Which bowrider is best?

[Cecash]

Hello. I have a question for the forum. We are limited by horse power restrictions on the lake on which we live. We can have a maximum inboard outboard of 135 hp in a maximum outboard of 90 hp. I realize that the 3.0 L 135 hp bow rider is not really available anymore so we are going to have to buy a pre-owned model. My question is which boat would be most appropriate? I have a family of five including theee small children that want to learn to ski and watertube. We’ve looked at chaparral stingray and Bayliner. We’ve looked at the boats that meet the horse power restrictions. The chaparral is the most expensive at around $25,000 with light use for the H2O 18- a 2015 model. The Bayliner 185 is 2014 at 18000 and the stingray is a 2014 as well and is 16000. What are your thoughts on these models?

 

[JoLin]

They're all using the same GM 3.0 engine. They'll all perform similarly. Are they all Mercruiser? Are any of them Volvo? I've owned both brands, and both have their good and bad points... but they're both good.

Which is in the best condition? Which has the best seating arrangement for your family? All things being equal (only you can answer that), I'd put the Bayliner at the bottom of the list- unless it's in excellent condition and has the seating and amenities you want.

IMO, there's no one, simple answer.

 

[89retta]

I would go with a 90 hp outboard boat . Better power to weight ratio . Plus you can also slap a 90 hp cowling or decals on a 140 hp

 

[Cecash]

Thank you for your replies. I have read that the Bayliner is the lowest quality of the choices but I didn’t know if spending the extra 8000 on the chaparral would be worth it considering it is an entry level boat like the others. You bring up good points regarding seating. The stingray seems to be the most cramped as it is limited to seven passengers. As far as the outboard goes the lake warden checks the serial number as well as the sticker

 

[southkogs]

Condition -

I've liked the Chapparals that I've been aboard. I own a Bayliner, and honestly they've done much better in their build quality in the 2000s. Still and entry level boat, but not bad. Stingray I see a lot of on the water, and seem to be decent enough. But they are still an entry level.

All things being equal : I'd take the one that is most comfortable to you on the interior.

Otherwise, let condition rule the buy. A Bayliner in good shape is a better buy than a Chris Craft that has been beaten to death.

Welcome aboard.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

3 small children have a tendency to grow into 3 large children. Sit in both and check for condition using the sticky at the top of this Forums page. Both relatively new when talking about used boats. I am a fan of O/B's. It gives you more power to weight ratio as mentioned by @southcogs as well as that a tad more room that an I/O takes up on the interior.

 

[tpenfield]

You are buying the low-end of the market, so 'best' might not be a good term to use. Chaparral is generally regarded as a better brand than Bayliner or Stingray. Bayliner is the proverbial bottom fish of the market, but Stingray is also a lightly built economy boat.

Lots of folks have bought and used these boats with good results. You will have to decide if the $8K price delta to get a better brand is worth it.

Also check your asking prices with same similar boats from other sources/areas, just to see if your are high, mid, or low.

 

[roffey]

Take the boat for a ride. You will know if boat is for you once to drive it. Look at the post at the top of this form for buying a used boat (https://forums.iboats.com/forum/gen...eeding-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist). I would not have a problem buying a Bayliner if I liked the boat. In my world all boats are good it just depends on what your bank account can afford and what you need or want the boat for.

 

[briangcc]

I've owned a more modern Bayliner and quite frankly while its no frills, its not bad build quality. A lot of the misconceptions on the brand date back to the 80's where build quality was so-so. Now I would put them ahead of anything you can find at the BassPro/Cabela of the world...by a pretty decent margin.

I own a current Chap and have no complaints either on the boat. The included trailer leaves a bit to be desired.

 

[ahicks]

If this is about skiing, you're going to find that small I/O's have a tendency to drag adults half way across the lake prior to getting them (and itself) "on top". This can make teaching a lesson in not drowning your student! Not saying it can't be done, but pretty sure the outboard (especially an outboard installed on an aluminum boat), being much lighter, will do the better job. Tubing not nearly as demanding as skiing and the I/O works much better there.

Being on a lake, pretty sure you're going to find that occasions where you want/need to carry the full crew around are few and far between after the novelty of boat ownership wears a little. Teens wanting to go for a ride with mom and dad? Thinking not so much. Just spend a couple of evenings at the end of your dock watching whose on the boats going by to verify..... Point being, MANY make the mistake of buying a boat that will seat the entire family comfortably - and never use it in that capacity.

There are several alum. boat manf's that offer similar, but check out the 16' Starcraft SS to get an idea of what I'm talking about (just do a google search). They've been around forever and do an outstanding job with a 85-90. They'll seat a bunch of people if required as well.

 

[hvymtl939]

I've owned a more modern Bayliner and quite frankly while its no frills, its not bad build quality. A lot of the misconceptions on the brand date back to the 80's where build quality was so-so. Now I would put them ahead of anything you can find at the BassPro/Cabela of the world...by a pretty decent margin.

I own a current Chap and have no complaints either on the boat. The included trailer leaves a bit to be desired.

Agreed 10000%

 

[Cecash]

Thanks for the replies. I will let you know how this turns out. As much as I like the Chaparral I am hesitant to spend that kind of money knowing that it's an entry level boat just like the others. If I was buying a larger boat, I could maybe see the difference??

 

[jkust]

What kind of lake has a HP restriction? That'd take 95% of the boats off of our lake. Even the waverunners are now 300hp. I don't understand that situation but it is what it is I suppose. Here's my take on this given two of my homes are on large lakes but without any restrictions as I don't think those even exist in my state. You are limited as to size ultimately so the only thing it would seem you can focus on is the level of luxury and appointments for that particular size of bowrider. I would go with the 25k Chap and move into something a little bet better appointed right off the bat since you can't really ever get two footitis given your restrictions but you can grow sick of a lesser appointed boat in a similar way people quickly grow out of their smaller boat. I don't know your finances but to me 8k is well worth it.

Now bowriders aside, your three kids will turn into big teens and a small bowrider will quickly become uncomfortable as ours that size did when my boys were still pre-teens. Since we don't have restrictions, I just got a bigger bowrider but If I lived on a restricted lake as you do and if pontoons are allowed, I would possibly consider a pontoon. I'd say tritoon but 90hp is a very small engine.

 

[briangcc]

I wouldn't call the Chaparral entry level. Some will differ on this opinion but I lob the Tahoes/Suntrackers/BassTrackers/etc that you find at the big box stores I mentioned earlier as entry level. Personally I rank the three you listed in this order:

Chap
Bayliner
Stingray

There's nothing bad about any of them, just feature set that puts them in this order for me. If you're happy with the layout on the Bayliner or Stingray then by all means go buy it and be happy with the purchase. As for the price difference, a year newer does make a large difference as does any included options - bimini top, mooring cover, upgraded flooring, etc.

 

[kawakx125]

What kind of lake has a HP restriction? That'd take 95% of the boats off of our lake. Even the waverunners are now 300hp. I don't understand that situation but it is what it is I suppose. Here's my take on this given two of my homes are on large lakes but without any restrictions as I don't think those even exist in my state. You are limited as to size ultimately so the only thing it would seem you can focus on is the level of luxury and appointments for that particular size of bowrider. I would go with the 25k Chap and move into something a little bet better appointed right off the bat since you can't really ever get two footitis given your restrictions but you can grow sick of a lesser appointed boat in a similar way people quickly grow out of their smaller boat. I don't know your finances but to me 8k is well worth it.

Now bowriders aside, your three kids will turn into big teens and a small bowrider will quickly become uncomfortable as ours that size did when my boys were still pre-teens. Since we don't have restrictions, I just got a bigger bowrider but If I lived on a restricted lake as you do and if pontoons are allowed, I would possibly consider a pontoon. I'd say tritoon but 90hp is a very small engine.

usually smaller densely populated lakes do, at least in this area. 4 of them within 10 miles of my home all have restrictions of some sort or the other, 2 are length restricted, 1 is HP, the other is pontoon only with hp limit.

 

[Cecash]

Yes, we have about 500 acres and there are about 2 miles of straightaway. The Department of Natural Resources sets the restrictions. I'm limited to 90hp outboard. Tough deal, but not going to sell the lake property! I just have to make the best of it with a smaller boat.

 

[Silverbullet555]

A pontoon boat with those restrictions and a growing family might be a better fit.

 

[ahicks]

A 90hp 'toon is great for tubing, but I don't think I'd want to try and teach anyone over about 75lbs how to ski behind one.

 

[jimmbo]

Do they inspect the engine at the launch?

 

[Cecash]

No, but the lake warden will inspect all new boats on the water and raise the hood to check the serial number and HP so you can't exactly switch the stickers unfortunately. You used to be able to that but sadly no more! I have a pontoon, but its rated at 75 hp maximum, it's 20' so I'm not so sure that is the answer for tubing/skiing.