Need advice on boats

[Duluth Diesel]

Hey ya'll. My dad wants me to do some boat shopping for him, and I need some pointers. Looking for a nice speed boat with high sides for use on Lake Superior from time to time. He wants to both cruise with seating for about 8 people, and also water ski behind it. He thinks he wants a fabric convertible top (for shade while cruising), built-in fuel tank (no cans), 4-stroke engine(s). We are not sure if outboard(s) or inboard is the way to go. Any advice on what to get, what not to get, what works and what doesn't, is all appreciated. Looking to spend less than 20k including engine and trailer.



Thanks!!!

 

[CumminsBu]

The best thing to do is pick up a Trailer Boat Magizine and look throught their addvertizements, or you can look at www.boattraderonline.com they have a lot of boat to look at, not all are use some are new or even dealer adds. Some boats you might want to look at you can find under 25K are Bayliner, Maxium, Four Winns, Seaswirl and String Ray.

 

[starkmr]

If you are looking for seating for 8, then 25k is probably going to put you out of the 'new' market. The suggestions made above are likely to be your best options, just find a friend who is knowledgable and have them look over your selections carefully, don't take a chance with a boat, they'll kill you faster than a vehicle.





Mike

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Might want to consider something like this.

Will seat 6 to 8 people, really good in rough water, will still handle the water toys and has a small cuddy. This model however, is around 45K... (New)

We currently have a small bowrider and are really growing out of it fast.

I have looked at a lot of makes and models, and this is the boat that keeps calling me back...

 

[Duluth Diesel]

That's a sharp lookin' boat right there. So 25k isn't much, eh? Man, I thought boats were cheaper than this. I'll probably have to scale down the specs to stay under budget. Maybe just a nice Lund with a 200+ horse Honda 4-stroke.

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Actually right now is a really good time to find a boat. A LOT for sale and in really decent shape. The cost of fuel strikes again!

The pic above is also available in a diesel for 76K...

 

[midlife crisis]

Hey ya'll. My dad wants me to do some boat shopping for him, and I need some pointers. Looking for a nice speed boat with high sides for use on Lake Superior from time to time. He wants to both cruise with seating for about 8 people, and also water ski behind it. He thinks he wants a fabric convertible top (for shade while cruising), built-in fuel tank (no cans), 4-stroke engine(s). We are not sure if outboard(s) or inboard is the way to go. Any advice on what to get, what not to get, what works and what doesn't, is all appreciated. Looking to spend less than 20k including engine and trailer.



Thanks!!!

Boat MFG's just recently began to recognize this new segment, and many came out with a "Deckboat". Either a Boatshow, or as suggested Trailer Boat Magazine is a very good resource.

Four Winns, Glastron, and Larson are just a few that have really stepped up and offer a terrific boat. Check out http://www.larsonboats.com/escape/escape204IO.aspre

These guys have their act together, as I do have first hand knowledge of their process's... first class all the way.

Skiing? Do yourself a huge favor and go with the I/O. You will not be happy tring to pull a skier with a half dozen people onboard. That little clip-on will have its tongue hanging out.

Spend a few more bucks and get the Duo-Prop. Fuel Savings, slow speed manuevering, and the ability to pull skiers will have you very happy.

The Merc may be a more common name. . but the Volvo Drive (Same GM engine) is a bulletproof drive that will live as long as the hull (longer in many cases)with decent care.

Good Luck-

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Best day in the ownership of a boat is the day you get it and the day you get rid of it!

 

[CumminsBu]

Best day in the ownership of a boat is the day you get it and the day you get rid of it!

True words of a land lover.

My dream boat.

 

[BILLVO]

My dream boat would have to be a Thunder Jet then what would make it a fantasy is if they would put a cummins in it.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Alright guys, we weighed the requirements and considered this:



-I want comfortable (not pedestal) seating for numerous people

-I want an inboard if possible, obviously a 4 stroke.

-Weight of a car engine is a little much, but would consider it

-Comfy cruising is top priority

-Second is recreation like tubing and water skiing

-Third was fishing, and we decided that we can unprofessionally fish from "anything that floats".



So, last night we picked up a brand new Sea-Doo Challenger 180CS.

http://www.seadoo.com/en-US/SportBoa...hallenger.180/

Inboard supercharged 3-cylinder Rotax 4-stroke engine. 215 horse 18-foot jet boat with seating for 8 people with good on-board storage. I think this will fit the bill quite well.



Thanks all for your help. I know there are a million different opinons on what makes a great boat, but family needs and price are issues, and I don't need a professional bass boat.



Thanks a ton guys!!!



-Chuck

 

[midlife crisis]

Congrats!! Good Luck with your new vessel- see ya "out there"--Drew

 

[nps]

How much for the Sea Doo? New/used?

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Those jet boats are F. U. N. !!!!!!!!!

Wait till you learn how to turn on a dime with a few people in the boat and swamp it with water!

 

[Duluth Diesel]

It should be a blast. We pick it up this Friday. Ran close to 20k with trailer and optional shade top thingy.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

True words of a land lover.

My dream boat.

My current boat, a 21' Mercruiser I/O, was brand new in 1990. Has been well taken care of and repair costs have been a measly $1,700. Had all outdrive seals, hoses, bearing, and impeller replaced in 2005.



Nice little GM 4. 3L V-6 at 175 HP.



Boats I have owned -



14' V-hull with a 40HP Johnson - learned to ski behind this boat 33 years ago.



16' V-hull with 85HP Merc



17' Tri-Hull with 140HP Volvo/Penta I/O



A true land lover here! Oo.

 

[CumminsBu]

My current boat, a 21' Mercruiser I/O, was brand new in 1990. Has been well taken care of and repair costs have been a measly $1,700. Had all outdrive seals, hoses, bearing, and impeller replaced in 2005.



Nice little GM 4. 3L V-6 at 175 HP.



Boats I have owned -



14' V-hull with a 40HP Johnson - learned to ski behind this boat 33 years ago.



16' V-hull with 85HP Merc



17' Tri-Hull with 140HP Volvo/Penta I/O



A true land lover here! Oo.

I learned to Ski and Wakeboard behind my Dads 1974 Glaston 14' Tri hull with a 65HP Merc. Great Boat and still runs to this day. When I go visit him, I still ski behind it. My Buddy had a 1995 19' Tige closed bow Tournament Ski boat. That was an awesome boat to Ski behind no wake at all. Joined the USCG and got station in Alaska for three year, and know I'm back in the lower 48. Know I'm waiting for my wife to finish College in two years :{ and I will be back in a boat hanging on for dear life, hopefully behind a Malibu Response LXI www.malibuboats.com



Congrats on the new Sea doo and happy safe boating.