New to boating and looking at a Larson is Larson a good boat ?

[boatprop]

Hi, I'm new to boating and my family is looking for a good used ski boat at least a 21 foot with at least a v6 but would like a V8. We have seen alot of Larson boats for sale and was not for sure how good they were and what is the best engine on the Larson the V6 or V8. We are a family of four and will be taking some friends and we will be tubing, wake boarding and sking behind this boat. We are not going to be competion wake boarding but want to make sure we have enough power to pull up a wake boarder with no problems. Any information about the Larson boats or any other brand of Boat that is recommended will be greatly appreciated. Looking to speed around $8,000 to $10,000 or maybe a little more for a good used boat.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: New to boating and looking at a Larson is Larson a good boat ?

It is debatable as we will soon see but you really should look for a v8 in a 21' boat. It's always better to have to much than to little. As for the Larson's I haven't had one but they are nice looking boats.

 

[southkogs]

Re: New to boating and looking at a Larson is Larson a good boat ?

When buying used - don't worry so much about brand as condition. At the age of boat you'll get for $10K, condition will be EVERYTHING - though a Larson brand plate is as good as any other. Just don't limit yourself by brand.

I agree with spdracr - for as many people as you're gonna' have on board and as big a boat as it is, you'll want the v8 for water sports.

 

[rpdwyer]

Re: New to boating and looking at a Larson is Larson a good boat ?

Hi BoatProp.
I echo what Spdrac39 said... you will not regret the V8, but might at some point regret a V6 as a family of 4 with friends on board and towing a tube.

Regarding Larson, I have a 1997 Cabrio 310, and while I've had my fair share of problems (mostly engine related) I am generally happy with the brand when it comes to hull design... it's solid and very thick but still gets decent gas mileage (relatively speaking) for a boat that size. Not sure how that trickles down to a 21' but I would like to think they stuck with a good hull design across their models.

What it comes down to, is for the dollars you are looking to spend, take a look at what your options are and buy accordingly. On the used market you will pay more for a comparably equipped Sea Ray than you will a Larson...so you may find that Larson is a good fit for you what you want to spend. Good luck... post what you eventually decide to to.

--Rick

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: New to boating and looking at a Larson is Larson a good boat ?

My friend has a 21' Larson and it is a good boat. They are built in MN. When Glastron was built in MN., the company moved to Michigan, they were like them but with more options. Like a cadillac. It depends upon which year you choose to buy; the earlier models were made with hand laid fiberglass and the newer ones are built using VEC. Some of the VEC models did have issues with osmotic blistering but no one I know has had problems. I suppose it all depends upon how you care for it and where it is stored. As for the engine I would go for the V8 if you can, but the 4.3 mpi has power also. Whatever you find take it for a test drive so you know what your getting.