Beginner Looking for Boat Selection Advice

[pyroclazm]

I looked at the forum selection and couldn't find a General Discussion area to post this, so I hope it's ok here. Sorry if it isn't.<br /><br />I have never owned a boat, and I'm looking to hit the river this year. It will be all freshwater, mississippi, local lakes. <br /><br />I'm looking for a 3-4 passenger boat that could pull a skier/tuber but preferably lightweight, semi efficient on gas. Wanting to spend around 4,000-8,000. I'm thinking a late 90's sea-doo/jetboat of some sort but open to suggestions.<br /><br />The two boats I'm looking at with no personel experience, or friends with experience are a 1998 F-16 Sea Rayder Jet Boat 175hp, or a 1999 Sea Doo speedster, twin 85rotax jet drives SeaDoo.<br /><br />My screename is itmustbed83 if you'd rather just message me. Thanks in advance for you help.

 

[RJDAWSON]

Re: Beginner Looking for Boat Selection Advice

Hey, Rayder.<br />I have always had an aluminium hual. They are strong, rocks and gravel may ding and dent, and they are lighter than fiberglass. Maybe some paint to touch up once a year, but for river running you don't want to worry about your jell coat every time you load or unload or tie off to those river rocks and gravel bottoms.<br />One more thing, when you pull it out of the water make sure that you have more than just the strap on it. I just saw a 28 foot fiber glass hual slide off the trailer onto the loading ramp because the strap broke and someone was in to much of a hurry. <br />Put the safety chain on it.<br />Good boating,<br />Zeke440

 

[JB]

Re: Beginner Looking for Boat Selection Advice

Moving to the BOAT Forum.

 

[KCook]

Re: Beginner Looking for Boat Selection Advice

A jet will not meet your semi efficient on gas requirement. A 4-stroke outboard will, but good luck finding one for $8k. So most likely bet will be a 3L I/O boat. Here is another thread on jets - Jet Pump vs. Conventional Prop <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Beginner Looking for Boat Selection Advice

for a beginner, i recommend an outboard, they have much less maintanance and less costly to maintain 16 to 18 ft bow rider, 90hp to 150hp, depending on the boats rating. you live in cold country, and will have to winterize an I/O or jet drive, which can be costly. winterizing an out board is basically making sure it has no water in it. go with a 2 stoke outboard, which will cost you less and the savings can be used for gas. i've own many boats, only 1 I/O it was my 1st and last.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Beginner Looking for Boat Selection Advice

I'll second that 16-18 ft bow rider.<br /> Be sure to take a boating safety course.<br />Start slowly and practice handling/landing and manuvers.Practice backing boat and trailer before going to the launch.You may want to watch some ramp launches as well before trying it yourself.Even if they mess up it will help you avoid complications.