New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

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eprunner06

Recruit
Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
2
Hello Everyone,

I am new to these forums, and am currently doing some research before buying my first boat. I have looked at numerous manufacturer websites (Bayliner, Maxum, Chapparral, Doral, Regal, Sea Ray, Glastron, etc...); however, the only two budget outboard bowriders that I can find are from Doral and Glastron. My budget is pretty small (I'll be graduating from college soon) which I understand limits my choices. I just expected more than two manufacturers to make an outboard bowrider for under $20K. It seems like it's much easier to find an outboard bowrider when looking at used boats. Have manufacturers shifted away from making outboard bowriders in the "budget" price range? Is there an explanation for this? I'm just curious, any thoughts are welcome.

Thanks,
Eric
 
tommays

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

There out there BUT are becoming more rare as the 3.0 outdrive fits into the budget boat price better as the price of a comparable outboard has gotten so high



Tommays
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

You are apparently stuck on a glass boat which does limit your choices. However, aluminum boat manufacturers have a very wide selection of bow riders to choose from including those categorized as "fish & Ski" models. The bow in those boats quickly converts to a fishing platform. My daughters family have a Crestliner with a 115 Johnson on it and it's a very nice boat. Here is something to chew on -- What do you have for a tow vehicle? Aluminum boats are lighter so the same size boat can get by with a smaller engine, and therefore can be operated and towed with a little better fuel economy.
 
F

fishingdan

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
1,045
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

Stingray also makes an entry level 17' bowrider.

Look through the boat manufacturers brochures/websites. Almost all make bowriders. They just don't call them bowriders any more. Often they are "sport" boats.
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

Boat questions go in the Boat Forum. Moving there
 
QuadManiac

QuadManiac

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 2, 2007
Messages
391
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

THe switch to 4 stroke outboards have made their cost less favorable relative to the small I/O's.
 
MikDee

MikDee

Banned
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Messages
4,745
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

I believe Wellcraft still makes a nice outboard bowrider, a good quality boat, they also make the "Scarab" offshore racer. IMO It's a growing conspiracy, probably fueled by profits, and greed, to offer only I/O boats.
 
E

eprunner06

Recruit
Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
2
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

Thanks for the information everyone. It sounds like it really just comes down to cost/profits which makes sense.
 
A

aerwin

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 28, 2002
Messages
192
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

tahoe was or still is making an outboard bow rider or the "fish & ski". usually at the pro bass shops
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: New Outboard Bowriders Hard to Find??

the reason your having problems, is the majority of the boats you are looking at, the factories are owned by Brunswick, 27 or so brands, the also own, Mercury and Mercruiser.
they have admitted that for the 18-20ft, beginner boat, mercury does not at this time have a engine that will power the boat properly, in the entry level price range. thus the use the Mercruiser. these boats are required, by Brunswick, to use Mercury or Mercruiser power.
the customer doesn't have a choice of what they spend their money on anymore.
 
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