HELP with decision

[ggiersdorf]

Im looking at two boats here guys. Both 1997 ones a Searay 175 with 115hp Merc O/B, they others a Bayliner with a 135hp I/O both are is good shape, the bayliner looks nicer and has more features. Im looking to have 4 people ski in this boat, and on occasion 6 in the boat (I know it hill be tough to ski like that but its only once and a while.) They are both around 8000.00 used and I would like your input the Bayliners a 1750 and the searays a 175 Model.<br /><br />Glenn Giersdorf

 

[Rocnat4]

Re: HELP with decision

JMO - Both are underpowered and will make skiing a miserable experience especially for beginners. Iam not a speed demon but with 4 people, gear, cooler, dog etc . . you'll be lucky to hit 25-30mph. <br />Also resale will be a problem with a 4cyl. Trust me, it only takes one season and a boat show for 2 foot itis to set in.

 

[JB]

Re: HELP with decision

Howdy, <br /><br />Buy the Sea Ray and repower it to the rated HP.<br /><br />Bayliners are pretty and loaded with features. . . and flaws. <br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: HELP with decision

Ditto with Rocnat4. I would not get either of them, for what you are looking for. You need more HP, and for the price of repowering, you can find another setup that will work better as a package.

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: HELP with decision

Way underpowered.<br /><br />Too small for what you are describing. I'm 6'0" 245. My Bayliner (130 hp Volvo Penta) will not pull me outta da water in any circumstances. Put a load of persons in the boat, it gets worse.<br /><br />For that amount of money you ought to be able to do better. Get what you want from the start.<br /><br />Jocko

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: HELP with decision

Also.<br /><br />If you figure to use the boat a good bit, perhaps look at better makes. Especially important in used boats.<br /><br />jocko

 

[albany joe]

Re: HELP with decision

these boats are listed at about 2100 lbs.<br />what hp do you folks recommend for water skiing? is it true that you can get by on less hp from an outboard compared to i/o?

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: HELP with decision

175 or 200 OB or a V-8. The V-8 would help hold value for a used bout.

 

[singerjr]

Re: HELP with decision

Would be very lucky if either 17' boat was rated for 175 - no way 200 and could be 150 max.<br /><br />Took a break in my post to look at a few 2002 catalogs and Big Name (well made) 17 footers are maxed out at 150 to 175. And budget boats like Bayliners and the like are maxed at 125 to 150 for runabouts/ski boats $ F/S boats.<br /><br />Not passing any judgments, no opinions it is just what is printed in my collection of catalogs from my search to buy this year. I didn't see any 17 foot runabout, ski or fish and ski type boats rated for 200 HP. There may be one out there, I just haven't seen it.<br /><br />You may want to look a little more, looking at the paper if you jumped up to 10 grand it opens up a whole new world of boats.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: HELP with decision

Agreed that 200 hp in a 17 foot would be difficult to manage. I was thinking he might be better off in the 20 foot range. Particularly thinking about the number of passengers he mentioned. I'm thinking V-8 or else be disappointed.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: HELP with decision

Both Sea Ray and Bayliner comes from the same source. They are aimed at different markets and made (and priced) differently. The Bayliner is a fancier design, a lower weight (thus less ridgid)and made in all ways cheaper.<br />When you think of a boat as a place to be and do things, a size that allows 6 people to sit definately is too small for 6 people to do things. Boating fun is not only to sit in your seat, ya know..<br />Take the hints and get the right thing first. Taking a too small will end up in trading it again and you'll spend the $$$ anyway. At least.