New boater looking for guidance

[tractoman]

I am looking for a boat for the family. We have 2 kids about ready to start skiing, tubing or whatever and to do some boat camping. I am leaning toward an open bow and deep V with an IO of some sort. A buddy who's a great skier keeps ripping on IO's and says I should get a direct drive like a Natique or Supra or something. Also what advice can you give to a first time boat buyer, cause it'll be a used one for sure. Are IO's problematic?
Thanks

 

[WTR4FUN]

Re: New boater looking for guidance

First determine what the primary purpose of the boat will be. Ski boats are very purpose built and cost more money. If you are just starting out, an I/O should do you just fine. You can always upgrade as your kids grow and as your needs change. Just make sure you dont buy an under powered boat. That can ruin the whole experience for you.

 

[cristileigh]

Re: New boater looking for guidance

All boats are problematic HAHA!
I have two kids that enjoy tubing, skiing, fishing, swimming, etc.
I have been on many different types of boats. My favorite boat is a Pontoon but isn't really considered a ski boat... so if I were to choose a ski boat I would have to say I would choose a deck boat because of the layout of most deck boats is very roomy, yet a deck boat is fiberglass hull and strong enough to pull a skier.
I've owned a 88 Hurricane deck boat I/O -- my problem was not the engine but the cosmetics and wear on hull and trailer
I've owned a 04 Sun Tracker Party Barge with a 50hp Outboard -- Not strong enough to pull anyone
I now own a 94 Sea Ray Searayder 90hp jet and would have THOUGHT that it would pull a skier but it loses too much power on a curve and just doesn't have the power I thought it would have.

 

[esobofh]

Re: New boater looking for guidance

Heh.. the guidance you seek will only be the different opinions of everyone responding here.. we all have our own ideas about what's best, and we all have our reasons.

Personally I prefer an outboard (just to throw a wrench in your discussion).

The bottom line? get your family out there, and boating. Find a good deal, that fits your budget. If it's used and you don't know enough about it to feel confident buying a used boat, seek the advice of a boat mechanic.

For your first boat, the performance difference between i/o and direct is going to mean little to you. You might prefer the convenience of being able to trim the motor up, and beaching or going shallow with an i/o, vs. always having a fixed prop in the water.

Just get out there and have fun with whatever you can afford!

 

[cristileigh]

Re: New boater looking for guidance

I agree with esobofh --- Just have fun! You will have to learn from experience on what YOU prefer.

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: New boater looking for guidance

Check out this video for some basic info.

http://www.boattest.com/VLibrary/vPlay.aspx?ID=1424

 

[1rawdawg007]

Re: New boater looking for guidance

Heres a few of my cents.....
Direct drive boat is not for new boaters. Cant beach them, cant raise prop out of water and can limit shallow water launching. You will end up having to go into water occasionally to get ropes un-hung if you run over them, even if you cut motor., plus you cant see under the boat to check your drive for foreign objects, like ropes and fishing lines without getting wet.
Inboards can be raised and lowered, you can beach them, can easily adapt larger alternator to get more power to run those giant tower stereo systems, but dont have "give" if you do hit something in the water.. inboards are good if you are experienced with automotive engines for things like making more power if needed too..You can lift the drive up and inspect it easy to unhang rope or debris, plants, etc,,,
Outboards are completely out of boat, so if a water line breaks, it doesnt fill boat up, you get more usable boat for the same length, they give if you hit something in water, the cost is higher to get more power out of them but they are noisier due to being right there.
Jet boats are safer for people in the water, you can beach them , but I would want to go under and check intake grate before firing up after doing so, they take more fuel.
So as you can see, there are a lot of differences and opinions...
BUT, I strongly believe you HAVE to Test drive whatever you intend to get, just like a new or used car, dont just buy it and then find out it wont pull skier.
New dealers have demos, if its private party, pay them to take you out and demo.. For the investment, its worth it.