resource for used boat reviews?

[oregonfox]

Hi

Our family gathers in Michigan often on Lake Huron. We're looking into a used ski boat, it's been nearly 20 years since my in-laws have owned a ski boat. I'm looking for a resource where I can review and compare what's out there but not having much luck.

Anyone out there have some ideas or suggestions?

Thx

 

[rallyart]

Re: resource for used boat reviews?

Waterski mag has some useful information on some boats.
You could check with OnlyInboards website or Wakeworld to get more.
Just pay attention to the source of the review as many owners, quite rightly, are very biased to their own boat. Waterski Magazine reviews are paid for by the manufacturer but are conducted by the magazine. Listen carefully and you'll get lots of info from how they say things.

Remember that a test drive is worth more than any review.

 

[oregonfox]

Re: resource for used boat reviews?

Thanks, there's a myriad of online boating info and it's been hard to tell what's competent or not. Certainly nothing like Autotrader or Edmunds.com!

 

[skibrain]

Re: resource for used boat reviews?

By ski boat I assume a direct drive inboard?
Another source for classifieds.

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat

Price range and what you are looking for will narrow your search greatly.
Dealer support important? Open bow or no? Ski only or wakeboard too?

 

[oregonfox]

Re: resource for used boat reviews?

Our budget is around $10,000 for a used boat. Lake Huron can get big swells, it will be used for general tooling around site seeing enjoying the lake, pulling water skiers/tubes and fishing. It will only be used 3 months of the year and during those 3 months will be taken out sporatically with heavy use one week in the summer during our family reunion.

 

[rallyart]

Re: resource for used boat reviews?

You should look in the USA. The availability and price are much better there right now than in Canada. Importing the boat is easy and the trailer requires a bit more attention to detail when bringing it across. If you double your budget you will vastly improve the boats, but that kind of eliminates the purpose of the budget I guess.