Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

[squale]

I am looking for something mainly for me and my wife to go out in the lake with and play around. We really have fun on wave runners when we rent them, but I think a small boat would be more fun and we could go out in cooler weather, etc. Can anybody recommend any small little boats that are quick and nimble? I checked out the Yamaha and SeaDoo boats but they are either too big or too expensive. I want to find something no more than about 10K if at all possible. Something that costs about the same as a good waverunning, is this possible?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

go to the iboats classified, and look around, also there are many boating classifieds on line, even ebay. you have ot find the type of boat you want. i highly recommend for a 1st time owner the outboards, less costly, to buy and maintain. i've owned many boats, but only 1 I/O, it was my 1st and will be my last.

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

For 10k there are quite a few seadoo's for sale as well as some nice "small" runabouts in the 17ft class...JR

 

[squale]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

yes but any new models that will fit this description? this will be my second boat, I already have a 25 foot I/O deck boat..

 

[blouderback]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

Look at Sea Doo Speedsters. I played with one of these a few years ago, and it was a blast. Hold 4 people (max), is very quick, but still kinda small (16ft).

 

[KCook]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

Aside from the jet buggies, the very small boats are more likely to be aluminum. You should find plenty of nice used aluminum boats under $10k. Here is a thread that asks about small fishing boats, but the same brand advice applies to aluminum fish-n-ski models -<br /><br /> http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=014395 <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[squale]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

do you think the small Jet Boats or the Waverunners are more fun?

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

They do different things.<br /><br />Small jet boat you wont get wet, but not nearly as agile as waverunner.<br /><br />Waverunner more agile, but you will get wet. Also have to wear life jacket and cant ride at night.<br /><br />I prefer the small jet boat cause I have a family.<br /><br />Ken

 

[squale]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

actually those SeaDoo Speedster jet boats look PERFECT for what I want. Mainly something for me and the wife to go out and blast around on and jump wakes, etc.<br /><br />Looks like most of the used ones for sale are in the years of 1995-1997, they all seem to have twin 85 HP Rotax 2-cylinder engines. How are these boats and these engines? Do they require lots of maintenance? I never owned a jet boat or 2-cylinder engine before.<br /><br />Are there other jet boats that you would recommend looking into? or are the SeaDoo Speedsters the best jet boats out there?

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

Might be worth checking out a 12' Triumph. Comes with a 25hp Yamaha outboard and EZ Loader Single Axle Trailer. Looks like a small jetboat, and since it only weighs 450 lbs, I suspect it moves rather smartly. <br /><br />Max capacity 3 people, 665 lbs. Supposed to be very nimble, and made of a molded polymer called Roplene® that is supposed to be near indestructable.<br /><br />From the Triumph site:<br /><br />"For nearly a decade Triumph has led the world in the development of boats constructed of a marine formulated, rotationally molded polymer we call Roplene®. It's the same material of which white water kayaks, portable docks for the military, and crash barriers are made. <br /><br />The attributes of Roplene® - strength, durability, impact and corrosion resistance - translate to safe and carefree boating while delivering an unbelievably smooth and quiet ride. Safe because they're virtually unsinkable and practically indestructible."<br /><br /> http://www.triumphboats.com/noflash_model.cfm?mid=4679&fid=3&page=STANDARD <br /><br />I think the retail price is a bit over the $10k you mentioned, but you may be able to negotiate it down with a dealer.<br /><br />Note: I have no personal experience with this boat or company; just stumbled across it while browsing the web & it seemed pretty cool and a safer option than a jetski (especially for inexperienced jetski drivers who may tend to forget that you can't steer without any throttle).

 

[Mr. Ross]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

Originally posted by LakeLivin:<br /> Might be worth checking out a 12' Triumph. Comes with a 25hp Yamaha outboard and EZ Loader Single Axle Trailer. <br /><br /><br />

You took the words right out of my mouth!!

 

[aerenson]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

There is a reason the 13' Boston Whaler has been a classic for so long. It is a great boat to play around with. There are always lots for sale at every price point. I have a 23' deck boat and the Whaler. The Whaler is fabulous for playing around.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

The perfect toy ....... http://www.ceasarinflatables.com/home.htm ... fast, fun, cheap, and light on fuel .... speeds up to 75 miles per hour in the modifieds class

 

[michael-lagrange]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

i would like to have on of those inflatables,<br />looks like fun.

 

[Mr. Ross]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

A salesman at my marina suggested no more than a 6HP on an inflatable without the solid hull. Mine has an inflatable hull along with aluminum ribs for support, trying to decide what I want to do. <br /><br />Relative to the Boston Whaler, they are great boats but at least in my area still command a high dollar. Even when twenty years old.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

Originally posted by Mr. Ross:<br /> A salesman at my marina suggested no more than a 6HP on an inflatable without the solid hull. Mine has an inflatable hull along with aluminum ribs for support, trying to decide what I want to do. <br />

with an inflatable hull you can use about nothing more than an 8hp or 9.9hp

 

[Mr. Ross]

Re: Can anybody recommend a small cheap 2-4 person sport boat?

Kind of what he was saying. This boat originally had a 20HP Merc on it, was owned by a local fire department (it is the Rescue model).