Looking to purchase our first family boat-1998 Sanger 20 DLX or 2004 Centurion T5 or

[stohr42]

As the topic states, we're looking at purchasing our first family boat. It will likely see most of its use in Lake Tahoe where it can rough at times. I'm primarily a water skier (for the past 35 years) and the kids will likely want to do it all ("but" have yet to get out). In fact, the kids have yet to ski/board on the water but are going into their 4th year of ski team (snow) so I'm pretty confident they will be quick learners.

We are looking for a boat to tool around/cut through the lake, water ski, board, tube and maybe even surf (someday). It'd be nice to purchase something that won't lose too much value over the next three years so if things go well we can upgrade and bail out (if the boat thing doesn't happen for everyone). Out budget is around $15-20K.

Here are the two we "seem" to have strong interest in:
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/5266537860.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/5263348478.html

Any insights/experiences you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Chuck

Ps - love the sticky on what to look for/consider when purchasing a used boat

 

[SkiDad]

While those are great looking ski boats, I'm not sure a direct drive is the best choice for a choppy lake.

 

[BigManDan72]

This is not remotely helpful with regard to your question but both of those are really nice looking boats! The Centurion is way-sexy but the Sanger would make a great family boat too.

 

[garbageguy]

Ski boats are great for water sports, and for pretty calm water. But that's about it. They do hold their value. If you want more versatility, check out some bowriders. They are a compromise when it comes to skiing, but will handle a family with varied interests, and a little heavier water. Also, consider your boat driving experience, ski boats are more difficult to maneuver at low speeds, and you must be confident that the water is always deep enough as there's no raising the prop up higher in a ski boat.

 

[stohr42]

Thank you for the input. As I talk this over more with the wife, she has better explained her "must have" agenda for the boat. In short order, she wants a "comfortable sexy Lake cruiser"; ok, happy wife, happy life. That stated, we will be playing behind it. Personally, I am partial to Sangers so we're now looking at a V210 or 215, leaning more towards the 215 for a better "comfortable sexy Lake cruise" and water ski experience. I appreciate the need to raise the prop up; please excuse my ignorance but can't you raise the prop on a V-drive or am I confusing that with an IB/OB? Thanks again!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Nope, you can't raise the prop on a v-drive. You can with an I/O, but not a v-drive.

 

[stohr42]

Thanks. I/O, that's what I was thinking.

 

[Frank Acampora]

V drives have a separate rudder and a single prop boat will ALWAYS back down in one direction because of prop torque, no matter what the rudder position. This makes backing into a slip more difficult until you get used to this quirk..

Those two boats will be specific to water sports and propped for them. Therefore top speed will not be what you would expect. Reasonable, but not what you would expect.

 

[rallyart]

Sorry I did not see this earlier. A V215 will handle the water on Tahoe and is a very sexy looking boat. If you can, add a Bennett adjustable tab that Sanger sells you'll be Golden. My D215 is at least as good as any 20' I/O that I've ridden in during a storm
Your fuel economy in an inboard is great up until you are travelling at top speed. The hull won't lift out of the water so above 35 mph they start to use more fuel. Under that their efficient hull design will give you economy equal to any sterndrive. For the family swimming or for any tow sports a V215 is great. The swim deck is right at the water when you are stopped and entering or jumping off the boat is very easy. All years of 215s have the same hull. The V 210 is also great but it's a little more square and a bigger boat has more room and is better when the water is rough.