Question for Kelly Cook

[sammyjacob]

Hi Kelly.<br /><br />Thanks for all the replys to my various posts.<br />I realy need someone like you to guide me. I should have bought one by now but I'm so confused with all the choices/requirements/prices etc.<br /><br />This will be my first boat.<br /><br />I live in Israel where boats are priced in US dollars. (Med Sea)<br /><br />I live by a Marina (Salt Water)<br />I intend on leaving the boat most of the year moored in the marina.<br /><br />I don't do any kind of water sports. I intend to use the boat mainly to get some peace and quiet and for a bit of fun.<br /><br />Max person in the boat at any one time 3 adults.<br /><br />I want to minimise servicing costs and self maintenance.<br /><br />I'm not loaded so running costs/MPG/GPH will be very important.<br /><br />I do like speed and creature comforts but quality and saftey are the most important.<br /><br />I'd prefer to stay under the $18k level if possible. Dealer Prices here are about the same as the US.<br /><br />The most attractive offer I've had yet seems to be the Horizon 170 at around $17.5k (3.0L Merc/Volvo) inclusive/on the water<br /><br />I was considering the Bayliner 175 but that seems to be a no no. Good price though!<br /><br />So you tell me - what do I do. The dealer here (about 200 yards from my apartment) is a Four Winns main dealer. I'm so bloody confused. If this was a Motor Vehicle I'd have no problems at all.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[KCook]

Re: Question for Kelly Cook

I live by a Marina (Salt Water)<br />I intend on leaving the boat most of the year moored in the marina.<br /><br />I don't do any kind of water sports. I intend to use the boat mainly to get some peace and quiet and for a bit of fun.<br /><br />Max person in the boat at any one time 3 adults.<br /><br />I want to minimise servicing costs and self maintenance.

To me that all adds up to an outboard powered boat, not the I/O rigs you have been shopping. An OB will mean less maintenance, much less when moored in saltwater. As the lower unit on an OB can be tilted up completely clear of the water when not in use. Which is not true for an I/O. Even tilted up as far as possible the lower unit for an I/O will still be in the water. And a real concern for corrosion.<br /><br />Although not as common as I/O, there are a few runabouts on the market with OB power. Example this Bayliner 180 .<br /><br />Another interesting package in small OB boats is the center console fishing type. Example this Trophy CC . (Trophy is owned by the same corp as Bayliner.) Not as stylish as a runabout, but in some regards more versatile. On days when you need extra seating for guests you can just toss a couple of bean-bag type seats in it.<br /><br />Boats as small as those I linked to above will do fine with just a 125hp OB. Prices will be slightly greater than a 3L I/O boat. But still well worth considering for saltwater.<br /><br />Dunno just what brands are available to you. In small OB boats there may well be European boats that can beat the US prices.<br /><br />Get some rides as demos or even renting boats. Any little bit of experience will help clear these issues up for you.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[RatFish]

Re: Question for Kelly Cook

Sammy Jay,<br /><br />I agree with Kelly on the OB issue. Since the dealer you are interested in is a Four Winns dealer, take a look at the 180 Freedom OB. I was interested in a 180 OB with a 150HP Johnson and almost bought it. I got a price of about $19,400 without haggling. Good Luck.