New boat owner needs help

[gckanable]

Hey guys were wondering if you can help. I have never owned a boat and am having some trouble figuring out what to buy. Within my budget of $6,000 dollar or less there are several 18' or smaller open bow ski boats with 3.0. I have a chance to buy a 1993 regal 24' open bow ski boat with a 5.7 Volvo penta motor which is excellent shape considering its age for $4,600. But here my question is this more boat then I need. The one thing that will keep me from using a boat is gas. I am 275 pounds I have a five year old that likes to tube with me so the boat will be pulling about 330 pounds max on a tube. When not pulling a tube there will probably be 3 grown adult and one child on the boat so about 725 pounds of just people. My question would this be too much for a small bow rider to handle with a 3.0 or V6? Would a bigger boat with a V8 be a better choice? By the way none of us ski I may do the knee board thing every now and then. On a rare occasion the people weight may get to 1300 pounds

 

[the vision]

Re: New boat owner needs help

Go big.I have a 18ft with the 3.0. I passed on a 22ft with the 5.7. Regret it now.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: New boat owner needs help

+2 on above. The 3.0 is a little weak coming out of the "hole" until it planes off. A Regal is a pretty nice boat--especially a 24' version. Just make sure you have a good tow vehicle--preferably a V8 pickup or a diesel p/u.

 

[southkogs]

Re: New boat owner needs help

I'll go ahead and be the voice of dissent

Personally, I think a 24' is MUCH more boat than an 18'. I can't speak to the 3.0 out of the hole - so, that may well be a consideration. But, I have a family of five and we've run on 18' or less for years with no hassle - and fuel has been pretty reasonable. In fact, my last boat was a 15' with a 70HP. We couldn't all be aboard and pull two skiers, but we could pull a tube reasonably. Loaded out with the family and all our "stuff," the boat didn't want to plane fast but it would get up there enough to drag a tube.

I would think a 24' is going to eat considerably more gas than an 18' (might be wrong there, but it's a much heavier boat). The additional 4' to 6' of boat in a 24 footer also changes the way you launch, recover, dock and handle (especially in wind). If you're on really big water - you'll like having the extra size for stability. If you're on inland lakes, you could run out of room quickly. I'm assuming that because this is you're first boat that you're rather inexperienced with boating (if not forgive the assumption), and that plays a role with a bigger boat. It takes longer to maneuver, draws more water and has a lot more energy barreling across the lake. If you're confident that you know boating well enough (or have someone that will help you get going), then the bigger boat probably won't be an issue. If you're going to be in a "let's try this, and figure it out as we go along" mode - might be better to start more around 18' or 20'.

Economics plays a part too - if the 24' is undoubtedly the best buy you can get hold of, go for it.

 

[Damifudo]

Re: New boat owner needs help

Since you asked for opinions of others. You can grow into a 24 foot if you have the place to store it and also a good place to launch it with some expereince help. I have had my 18 foot mantee with my family of 5 for years. Its big enough for 8 people. Its comfortable for 6. It is easy to tow and launch. It fit in my garage. It handles a chop pretty well. Its great to drive to different places to go exploring for a day. Stay in a 69 dollar night hotel sleep in a real bed and eat at a resturant and get up the next day and do it again! I would not trade my 18 foot boat for a 24 foot boat but it works for me.

Good luck!