Used Bowrider

[kevinpops]

I am looking to buy my first boat and think a bowrider would be a good fit for what I want.
Due to cost, I am looking at a large amount of boats but the following manufactures and year ranges seem to keep coming up, does anyone have any input on any of these pros cons etc...
I plan on trailering it and using it in the ICW near Wilmington NC.
any help is appreciated
Wellcraft, Monterey, Glaston, Stingray, Bayliner, Celebrity, Maxum, Regal, Cobia.
1993-1998
Thank you

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Used Bowrider

The make, IMO, is your last concern. First you have to decide whether you want an outboard or I/O. Second, who is around where you live that can work on them? Do you have a Merc. service dealer? Volvo? Good indy? Talk to some people with boats who have service done and one powertrain or another may come out as the better choice. When you actually start looking at boats, see if they have any service records. Having records is a huge plus. Pick the one in the best shape within your budget and that's the make you go with. If you can wait a couple of months the prices will go down.

 

[KCook]

Re: Used Bowrider

For an older bowrider, nearer to '93 than '98, my preference out that list would be Cobia, Regal, or Wellcraft. But a "preference" is all it is. I agree with bjcsc that getting a boat in good condition should be the overriding concern. A professional surveyor can help with that.

Kelly Cook

 

[tmh]

Re: Used Bowrider

I just went through the same excercise, although I wound up going older (1985) because I decided to go for very inexpensive to make sure I even want a boat long-term. However, I agree with the others so far that although there is definately OK, better, best for manufacturer quality, when buying more than 10 years old the condition of the boat "is what it is" and the primary other factor is the condition of the engine/drive.

When i say it "is what it is" here's what I mean. A Bayliner would be considered one of the lower quality boats, but IF you find a 1995 Bayliner in pristine condition with a well-serviced engine, etc. you will be able to get it for the same price as a beat up SeaRay (considered better quality) of similar description. I'd take the Bayliner hands down. The older the boat, the more CURRENT CONDITION matters vs. "build quality". Newer, maybe that's different as many will be in excellent condition but the better built ones may stay that way longer.

First, as was said, figure out what you'll really be using the boat for. Size, seat layout, I/O vs. OB, etc. Then determine how much power is REALLY needed to properly run the boat you want - you'll find "great prices" on lots of UNDERPOWERED boats.

Figure all THAT out, then you'll be able to limit the ones you want to look at. Deals can be had now and even more in as the weather in your ares cools down. Winterizing, storage, hassle of trying to sell it NEXT year, all make sellers more willing to take less.

Good luck.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Used Bowrider

Also for saltwater use on the intercoastal i would prefer an outboard.Much less work to maintain . As TMH said,resale of a I/O that has been in salt will definately hurt you.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used Bowrider

if going with an I/O stick to mercruiser or volvo. stay away from the omc as parts and service are getting harder to find.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Used Bowrider

I just went through the same excercise, although I wound up going older (1985) because I decided to go for very inexpensive to make sure I even want a boat long-term. However, I agree with the others so far that although there is definately OK, better, best for manufacturer quality, when buying more than 10 years old the condition of the boat "is what it is" and the primary other factor is the condition of the engine/drive.

When i say it "is what it is" here's what I mean. A Bayliner would be considered one of the lower quality boats, but IF you find a 1995 Bayliner in pristine condition with a well-serviced engine, etc. you will be able to get it for the same price as a beat up SeaRay (considered better quality) of similar description. I'd take the Bayliner hands down. The older the boat, the more CURRENT CONDITION matters vs. "build quality". Newer, maybe that's different as many will be in excellent condition but the better built ones may stay that way longer.

First, as was said, figure out what you'll really be using the boat for. Size, seat layout, I/O vs. OB, etc. Then determine how much power is REALLY needed to properly run the boat you want - you'll find "great prices" on lots of UNDERPOWERED boats.

Figure all THAT out, then you'll be able to limit the ones you want to look at. Deals can be had now and even more in as the weather in your ares cools down. Winterizing, storage, hassle of trying to sell it NEXT year, all make sellers more willing to take less.

Good luck.

Some great info and advice from tmh.
I would take (and recently did) an older boat and outboard that has been used less and in great shape over a newer boat that has had the crap beaten out of it.
Make certain as stated that you have enough speed and power for what you want to do. If giving it an in water test, load it with what you think will be your regular weight on board and see how it performs. Nothing worse than being bitterly dissapointed on the first trip with the family aboard and it wont come out of the hole !!!!
I witnessed that over the weekend. Left a couple of people back on the dock and went out in "shifts" (poor guys family was not impressed)

 

[kevinpops]

Re: Used Bowrider

Thank you all for the good advice, is there a forumal or ratio of weight to HP that can be applied? I know a test is the best way but to narrow down choices is there a minimum HP not to even waste my time with.
Also, I know the difference between an I/O and an outboard but if an I/O is taken care of properly and cleaned right, shouldn't that not make a difference even if I will have it in salt water or are there other factors to take into consideration.
Last, a buddy of mine who own multiple boats and uses them near where I do, couldn't be more against Mercury motors and told me to only consider yamaha, last year when I shopped for a jetski, I was similarly warned from him and others to stay away from sea doo products and polaris products and stick only with yamaha because of the quality, is there any truth to this or are Mercury and Volvo ok?
Thanks again

 

[Prin]

Re: Used Bowrider

Yamaha makes great stuff, and so do other makers. Honda, Mercury, Nissan, Tohatsu, etc. all make great outboards. Everyone will have their favorite, look to the dealers in your area. If you need work that is important. I have had I/O and outboard, both have their good points and bad points. Outboards over the last few years have made major improvements as compared to I/o's . Get the biggest motor your boat will take and you can afford. I have never heard anyone complain that they bought too much motor. But many say they bought too little. Good luck

 

[KCook]

Re: Used Bowrider

Another thread on power choices -

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=1;gtid=878049

Kelly