Old classic style or newer ski boat?

[Nklpltd]

Hey guys,

Just joined the forum and am elated at the information available. My wife and I have decided to get a boat this winter for next year. We wanted an activity that we can do as a couple and with friends.

Now the question is, what kind of boat to get. My wife is cool with whatever and i'm the one struggling to pick a style. My budget is about 2500-4000. I was pretty set on a newer style ski boat, and then i read the Sleekcraft Executive restore thread and it totally opened my eyes to owning a classic, be different boat.

I've found quite a few boats to look at am the more i look, i keep seeing these older classic boats that just look cool. I think it would be sweet to have an older classic boat on the lake, and be different than all the typical ski boats.

So my question is, for a beginner boat owner, do you think i should go with the classic style that i can clean up and make mine or go with a newer ski boat and later when i'm more experienced get my classic?

I'm pretty mechanically inclined and have lots of time to work on tweaking and making it look and run awesome. I'm disabled from the military, and don't work so fixing up a classic isn't out of the question.

Also any advise for a newbie would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jake

 

[djspady]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

I restored a '72 Century Arabian a few years ago. I believe it was as good as new when I finished. I would however do a few things different. Make sure you get something with a currently available engine. Mine had a 440 Chrysler. The parts were expensive. I have seen some great deals on 80's nautiques, and centurys that are good bases. If you do a good job, the boat will hold it's value and you will have tons of fun.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

If you're planning on skiing, then a classic ski boat can surely be the way to go. And there are some really nice designs out there from the 70's and 80's. If you're getting the boat more for cruising and taking friends out, you might widen your scope to include some runabouts. There are still some very nice classics out there, but the design might accommodate a group better than a ski boat, handle rougher water and run a little more efficiently.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

Do mean ski boat as in SKI boat (inboard) or ski boat as in "anything fiberglass and kinda sleekish looking that isn't a fishing boat"?

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

If you have the time and skill then definitely get an older boat. You seem pretty content on getting an older model so I think you have your answer. Now is a GREAT time to buy also. Lots of people looking to dump their boat now so they dont have to pay to close it out for the year or store it. Good Luck

 

[nimmor]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

You didn't mention if you plan on doing any fishing. If you are you might look at the fish and ski models. They combine the ski boat and bass boat together.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

since you are new to boats, let me throw this in: Generally boats are not like cars and many new boaters make that mistake. However, buying, restoring and operating an old classic boat is a whole lot like buying, restoring and operating an old classic car.

You get the pleasure and pride of the work you do and the head turning. You will constantly have work to do on it and that translates to unreliability you and your family has to tolerate. You also need more care, both in use and storage, of a classic; with an ordinary boat you don't sweat as much the inevitable bumps stains dings and scratches that come with ordinary use. You will have expenses after the initial purchase so if X is all you can spend in the boat budget, buy one for 25% of X.

You sound much better suited to a classic restoration than most people who go that way only because they don't have enough money. As suggested, buy it now so it will be ready in the spring season (if you have seasons). Otherwise, be sure your friends and family understand it may be months after the purchase before you take them out.

 

[62 ROYAL SCOTT]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

HELL-O AND WELCOME,THANK YOU" FOR YOUR TIME AND SACERFACIES FOR OUR COUNTRY" OK now you want a ski- boat [ GREAT CHOICE ]and you want a[ CLASSIC ] Another [ GREAT CHOICE ] And you are looking to restore one and make it your own and one that not everybody has.[ GREAT CHOICES ].Now if i may suggest [ WHAT TO GET AND LOOK FOR ]#[1] 5Os's--60's When made in the U.S.A. meant great craftsmanship.NOT TO KNOCK THE OTHER YEARS. #[2] I/B or O/B #[3] Look for the ski pylon mounted above the boat. #[4]Look to make sure everything is there and intact and matches.#[5]Check for damages bottom,sides,all over#[6] Make sure the trailer matches the boat or same year or era. Some boats came as a package[BOAT MOTOR TRAILER] That's what i got. #[7[ look for a boat that been taken care of ,one owner [ if your lucky] #[8]It takes time to find the right boat,but you will know it when you see it.[THAT'S THE BOAT I'AM LOOKING FOR]#[9]Take your time on restore and enjoy the work you are putting into it.#[10] KEEP US UPDATED AND POST PIC'S

 

[BF]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

Welcome.... as Ezmobee asks, given that you're new to boats, it's not clear to me if you may (?) be misleading people by the use of the term "ski boat". To many familiar to boats, "ski boat" is reserved for tournament style tow boats. The older ones of these are direct drive V8 powered true inboard boats. Ski Nautique, Mastercraft etc. Many newbies call any boat that you can ski behind a "ski boat", when really it would be better described as an inboard/outboard bowrider, or a I/O cuddy cabin, or a center console etc...

With your budget, I wouldn't go entirely "retro" for something needing a complete restore... there are lots of I/O bowriders from the 90's that would fit in there that should not require major work to get you reliably on the water (and skiing). Avoid OMC I/O's and mercruiser 470's.... OMC I/O have been out of production for a long time, and the merc 470 has other issues that need to be dealt with. I don't think it's where you should start. If adult's skiing is high on the "to do" list, I'd suggest a mercruiser 4.3 or larger. Nothing wrong with a 17-18' bowrider with a 100+ hp outboard either... Good luck

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

I'm guessing (never a good thing) when you say an older ski boat you are referring to a flat bottom, outboard, low low low free board boat like the glastron carlsons for example. If this is the case, what you have to decide is do you want to only ski when it's flat water, or do you want to do other stuff when it's a little rougher. That decision point would lead you down two very different paths.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

I restored a '72 Century Arabian a few years ago. I believe it was as good as new when I finished. I would however do a few things different. Make sure you get something with a currently available engine. Mine had a 440 Chrysler. The parts were expensive. I have seen some great deals on 80's nautiques, and centurys that are good bases. If you do a good job, the boat will hold it's value and you will have tons of fun.

My family has three Chrysler big block Centurys, I do not find the parts any more expensive that what Quicksliver charges!

 

[Nklpltd]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

Wow, thanks for all the responses. Yes my budget limits me to "older" boats, but there is still a wide range in years available. The whole goal/plan for this boat is to be a cruiser, pulling skiers (i want to learn water ski, slalom), and the odd tube. I live in Northern Utah and will mostly be used on Bear lake, but i do want to plan some trips to Lake Powell, so it needs some space to haul 4-6 people and gear for a few days. The idea of a cuddy is growing on me, but more for the space. I get the worst motion sickness... i'm fine driving or cruising, but not sleeping on the boat.

My phrase in my original post, "ski" boat meant typical 80's v hull open bow boat. On the same note, classic meant 60's to 70's 17+ foot cruiser, cuddy or ski. I want an inboard motor, because i like the water entry setup better.

I'm not looking for a complete restore, like the 1975 omega tri hull restore thread, but would be up for a bit of fix up, and update interior if needed.

As far as a ski pylon or tower... Depending on the style/model i buy, i have considered getting an after market tower, or a big air universal pylon that i could take down and keep the "classic" look.

I AM NOT A FISHERMAN!! LOL... Maybe someday when i have kids, but right now i don't have any plans to use my boat for fishing.

Thanks for all the advice...

 

[Nklpltd]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

I've been doing a lot of looking tonight and noticed that the day cruiser style really intrigues me. I originally thought that only sleek craft make a day cruiser, but boy was I wrong. I think a nice day cruiser with a open, usable cuddy is what i'm really going to look at now, mid 70's-early 80's. I have found quite a few in my price range. The only problem i'm seeing is, most come with a jet drive and i really think that i want a prop. I have found some nice ones with a prop. I just hope they are still around when i have the money to pull the trigger.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Old classic style or newer ski boat?

I like mine!