Time for our first new power boat

[kennedybc]

We have a cottage on a small lake in Michigan. We do a little cruising, fishing and sking/tubing. We started out with a 16' '84 Bayliner Capri with an 85 hp Force O/B. Nice boat, but a bit stinky when puttering around with the old folks. Then, we acquired an 18' '78 Marlin with a Ford 302 Mercruiser I/O. Got rid of the stink and could pull our heavier friends up on the skis. Now, we think we're ready to invest in a new boat. The first thing we looked at was a Bayliner bowrider with a 130HP Mercruiser I/O on sale at $12K. We'd appreciate any advice. Is there a Consumer's Report like thing that compares boats?

 

[JeffSlade]

Re: Time for our first new power boat

Look at Crownline and Four Winns. If you want something that will last a long time and hold it's resale value try them. Bayliner is a good boat but nothing fancy. These other guys know how it's done right.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Time for our first new power boat

I have been researching what I would want in a bowrider and one of the things I come across is to stay away from the 3.0l option on anything other than the samllest boat.<br /><br />I think if you look at the used boat market, you will see A LOT of next to new boats with the 3.0l engine at very attractive prices. The step up to the 4.3l would be a wise choice ot consider..

 

[runrrob]

Re: Time for our first new power boat

I know this topic is old, but I must say stay away from Crownline unless Customer Service is not an issue for you.

 

[Deerdog]

Re: Time for our first new power boat

There are alot of nice boats on teh market - both new and used (like new). I would recommend you get something more than 130 hp in an I/O though. That new boat will weigh more most likely and you mentioned you haul/pull heavier loads. A larger motor (say a 4.3 or 5.0L) will allow room for growth.<br /><br />Deerdog

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Time for our first new power boat

I would forget the bayliner and look at the 19' i/o searays. They run about 12-13K here in Virgnia Beach, and certainly have a better resale value than bayliner. An overall better boat.