Should I or shouldn't I?

[oldjeep]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

My .02 - maybe. Funny thing is that it sounds just like my first boat but with a bigger motor.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=572117&highlight=boat

Might be a good deal, might not - depends on what is really wrong with it and how much work you can do yourself.

7 people in a 195 is fine space wise unless they are huge.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

as for seating, and taking into account some exaggeration, the point is this: the passenger capacity plate may tell you what's legal but it's far from comfortable. And if you carry a lot of weight or hefty folks, that comes into play.

The other important factor is what you do on it. As an example: I have a 21' center console which is the roomiest design other than pontoons/decks; it has seating for and is rated for 8. I took 9 adults of average size for a 45 minutes cocktail cruise and it was comfortable--because it was short and fair weather. But it's crowded fishing with 4; three is better (because you stand up and move around). Tubing-type stuff, 5 is right (teens/college plus me). All day trip, 4 adults. Children under 10, as far as room goes, equals one adult, but each counts toward the capacity plate.

And you have to have a motor big enough to push it with a crowd. Many "popular" boats are underpowered to bring the price down when new.

In summary, 21' CC with 8 person capacity is in real world:
Short cruise: 8
fishing: 2-4
tubing: 5-6
long cruise: 4-5

Hull design can matter, too; a 19' Carolina skiff is rated for 10 but no way you could function with that many.

 

[Drodriguez]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

So anything with an OMC engine wouldn't be ideal. I'm looking at 18'(ish) bowrider style. I'm a family of 2adults/2kids. What brands should I look at? How bout a pontoon?

 

[southkogs]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

^^^^ Whaddya'll doing? Where are ya' floatin'?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

So anything with an OMC engine wouldn't be ideal. I'm looking at 18'(ish) bowrider style. I'm a family of 2adults/2kids. What brands should I look at? How bout a pontoon?

I'm getting this feeling of deja-vu all over again. Read the earlier replies - avoid OMC. Decide what boat YOU want and go look for one in good condition. Brand is not important - condition is!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

So anything with an OMC engine wouldn't be ideal. I'm looking at 18'(ish) bowrider style. I'm a family of 2adults/2kids. What brands should I look at? How bout a pontoon?

The OMC engine isn't an issue - it is just a chevy. The potential issue is the Cobra drive. Pros - the impeller takes 5 minutes to replace. Cons - if the shift cable has been out of adjustment then you are looking at a set of extremely expensive gears/dog clutches.

Mercruiser would be a better find, but you need to decide what you are willing to pay, how much risk you are willing to take and how much work you are willing to do.

 

[Drodriguez]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Ok just wanna make sure. Thanks for all the info, I'll be more careful when looking for a boat!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

So anything with an OMC engine wouldn't be ideal. I'm looking at 18'(ish) bowrider style. I'm a family of 2adults/2kids. What brands should I look at? How bout a pontoon?

forget looking for brands! start by looking for boats by design for YOUR use. Do this by looking at new boats, on-line, dealers and walknig around marinas. Get in them. Once you decide on design and size, look for the used one.

Then you can add or subtract points for exceptional brands (boston whaler) where age doesn't matter (add), or subtract (cobra, force)

Pontoons are a specialty boat. harder for daily trailer use, not very versatile in some respects; great room however; terrible in tidal waters. ot saying no, just don't lump them in with mono hulls.

We talked about room. Note how much space is wasted with an i/o sitting in the boat v. an outboard. Look how cramped the boat is with lots of padding, back to back seats, built-in big dashboards, etc. Boats are hard to drive sitting in a bucket seat.

go to the sea hunt web site for examples; they make many styles and sizes. (There are other brands just as good)

You have children. Think play room. that means durable. get a boat that's made for outdoor use, not some carpeted cushiony thing you have to keep covered when not in use and constantly clean. Spend your time boating, not protecting.

 

[Drodriguez]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

What would an engine replacement cost? Just wondering?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

What would an engine replacement cost? Just wondering?

Still can't walk away from this one ?? Would that be OMC engine & drive or Merc engine & drive? What size engine? Will you install it yourself, or have a shop do it?
No matter what - you are looking at 000's of $

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

What would an engine replacement cost? Just wondering?

I have replaced an engine myself with LOTS of know how and experience... scrounging for the right deal and putting it all together myself for as little as $200.. You could easily pay more than $7000 at a dealership for a new one installed... an average mechanic could put in a used one with little to no warranty for maybe $2000-$4000


If you are looking for a CHEAP first I/O boat do not even consider ANYTHING that needs an engine

On an outboard.... It's about the same deal unless it's a very small boat....... For now, I suggest that you stop asking questions and ANSWER a few....

1: What is your MAX budget and how much could you imagine being able to spend on maintenance over the first year.

2: What do you want to DO in this boat.... just pleasure trips? fishing? hours at anchor soaking up the sun?

3: Do you expect your boat to be shiny and fancy, or does a more utilitarian style work for you.

4: How much experience do you have? Have you driven a boat? Launched and loaded one? Towed trailers?

 

[Drodriguez]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Just lot of questions cause I like to take in the information.
I wants a cruiser pull a tube father son fishing. Nothing major. Not fancy, maybe just a beater. Budget is about $3000.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Just lot of questions cause I like to take in the information.
I wants a cruiser pull a tube father son fishing. Nothing major. Not fancy, maybe just a beater. Budget is about $3000.

Hopefully you can appreciate our confusion
Earlier in this thread you liked a cruiser to seat 7. Then you were asking about a pontoon. Now it's a cruiser for 2+.
The problem is - buying a beater cruiser is going to cost a fortune to get it seaworthy. You will spend more time fixing than boating.
How about lowering your expectations for your first boat and go with something smaller, with an outboard.

 

[Drodriguez]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Agreed! Can you give me some small outboards to look at?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Agreed! Can you give me some small outboards to look at?

Sorry, I have no experience with outboards
If you check the other forums you will find one called Non-repair Outboard Discussions. I suggest you start a new thread there asking for recommendations for a ( 16 to 18 ft ?? ) outboard powered boat within your budget.
Good luck and happy boating

Edit. Actually I'm not sure where that question should be asked - maybe just start a new thread in this forum as this thread is getting kinda long!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Good now we are on the hunt.... My paraphrase is that you are looking for ANY boat that gets you on the water within your budget
Refine that to no bassboats, throw in simple, and cheap and we end up with a small outboard runabout... My suggestion would be about a 16' v hull fishing boat... preferably aluminum, open bow and if it's a fish'n'ski version all the better.
Next, where are you located? This is so we can look up examples that are actually for sale in your area.... IE " go look at this one, I think it's a great deal" ..... You wouldn't be the fist one here who got a smokin deal on a boat that a stranger 1000 miles away found for you.
here are just a couple quick example from my neck of the woods
http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/3306260939.html
http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/3286338600.html
http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/3296666088.html

I didn't study these in great detail because for all I know you could be in china but it's a start

 

[Drodriguez]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

I live in Arlington, Tx. 18' bowrider sounds good. I would like to cruise out with some friends once in awhile.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Ok so something a little more plush than a fishing boat... gonna be harder to find it in good condition in your price range but not impossible

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/boa/3351980743.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bod/3293965172.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/boa/3351424682.html
might be a bit big for your needs..... for about a month till 3footitis hits ya
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/3346571104.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/3326760134.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/3342499794.html
You will probably consider this one too small.... but this boat is REALLY worth considering for a first boat..... If you get it and later trade up, you'll probably always regret selling it... lol

 

[Drodriguez]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I?

Nice boats exactly why I'm looking for!!!