Getting a new boat!

[Drowned Rat]

Well I'm going to get a new boat,my first ever! I'd like to get some opinions or ideas. I need it to be small enough to fit in my garage, but big enough for 3 to 4 people comfortably. I'm also not rich, so... yes, I'm looking at Bayliners. The 2007 175 to be exact. It will just barely fit in the garage. It seats 7, although I'd most likely never have that many on the boat. It comes standard with a 135hp Alpha one. It has also gotten very good reviews. And the best part, the price tag. $10,995. What do you guys think? I couldn't afford this much boat in any other make. I've gone to look at them and they're a solid boat. What scares me is the I/O. Never owned one, don't know that much about them. How does the Mercruiser measure up? Thanks for the opinions guys, I value what you have to say.

 

[eeboater]

Re: Getting a new boat!

Hey DR.. Congrats!! And don't let the naysayers try to convince you otherwise on the Bayliner. You'll get at least one smart a** comment about Bayliner quality...

But honestly, I have a '91 2050 Capri and I love it. I think you'll never get a skiier up with 6 in the boat, but I'm guessing you'll never have to.

Plus, with 3-4 people in that boat, i'm willing to bet they'll seat comfortably.

I cannot speak to the quality of the Mercruiser I/O other than that I have had one and the boats I grew up with had them. I'm sure it will be a bit different learning the different style of driving with the I/O versus the outboard (assumption).

But honestly, I think the 175 is a lotta bang for the buck.

Sean

Edit: DR -- check your Private Message's - you should have one from me.

 

[tommays]

Re: Getting a new boat!

I would really try to step up to a 185 with the full fiberglass liner as it takes care of the biggest problem carpeted boats have

The other thing to think about is at that price the trailer does NOT have brakes

Tommays

 

[eeboater]

Re: Getting a new boat!

Hey DR -- I got your email, but when I tried to reply I wouldn't go through... check your Private Messages here at iboats...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Getting a new boat!

Check out http://www.old-omc.de/e_1963/seite_0809.jpg.

Any efficiency info is relating 4 cycle to cross flow 2 cycles. When the loop charged engines came out in '68 things changed significantly in favor of the 2 cycle.

Mark

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Getting a new boat!

Thanks ee, I got your message and thanks for the link. Lots of really good info. Sorry it took me so long to reply. iboats locks me out for days at a time and then every once in a while it will let me log in.

Anyway, thanks. I've definitly got new boat fever now!

DR

 

[QC]

Re: Getting a new boat!

Awesome DR!! No cracks from me, but if tommays is correct about the floor I totally agree with him!! I am soooooo sick of carpeted wood floors. Full liner next time for me fo sho!!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Getting a new boat!

Thanks QC. I agree about the carpet thing. I hate carpet on boats. Boats this size anyway8). The step up to the 18 footer is about an $8,000 step up though. :% And it won't fit in my garage. There isn't that much carpet on the 175. It doesn't go all the way to the gunwhales and it snaps into place so you can take it out and clean it. I don't know, I'm willing to live with it for the price. Maybe I can replace it at some point with rubber mats or something. I'm going to Lake Powell over Labor Day weekend and I hope to have it by then. I'm tired of keeping my fingers crossed with my 1971 model Johnson.d

 

[skibug]

Re: Getting a new boat!

As long as your boat will be kept in a garage, carpet over wood will last. It's when boats are left outside for any length of time that the floors in these boats start to go south. My uncle kept his 19ft Citation in a garage and it still looks like it came off the showroom floor. He was a bit anal though. But a garage kept boat will keep very well.

About the I/O speculation. A freshwater used, garage kept boat is the ideal way to own a I/O boat. Saltwater and outside storage can add maintenance to an I/O motor. I currently use my boat in saltwater and it just adds maintenance and care over the years.

1997 Caravelle 1750 bow rider 1997 Caravelle 1750 bowrider and the previous owner kept it in a garage and its flooring / wood is as good as the day it was new. It's up to you to keep the boat in tip top shape.