Newbie need advice from you

[jonbon]

I am looking to buy a boat for the first time. I know very little about boats or boating. I live in PBG FL and want to use the boat for cruising ..me and my family..sometimes some guests, and possibly pulling a skier. The two boats I am looking at buying are :

1998 Bayliner RENDEZVOUS THE BOAT IS IN A VERY GOOD CONDITION. IT HAS AN OUTBOARD YAMAHA 150HP WITH 14 HOURS. A NEW ROCKET TRAILER IN PERFECT CONDITION FROM THE YEAR 2006. IT HAS A CAPACITY OF 11 PEOPLE. ALSO HAS RADIO AND GPS.

or...

1996 CENTURY 240 Arabian Bow Rider 24' w/5.7 V8 Mercruiser Inboard/Outboard only 400hrs, Completely updated, Porta potty, fresh water and sink, Bimini Top, Fish Finder, Coast Guard Equipment, Life Vests, Includes Aluminum Tandem Axle Trailer, Excellent Condition

(i wasnt sure if i was allowed to post the craigslist ad or not)... both boths are about the same price (8k). I don't want to spend more than that. Ive seen the second one listed and it was nice (but what do i know?) I am going to look at the first one tomorrow. I DO plan to take a boat mechanic with me when i decide on one. In your oppinion is one a better boat than the other?

Thanks for your advice. (and yes i am enrolling in boating saftey classes)

 

[matt9923]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

I'm not sure on which one is better... You need to determine what you are going to do most with them?
You may like the outboard if something ever goes wrong and it has low hours. Although the I/O is nice. if you wanna do a lot of skiing i would get the I/O.
Make sure the transom and floor is solid.
Matt

 

[capt sam]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

I personally wouldn't buy any Bayliner but someone will post up how great their's is. Let the surveyor take a good look, figure out which one is gonna cost you more, then buy the other one.

 

[jonbon]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

Well mostly I just want to cruise around, maybe do some light fishing, nothing big... snorkling, ...as far as skiing im thinking that will be ocassional, although i do plan on pulling a tuba or something for my 8 year old friends. Of course if i earn how to ski, i'd like to ski sometimes too. Overall... just getting out on the water and relaxing in the sun.

Is 400 hours on that engine alot?

 

[jonbon]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

I personally wouldn't buy any Bayliner but someone will post up how great their's is. Let the surveyor take a good look, figure out which one is gonna cost you more, then buy the other one.

Why wouldnt you buy a bayliner? I talked to the Century owner and he said that CENTURY was one of the best boats you could buy.. He said "its the cadillac" of boats. Of course, i realize he is trying to make the sale... what do you know about Century?

 

[shes a keeper]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

i am not a fan of bayliners but that year is better than the old the yamaha outboard with that low of hours would sell me ,,,just my opion: 400hrs is not alot but it`s not low hours. remember then engine is what keeps you out there... good luck Mark

 

[gcboat]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

If nothing else always keep the families safety and comfort in mind. With the Century you have the added advantage of the porta potty and fresh water sink. Plus if slam comes to shove with the 5.7 you could almost get any car mechanic to do some minor work on it if ever needed. The outboard is a complete nightmare ( to me ) to figure anything out.
There will always be pro's and con's for each and every different boat. I'd go with the I/O as long as she passes a surveyor's check.
I will not bash the Bayliner, they have come a long way since their screwup's of the past. I just don't like that particular model. My $.02

 

[shes a keeper]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

good point about safety i guess it is everyones preference I love the yamy but do not like bayliners they have no resale, price can make it easier work him down on the boat you like better

 

[capt sam]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

Century makes some very good boats and some crappy ones, I'm not real familiar with these models, each engine has it's pros and cons and no 400 hours ain't bad if the thing was maintained. I'd rather have a well used, well maintained motor then a low hour rarely maintained one. On just the face value of what you're saying I'd go Century, my opinion of Bayliners is what it is, I've seen enough of them to form one.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Newbie need advice from you

I would get the century.
Matt