Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

[dok33]

Been lurking here for a while reading over lots of posts and figured I'd go ahead and make a post.

I'm looking for a general purpose boat (mostly cruising the local lakes and doing some tubing/kneeboarding) for our family of 3 and was hoping to get some opinions. I've been working on cars all my life and I don't mind something that will need a little attention but I also don't have any boat knowledge and don't want to buy a money pit so I was hoping some experts over here could give me some advice.

Just a few I've been considering off the local craigslist:
http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/1770350760.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/1769571346.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/1768442865.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/1768337256.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/1762048357.html

Overall budget is ~$5k and I'm trying to decide whether to go with something a little newer/more expensive or an older boat that I'd have a little more $$ overhead for any work that needs to be done. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[commander315]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

At this point, I would definitely go for a new, (Or model year leftover), or at least a "newer" model from a dealer. New Boats today are selling for ridiculously low prices. My marina is a Monterey and Crownline dealer. I would go for something like a nice little, quick, Monterey 2005 or up. They are great boats. Hope this helped...

 

[commander315]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

sorry i didn't see your desired 5k price range. In that case, the monterey on craiglist u seen looks like a good choice. If you look around though, you could find some great boats for cheap.

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Go for the monterey it looks to be in nice condition and they are great all around boats. Be sure to take it on the water before paying any kind of money and if you can take it somewhere to have it checked out mechanically. It may cost a few bucks out of pocket, but it will save thousands if something is wrong with it.... Buy it and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dok33]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Thanks for the quick replies! Will definitely check out the Monterey, seems like a nice boat for the price if it's not already gone.

I might go look at the Chaparral just for the heck of it too as a backup plan, it's pretty old but it seems like they have a good reputation on this board and the price would give me at least $3k to play with if it needs work. Only thing I'm worried about with that one is the 70hp motor. I realize you don't need as much hp with an outboard but wasn't sure if that would be enough for towing duties.

Thanks again!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

The Bayliner is an OMC which you probably don't want due to poor parts/service support. Not sure about the travis one. Can't tell what motor it has. The Ozark looks decent. I think the Chap is actually the best deal. Yeah it's not going to be too quick but a '99 oil injected Johnson is worth what he's asking for the whole rig. Good luck.

 

[Philster]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Tip for the automotive guy: Boats have wood in them. The wood is often the core support for the deck and transom (stern members).

When boats get that old, the chances of rot in the wood is pretty high. If you go old, get a trailered, garage kept boat maintained but a nut who did nothing but keep 'er dry.

 

[dok33]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Thanks again for all the input, the Monterey is gone (somebody on here?? ) so I'll be looking at the Chapparal as my next option. Will definitely check out all I can regarding the deck etc., I'm definitely more of a mechanic than a carpenter!

 

[convergent]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

I just bought a boat that would probably work well for what you described, but I am also planning to do a lot of fishing... you didn't mention that. I paid $4500 for a '93 Glasstream and Mercury 115HP outboard. To quote Philster, it was a "garage kept boat maintained by a nut"! I have already put more scratches on it in a few weeks than were on there to start as I re-learn docking and such. I also talked to the guys mechanic who he had just paid about $800 to replace the oil pump and a few other things, so I had a good understanding of the condition of the motor. There are a LOT of barely used boats out there... people buy them, and then after the novelty wears off they rarely use them. The trick is to find one that is maintained and kept out of the weather. As the others have said, there is wood in most of these boats and wood can rot.

Anyways, my boat holds 4 people and in the short time we've had it, I am very happy with the boat. My biggest concern was it was going to be too small, but its a tradeoff on usage, storage, and towing ease. The 17.5' boat is working out to be good.

So you should be able to find a really nice boat for under $5K.

 

[pokman]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

I agree with above post. I just bought a 94 Rinker 17ft captiva with a 125 merc outboard. It was garage kept and rarely used over last couple of years do to previous owner having kids. I did have the water pump go out but I should have replaced that right away. The boat fits 5 very good-6 is a squeeze but it pulls a tube great and does 47 which I was happy about. Like others have said check for rot as much as you can. Get the motor checked over and take her out for a test drive for sure. You can find some great older boats-just don't be in a rush. Good luck

 

[hostage]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Welcome to the forums.

I just finished my journey down the boat road. I to started to look for a boat in the same $5000 price range as yours and ended up spending $2500 ($7500 total) more to get my 2000 Maxum 19ft. A few people told me to spend a little more and get a lot more of a boat.

Before you go out and buy a boat do the following thing, ask yourself what you want and need, it looks like you are look at some different type of boats. A couple of the boats look more fishing oriented. Boats with swivel chairs will be better for fishing, while boats with back to back benches will accommodate more people. Open bow would prob be best for you.

Also many older boats have wooden floors and stringers (stringers = structure that the floor sits on and they are connected to the hull). A lot of times they can rot out. I spent a little bit more got a newer boat that was in better condition, better motor, and it has fiberglass floor w/ stringers.

Most of the people here will tell you condition is the most important part, more so the brand name. Also make sure you take it for a test drive. You wouldn't buy a car from a used salesman w/o one. Make sure to test reverse, check for soft spots on the floor, etc.

There are a lot of guides out there and this is one great place to answer questions that the guides can't. Bring a camera take photos and post it up here, that is what I did.

Hope this helps, but I am another noob repeating what others have said.
-Hostage

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

center console 17' Scout, sea pro, sea hunt, etc. (or whaler) with an outboard, say a 115.
If you're buying used you can get more boat for the money, and with a CC you can know what you're getting. Much more room inside for the length than a bow rider. Usually lighter, therefore quicker, too.

 

[commander315]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Yes, to think of it, a small center console would be good for you. Look into some late 90's or early 00's well craft or whaler center consoles (Great boats)

 

[dok33]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Excellent, will look at those as well! Talked to the Chaparral guy, sounds like its in pretty good shape and I think I could get him down a little on the price. only issue he mentioned is some soft spots around the gas tank he reinforced, said the rest was solid (which I will obviously check out). Is that a deal breaker even at this price and considering I'd probably upgrade in a year or two? Its been out recently and the reg is current so it should be functionally sound. Sorry if these are simplistic questions, just trying to make an informed decision. Thanks!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Well rot is never good. And it is usually worse the more you go digging. However that's not saying it isn't usable for a season or two and like I said, that motor + the trailer is probably worth his asking price.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Buy the smallest boat that fits you. I have five in my family and like to have room for luggage or guests, so we got a 21' 8 seater. You'l.l probably be good in an 18' boat.

Now, only look at a good brand of boat with the largest engine available. A 4.3 will be great in that size.

Definitely get it looked at by someone. My $4200 boat I bought two months ago is now getting a new transom put in. It's not cheap.

 

[dok33]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Picked up the Chaparral tonight for $1550 It's in really good shape considering the age, the rot didn't turn out to be too bad either. Ran great and he tested it right with ears and a hose. He was a long time boat owner (had this one for 10yrs) and I could tell he was super meticulous, everything was very well kept and he had even saved all the tags off the motor for what its worth. Will post some pics when it's light out, thanks again for the advice!

Headed over to the Johnson outboard section...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

I think you got a good deal on that. That's a fantastic motor. Post up some more pics when you get the chance and good luck!

 

[dok33]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Good to hear, seemed like a bargain for the money to me too!

Anyone have some links to boating info that might be helpful to a beginner? Been reading through Texas's laws/guidelines and some outboard maintenance stuff as well. Just want to make sure I'm well informed before hitting the water!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinions appreciated-cruising/tubing boat for family of 3

Sure, read the Stupid Human Tricks section on here and don't do that stuff