Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

[logman96]

I read 'finding the perfect boat to buy'. Glad I did. After scouring the internet for a month I was beginning to think I might as well just buy a boat, not be picky, and get out on the lakes next summer and learn what I can. None of the boats I see are screaming out that they are "the boat". I plan to buy 4-10 years old, and it doesn't seem they lose a lot of value in one summer. So if I don't like it by Fall, I can sell and re-buy.

Anyway, I am still looking for a couple pieces of guidance regarding reputation, etc... With that in mind, hoping some of you experienced owners can share your thoughts.

I am looking for a 17-19 foot bowrider, i/o.

1. Is there a meaningful difference in performance and quality between:
- Sea Ray
- Chris Craft
- Larson
- Crownline
- Bayliner (this is the only one I've heard negatives about)

2. I see either Merc's or Volvo Penta's. Does one have a better reputation than the other?

3. For the size boat I am looking for, how important is horsepower. Looks like 135 and 190 are most common. I just don't want to have issues pulling skiers out of the water. Is that a concern with the lower hp?

4. Is there one key "gotcha" that a first-time boat owner should watch out for when buying a used boat?

Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom!!

 

[Stachi]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

Welcome to Iboats Log, nice to have ya aboard...gonna suggest you read the restoration threads....you will learn a lot about what to look for...pleasure craft , as you are interested in , are not noteworthy of proper maintenance and care....so, plenty of neglect issues to look for...down to the boats structural integrity.... take your time , read the threads in the restorations...you will learn a lot ( this is how some of them got there)...and you will be a better equipped buyer...good luck bro , and happy sailing

 

[boatflipper]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

3. For the size boat I am looking for, how important is horsepower. Looks like 135 and 190 are most common. I just don't want to have issues pulling skiers out of the water. Is that a concern with the lower hp?

My cousin bought a new 2008 Sea Ray 165 bowrider with the 135 hp option. I weigh 180 lbs and it did not like pulling me up (that was with 3 people in the boat, about 400 lbs)

She has since traded it in on a 210 bowrider with (I think) a 210 hp. engine choice it does do a bit better but there is a lot more weight you have to factor in....

Good Luck!!

 

[Stachi]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

My cousin bought a new 2008 Sea Ray 165 bowrider with the 135 hp option. I weigh 180 lbs and it did not like pulling me up (that was with 3 people in the boat, about 400 lbs)

She has since traded it in on a 210 bowrider with (I think) a 210 hp. engine choice it does do a bit better but there is a lot more weight you have to factor in....

Good Luck!!

sounds like a hole shot and trim thing...maybe even prop change...I would expect a 200+hp engine to nearly pull yer arms out with an otherwise light load in that boat...it may be propped for speed vs. hole shot performance...

 

[jevery]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

There are many good manufacturers of I/O bowriders. You will know quality by fit and finish, hardware, quality of work under the hatches, etc. I think Mercury and the Volvos are comparable in quality and durability. Horsepower, or lack thereof, is probably the number one complaint I hear from other boaters. For myself, 4.3L would be minimum. 5.0 for anything over 19 ft, and at least 5.7 for a 21 ft. I will say, however, that I've seen a few tests of smaller boats designed specifically for the 3.0 that looked to be solid performers. One key thing to watch for when looking at used boats is rotten wood. Water intrusion will soften and destroy a transom and/or stringers in a neglected boat with structural wood. This will not be apparent from outward appearances. Take someone experienced with you when looking, and never buy a boat without a water trial.

 

[QC]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

Yeah, if you want to ski, then V6 minimum. If you go past 20 ft. V8 is probably the best bet, and you get to 22 ft. and 300 bhp is becoming pretty important. There are lots of exceptions, but for a sports minded operator and most bowriders I think those rules of thumb are OK.

As far as quality is concerned, the biggest difference is the level of components, hardware, interior materials and some workmanship. The big stuff, like hull integrity and powerplants are pretty consistent. Lesser quality boat's hardware starts to loosen and some things sow their age earlier. Almost all here will say that maintenance and the previous owner are bigger factors than brand.

With that said, I don't get as worked up about powerplant maintenance as most. Especially with relatively late models. Of course a cracked block is one thing, but almost all else can be refreshed with all new fluids, a tune-up and some attention. There are exceptions like gimbal rings and water pump impellers, and stuff that is actually broken. But if it hasn't frozen or overheated, I am not that concerned if I am prepared to do some work.

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

Good luck in your search.

I would think most of the boats in Minnesota are all packed up and stored for the winter (out of sight out of mind), but you may still be able to find one out there for sale. I searched Craigslist daily while searching for a boat a few of months ago. I actually had to drive to Dallas, TX to pick mine up (a little over 200 miles one way), but it was definitely worth the waiting, searching, and the trip. Just don't give up. I found several in the Dallas area to go look at and just happened to buy the first one on the list.

OMC's get a bad rap, but I wound up with one (95 5.0 Cobra SX) that is actually a joint venture Volvo Penta. I haven't heard anything negative about those particular OMC's, if you encounter one.

I was looking for a mid-90's or younger 19-20 foot bowrider with a strong v6 or v8 and my family and I couldn't be happier with what we ended up with. There are some great deals on boats out there, just be patient and diligent. You'll find one.

 

[Philster]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

I always feel more comfortable recommending a strong V6 outboard for a first-time boater looking for basic fun (like skiing).

If 2-stokers are allowed in your area, a V6 outboard (2-stroke) from a major company like Mercury, Yamaha, Evinrude, etc, that has local technicians certified to work on the motor (s)/B] is the way to go.

If I had a Yamaha tech and no Merc tech, then I'd lean towards Yamaha.

Will you trailer the boat? If so, you need to know if the trailer is a hidden 3k cost. Trailers can get expensive. If the trailer is well-cared for, this is a good sign, because the owner made the extra effort for the trailer.

Nothing is a guarantee, but certain things improve your chances of getting a good buy.

AND: Get a boat surveyor. http://www.marinesurvey.org/

Often required for loans and insurance on used boats. About 400 bucks and will be like a home inspection and mechanic inspection in one. You will get a great report and feel better and safer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

totally agree with QC.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Wannabe boat owner asking for advice

totally agree with QC.

100% with both.
only thing i would add (this probably comes from bouncing from high elevations to low and back) when you pick a boat, find out the power options for that year. then try to get the most hp offered for that hull.