Looking for first boat...

[strubby]

My girlfriend and I are looking for our first boat. We have a budget, around $4-5k and looking for a bowrider since she wants to take friends out, it will be used only for recreation, and neither of us fish regularly. My question is what brand/hull/motor combo will be a good, reliable setup for us? What I've been seeing for sale in our price range is 17.5-19' bowriders, mostly I/O setups. We would like to be able to pull a tube easily and I may get into wake boarding, but probably not enough to care about making the perfect wake. Anything to look for in particular? I know to check for cracks or abnormal wear in the hull, soft spots in the floor, how well the engine runs and overall physical condition, but anything else? Brands I've noticed are Regal, Sea Ray, Stingray, Bayliner, Century. My gramps swears by his Wellcraft but they seem to be a little pricey. Any suggestions would be great, hope to be on here often once we get a boat!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I'd recommend getting an open-bow aluminum boat. It will save you money on gas due to it being much lighter and also easier to deal with trailering and towing. If it's your first boat then anything that makes things go more smoothly will be appreciated down the road.

Check this little bowrider out. Fast little boat for skiing, tubing, cruising. You may not need to spend as much as you stated.

http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/1143287772.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

also read this > http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=300472

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Based on the fact that you are in Florida I would assume you plan to use this boat in saltwater. It seems for a boat in the size range that you are looking at, an outboard would probably be a little better suited to saltwater use.

In your situation I would be looking at boats in that 17-19' range with at least 100hp outboard (the more the better). I would look for a boat with a fully fiberglass lined cockpit...ie. no carpet or snap out carpet.

A boat classified as a bowrider would be ok for most of what you want to do. I would also look at any boats that are classified as dual console saltwater fishing boats. They have some fishing specific features..but you don't have to use them.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Thanks for all the replies guys. I was thinking more of a cruiser bowrider with nice vinyl seats, carpet floor etc, but maybe you're right. I should have mentioned it will be used in the Indian River a lot (salt water). I suppose that would make a boat like I was thinking of more maintainance? Why would an outboard be better for salt, easier to keep cleaned from salt use? Also, I want something with a deep enough hull that I could go out the inlet into the ocean on a calm day, and being to stay in the river on a choppy day. And the amount of people... well it's only my girlfriend and I, but we would like to be able to take friends out when we want to. I'm going to revise my search and see what else is out there... Then probably come back with more questions, ha.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Here is a few examples of what I've found. Nearly all the open bows in my price range have I/O and carpeted floors...

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1099763146.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1099864101.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1139036928.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1134431704.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1125828065.html

 

[David Greer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

My theory is less is better, especially on a small boat but I know others disagree. Carpet gets nasty; cushions mildew and crack; electronics corrode. But if you can remove all your cushions, and radio, and take them in the house you would be OK. Under cover? forget it. Remember, boat stuff deteriorates sitting still around salt.
I've had 2 16' aluminum bow riders in my day, kept in salt water at a dock. Did OK for me as a teenager but fiberglass is better. 55 hp could take us skiing, fishing, cruising up to 4 people. Those fold-out back to back seats will fail after a few years. Rivets will pop. My 20 year old Key West 17' dual console 70 hp does all that except it's a little wet due to low freeboard. But it's fiberglass with all removable cushions so it's still good inside.
More freebaord=more weight=bigger engine. Think about this when looking at a Bayliner/Sea Ray type that's like a big old sofa instead of a more open hull like a Carolina Skiff.
Definitely go with outboard esp. if <20 ft.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1141022041.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1138207673.html

There's two all fiberglass I found. It seems there's more fully furnished bowriders in my price range than anything else. It will be used more for recreation than fishing, so I wasn't looking for a center console but as long at we can fit a few friends in it maybe it'd be better, maintainance-wise. It just seems there more run a little pricier. I'll keep running different searches and see what pop up. This is very time consuming! ha

 

[tmh]

Re: Looking for first boat...

The last one in the links - never been in salt water! Big deal for boats the age you're looking at, I/O's especially. Salt water corrodes the engine/manifolds from inside until they fail. 10+ year old salt water I/O's are due to crap out. Fresh water not so.

Lots of boaters will say stay away from soft cushions, carpet, etc. While it's true they hold moisture and other nasties, there's a reason most pleasure boats have that stuff - it's comfortable! I want a soft deck and seats with great comfort and support on my boat. Would i like snap-out carpet? Yeah, but no way you're getting that in an older boat which is what you get for $4-5k.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

It will be used more for recreation than fishing, so I wasn't looking for a center console but as long at we can fit a few friends in it maybe it'd be better, maintainance-wise.

I wouldn't suggest a center console either. I said dual console in my post above. These are a good cross between a cushy bowrider and good saltwater boat.

Like this: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1993-Grady-White-19'-Tournament-94933291

That one may be out of your price range, but it is a top shelf brand. There are other brands out there that may fit your price range a little better.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Yes, that is probably the perfect type of boat for us. The first link a few posts back is similar I think, it's a Key West. Do you think it's a good deal? Narrowing down the search to these left very little to look at. We'll just have to wait for the right deal then.

Here it is again:
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1141022041.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I think the Key West looks like a good deal. Make sure the motor has good even compression, boat has solid floors and transom.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Yeah, I like that KeyWest. I would certainly go take a look at it if I were you.

 

[Sharkfighter]

Re: Looking for first boat...

In your situation I would be looking at boats in that 17-19' range with at least 100hp outboard (the more the better). I would look for a boat with a fully fiberglass lined cockpit...ie. no carpet or snap out carpet.

.

I am going to largely disagree with Rotary although there is a lot of truth to what he says but am not convinced that in the OP situation he is pointing in the right direction.

In large part I disagree because at the price range you are starting at and this being a FIRST boat and a non-fishing boat you are not really making a long term commitment. In 3-5 years you will be wanting a new boat anyway in my opinion. You will have made changes in what you like to do on boat and know more about what options suit yer specific tastes / requirements.

Starting with carpet and seats. Look for stuff in good shape and be VERY carefull of floor rot. HOWEVER, the GF will appreciate the cruising comfort and looks with the carpet and comfy seating. Keeping the wife and /or GF happy is a BIG part of how much time you will spend on the boat.

have the engine checked out by someone who knows if you can and might be worth a mechanic look if you can get one cheap enough. HOWEVER, the I/O is a lot like your typical car engine and you may find it easier to do minor repairs and maintenance then on an outboard. Sometimes you can find a mechanic at a local marina that will do a small survey of the boat and engine cheap enough.

In my own experience their are a lot of options that a first time boat buyer just doesnt know enough about what he will want to make the longer term commitment. For example will you find you want a FASTER boat or a boat more for cruising comfort, a boat that can handle shallower water, or a boat that will have a smoother ride on the water in the bay?? You really dont know so get a good comftorable compromise boat and have fun learning more.

I say this because my first boat was a 1995 19 ft bayliner capri with an I/0 that I bought in 03. I did everything wrong with this boat and found out that I used it more for fishing then cruising although when I purchased it that was not my intent. Both wife and I learned what things we wished the boat had and what type of boats we were more interested in.



I bought in 08 a 25ft mako WA with an outboard. Was an older Hull a 1987 but an 04 300 HP motor ( i really wanted twins but boat was a good deal) No carpets in this one cause I use 80 90 % for fishing. Wife wanted to be able to lay down in cabin and have a marine head so new (to me) boat has those things. I wanted live well so has that. All a learning experience. In my first boat it was cheap enough and I didnt get a survey done. In my current boat I paid about 500 Bucks and had a professional spend a few hours going over details of my boat that I otherwise wouldnt have known. Piece of mind because boat was much more of a commitment.

Oh and on ANY boat you get insist on a sea trial. Just starting it up is not really enough.

Again thats just my opinion but I bet the GF likes the first group of boats better then the Key west CC. Now having said that, since I personally would use it for fishing with the guys 9 times for every cruise/ski/tube trip with wife and family I would go with the CC but how I would use it is NOT how the original poster plans to use it and for waht HE wants the boats he originally posted are better.

Rob

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I would do two things. As discussed above, have a good marine surveyor look over whatever boat you are interested in; and take a boating safety course.

See USPS.org for courses near you.

 

[David Greer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

go for the Key West. I have the 17; this one has more bow and freebaord which you will definitely want for cruising.
Carpet: which is more comfortable: old wet patio indoor/outdoor carpet, or a smooth tile floor? Why don't you have W2W carpet in your kitchen around the stove and sink? Is it easier to clean carpet or bare floor? Which dries faster after a rain shower, or from someone climbing in the boat from a swim?

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Well... I honestly don't know what to get! Benefits of a bowrider with I/O are I can do maintainance on it myself prob, and maybe more than that. Never messed with a boat motor, but have rebuilt car, quad and bike motors. I'm assuming checking compression on an I/O and outboard will be basically be the same process as a car? I have a tester. I have limited knowledge of boats, so I agree paying someone a small fee for not having a huge headache is a good idea. Now I really like the Key West, because I want a boat that suits all my needs and then some. However, I went over everything with the g/f (who is paying for 75% of the boat) and she likes a small '98 154 Cobia CC that's local. I think it is a simple, easy to take care of boat but will is cruise the river ok? When it's choppy too? If we really get into it, we'll prob upgrade down the line but she wants something easy to handle so she can take it out herself as well (she has decent boating exerience). Here it is...

http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/1101507934.html

Sorry for all the questions but you guys are helping a great deal.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

As the owner of a fairly flat-bottomed 16', I will tell you that the Cobia WILL beat the heck out of you in the chop and you will find yourself watching the weather forecast carefully and staying home if it says more than 10MPH winds.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Yeah, that's what I figured. I got ahold of the people and it's sold. Good, now maybe I can talk her into the Key West, ha.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I like SharkFighter's post. It is all true except for one minor detail. I suggested a dual console boat with cushioned bow seating and comfortable cockpit seating. I wouldn't and didn't suggest a CC.

The KeyWest is a dual console with what look to be pretty comfortable seats and a fiberglass lined cockpit that will be very easy to keep clean and rot is much less of a concern.