Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

[GooseCopVid]

I am looking to buy a used bowriders in the not too distant future. Plan to do a lot of ski/tube/kneeboard with the kids this summer. I am finding a lot of nice boats aout there (Sea Ray, Glastron, Regal). My question is is there a big difference between 130 hp and 190 hp. There are a lot of 130 hp bowriders out there and they are of course less expensive than the 190 hp boats. Also - if there is a significant diference, would you buy a 2000 - 2003 190 hp or 2003 - 2007 130 hp. Thanks.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

Welcome to iboats.
Not until this weekend did I get to ride in 4 cylinder I/O (130hp). The acceleration is no where near as good as it is in v6 (190hp). The top speed was close to my boats speed (mine is v6). 43 mph vs 48 mph. I would suggest the bigger engine because the biggest difference is the torque.
Having said that if your budget only allows the 130 hp buy it. There is plenty of people here that use the 130hp for water sports and are happy with them (maybe they don?t know what they are missing lol).

 

[superpop]

Re: Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

Based on what you said about why you are buying a boat, I would buy the bigger motor, even if you have to get a little older boat. There is a reason there are so many 4 banger boats out there cheap, people buy them and then rapidly outgrow them as their needs develop, and they realize they really want something with more omph. If you do buy an older boat I would look for something with a snap out carpet, I have had that on my last two boats and it really minimizes the rot risk and it is a lot easier to clean up especially if you have kids.

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

My 1993 16ft fiberglass bowrider has 130hp and I have no problem pulling 2 adult skiers with 2 adults in the boat.It also gets 45mph at wot with 4 adults.

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

If really depends on who you're buying the boat from, but if it were up to me I'd get the most new boat possible, 4 or 6 banger. The older the boat the more $$$ you'll be dropping into it. Remember that you get what your pay for.

 

[tmh]

Re: Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

I TOTALLY disagree with "get newest possible, 4 or 6 cyl". Just the opposite. If you plan on doing water sports, it's a very easy decision - get the 6 cyl (unless you're talking a 17' boat or smaller). A few years older - who cares? find one well maintained and a 2001 boat can be in absolutely great shape!

COULD a 4 cyl engine work OK? Sure, I wouldn't turn it down if someone gave me one! The point is, after several years of depreciation, the price dif. between the two makes it a no-brainer, IMO. Pay $1000 more for the 6 cyl!

I didn't see where the OP said what size boat? 17'? 20'? makes all the dif. when it comes to power needed.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

I TOTALLY disagree with "get newest possible, 4 or 6 cyl". Just the opposite. If you plan on doing water sports, it's a very easy decision - get the 6 cyl (unless you're talking a 17' boat or smaller). A few years older - who cares? find one well maintained and a 2001 boat can be in absolutely great shape!

COULD a 4 cyl engine work OK? Sure, I wouldn't turn it down if someone gave me one! The point is, after several years of depreciation, the price dif. between the two makes it a no-brainer, IMO. Pay $1000 more for the 6 cyl!

I didn't see where the OP said what size boat? 17'? 20'? makes all the dif. when it comes to power needed.

I think this is a really good point.
The boat I rode in with the 130hp was a 17' boat. Mine is 18.5' and it has a little bit more gear than the 17' had. The 130hp was slower regardless.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Looking to buy a used bowrider,,,

Hey Goose, what length boat are you considering. Are you only considering an I/O? A smaller (17') Bowrider will be better with a 130HP I/O than a 19' boat. The 19 footer could have a 150HP outboard and have great performance. Remember that I/Os are a bunch heavier than outboards, so they require more power. My 21 footer with a 150HP OB outperformed my 19' 205HP V6 I/O.

Just some thoughts