good first boat?

[mgmarsh39]

I posted a while back and seems like the bug has bitten me again and I have found this!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAN...egoryZ63685QQitemZ310153030788#ht_6094wt_1593

brand new, but it is an I/O and I read isn't the best for a beginner. I also have a mazda cx7 crossover that can tow 2500-3000lbs.

My wife really wants a jetski, but I figure this would be more fun.

Thanks everyone!

 

[curling_coach]

Re: good first boat?

Nice looking boat and probably a good length for a first boat. Just you and the bride? Would you be towing any kids on ski's or tubes? After doing my research in forums like iboats you may want to look at going up one size to a 4.3 .
I have a Glastron GT185 and though I haven't had it long the 4.3 seems to have more than enough for my needs. An idea to consider, because every site I read claimed if you can afford it go up in power and you won't regret it.
Good luck in the hunt and safe boating .

 

[FlyinGuy1017]

Re: good first boat?

Good looking boat. Only thing I'd suggest is something with a little more scratches on it...so it won't hurt as bad when you do it! Don't let an I/O turn you off to a nice first boat. Make yourself a good checklist, and stick to it (pre launch, post launch, pre load, etc). Those props really get pricey if you forget to put the outdrive up! As mentioned, the 4.3 is nice when loaded, but if it's you and the mrs, you'll be fine w/o. Besides, this if your first boat. Couple years down the road you'll be ready to upgrade anyway.

The wife on the other hand... *quote* "She wanted a cat, I wanted a dog. So we compromised, and got a cat".

Good luck!

 

[Showtime22]

Re: good first boat?

I would recommend the jet ski. I wish I had not bought a boat with an out drive. It's not a good thing for beginners. A lot of parts. Worn Pumps, stripped gears, leaky bellows, stuck shift cables, painted anodes, prop dings, bent skags, blown U joints, cracked bell housing, dead trim solenoids....

Sound fun?

Being mechanical, and having a new boat will help, I just want to warn you.

 

[ilmostro99]

Re: good first boat?

I don't know anything about this manufacturer, but from the looks of it, and the size, etc, I'd say that it looks like a good first boat. But, like others have said, with the 3.0, it is going to be a "first" boat. I'd look for something with a little more power. the 6 cyl. is MY bare minimum. Personally I went with a used boat, in great condition with a 5.0 8 cyl. for roughly the same $$$, and I can see this one lasting me MANY years. That being said, ANY boat, even an under powered one, is better than no boat.
my $.02
Erik

 

[1rawdawg007]

Re: good first boat?

With economy like it is, I dont see sense in buying new. People are dumping their toys left and right, plus a new boat Depreciates immediately. Look at one the same model used and you will see what I mean. Look at an 07... Not what they are asking, but what they have been selling for, There aint a dealer out there selling at msrp.. Dealerships have bellied up all over the country just like car dealers and the market is flooded... How about you buy something used, maybe something in the 2-3 thousand range or less, just to see if you do like boating and get used to operating in the places you intend on doing your boating..hauling it, storing it, that way the scratches and dings and mistakes while learning the ropes, wont make you cry. If the boat thing dont work, then maybe a PWC, but they are as much as a boat too damn near(new)
Its like going out and buying a new car when you 1st get your license. Unless you have no problem with cash, and then why buy off internet in first place?
You dont say how much experience you have boating or PWC'ing either. You will be paying yearly luxury tax on new toys too( at least here in California). You cant lay down or have a big canopy for those intimate moments on a PWC either. Both usually need to be trailered. If not experienced, would you rather have your loved one learn in a geo metro or a cadillac, thats PWC vs Boat? Ive been riding jet skis for over 20 years and just like driving in todays traffic on the road, its not to be taken lightly operating.. You gotta be on your toes. At least with a boat, youre a lot safer. Whatever you decide have fun.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: good first boat?

She looks like a very fine boat, even through the fuzzy pictures on the eBay site. After reading the other replies, you be the judge of power - particular with a full load of folks or pulling skiers (more than 1?). My first boat was a 16' fiberglass tri-hull that was "older than the hills," but she provide oodles of fishing fun. It provided me the experiences for a future boat, which was a 22-foot offshore walk-around cuddy cabin. That was fun too, but it became too big to manage after a few years. Now I have what you see below. To make a long story short, enjoy your first "very fine boat."

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: good first boat?

good boat, but highly recommend upgrade to 4.3, the 3.0 wiil be a slug in an 18 ft boat.

 

[MikDee]

Re: good first boat?

The price seems too good to be true I'd be careful, even a new 18' Bayliner similarly equipped sells for about $16-18K. Other then that, it's perfect for a beginner, economical to run, but a bit underpowered if you plan on adding More then a couple people, & a couple kids on a regular basis. Otherwise you'll be fine to start out with, watersports will require a spare 4 blade power prop. Top speed probably between 40-45mph lightly loaded.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: good first boat?

Anyone else notice that to get the trailer is $2200 more? That is silly. Why would they be selling a 18' bowrider with no trailer. Too much money for no trailer. For that money you can get a really nice slightly used bigger boat with a bigger engine around here.

 

[dlindeblad]

Re: good first boat?

Trailers can get expensive. For a good trailer like that with diskbrakes $2,200 is not unreasonable. They sell the boat w/o the trailer because not everyone wants the new one. Also if they were to advertise the cost with the trailer included it does not look as appealing as $2,200 less.

This said, I always go with the used trailers. New one don't do anything better, just piece of mind for new integrity.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: good first boat?

Trailers can get expensive. For a good trailer like that with diskbrakes $2,200 is not unreasonable. They sell the boat w/o the trailer because not everyone wants the new one. Also if they were to advertise the cost with the trailer included it does not look as appealing as $2,200 less.

This said, I always go with the used trailers. New one don't do anything better, just piece of mind for new integrity.

I understand that, but all the boats I have looked at in that size range come with trailers included from the manufacturer. Maybe I am looking at the wrong ones. I did not notice that alot of the deck boats I looked at do not have trailers.

 

[mgmarsh39]

Re: good first boat?

wow thanks for all the replies everyone!

No kids yet, so it would just be me and my wife. My parents are about 3 hours away, so occasionally they would come along. We also live on the Gulf, so this boat would be in salt and bracish *not sure the spelling* mostly. I want to keep the length down because I live in a deed restricted community, so I have to put it in my garage which is a standard two car. People are telling me that with the trailer and the boat would have to gp in caddy corner, so no room for the cars. (the other reason the jetski arguement would win).

As far as experience, I have never owned either, but I grew up on a lake and have driven my fare share of jetskis, but never a boat. Through my flight training instructors always tell me that piloting a plane is similar to that of a boat, so I figure I could catch on quickly.

Being underpowered isn't too much of a concern. I mean this is our first boat so what would we know... But I understand it being new and I will probably scratch the hell out of it putting it on the trailer... I think I will drive to Ft Lauderdale to go see it at the dealership, but will also look locally for a used one. I dont want to go over 15,000, which is why this one attracted me. I heard this boat company is the "cadillac" of small boats, but have been warned about I/O...

Jet skiis are extremely fun though and I feel like we would use it more so than the boat, but as 1rawdawg007 we are safer in the boat and I am sure my insurance company would like me more.

one of my main concerns is that my car wouldnt have enough power to tow it... as I mentioned it has a 2500-3000lbs capacity, but it is FWD.