking at 1998-2000 with 200-400 hours.
Being that this is our first boat I'd like to learn from others experience. We plan to use it mostly for tubing/wakeboarding and just enjoying time on the water. 95+% of the time I'll be towing it to a lake 15 minutes away (down a fairly steep hill which is about a mile long). My kids are young (8 and 10) and I figure if we really get into it I can upgrade the boat/tow vehicle in the future but want to minimize the investment until I get a feel for how much we'll use it. Oh, and I want the boat to pull me out of the water with the family in it (I'm 6'4" and about 230 lbs).
Ideally I'm looking for a low hours bowrider with no time in salt water (common in these parts) and a wakeboard tower.
Couple of question I'd love input on.
- 3.0L versus 4.3L - I've read quite a bit about concerns with the 3.0L having enough power yet I've talked to people saying it's fine, just put a 5 blade prop on it (and lose some top end).
- Salt water - It's rare to find a boat that hasn't been it in. Is this critical? Are there things an inspection can find that will help here?
- Hours - Is there a limit I should avoid or expect to dump money into the boat?
- Inspections - things to look for? What can I expect to pay someone?
- Size - My guess is I'll be looking at a 17'-19' boat (ideally 18' for the wider beam and lower weight). Any input here? I'd hate to get the 17' and regret it but would also hate to buy a 19' that is too heavy. The wider beam on the 18' is appealing although the lake I'm going to be going to gets very little wind/chop.
I am sure I'll have more questions but that will get me started.
I appreciate any and all input.
Thank you,
Todd
