newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

[MTribe08]

Re: newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

Sorry about not posting my price range. That's kind of a major factor. I'm looking to spend somewhere in the 18K to 25K range. I guess it depends on what I find and what deal I get.

Do hours on a boat mean that much? How about the Volvo engine vs the Merc? I've heard that for skiing 220 HP is the min you should look for?

Thanks


Jeff

At that price range in THIS market..I would not settle for anything less that "mint" condition. Volvo and Merc both have good reputations. If you can find the Volvo Duo Pro set up. thats even better. The Merc setups have a Drive oil reservoir, which is nice. My 5.7L is rated around 230hp. My boat is probably pushing 4000 lbs with people, fuel and "stuff" aboard. Pulls wakeboards right out of the water, no problem with a 21pitch, 3 blade aluminum prop.

 

[tractoman]

Re: newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

I'll throw in my opinion. Look at boats you like and that have the features that are important to you. From that point you'll have a better feel for quality and your own preferences. It's your money, and like has been said on this board many times, it's all in the maintenance. You may find a very well maintained and operational 10 year old boat in better shape than a 3 year old boat that has been abused by some lame owner. I looked at alot of boats in my price range and narrowed down what I liked and didn't like in terms of features, and generally the better brands (big names) in my opinion held up better over the long run. I learned something from every boat I looked at, even it was a POS. Ask alot of questions, and buy what you want. I ended up with a Sea Ray and I am happy. It's exactly what I wanted and we love it.

 

[JZammetti]

Re: newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

I have two Bayliners (There's usually a comment about 1 Bayliner + 1 Bayliner = 1/2 a Bayliner) one is a cruiser and the other a bowrider, I like each one for it's different features. If I am looking for zipping around pulling tubes and so on I use the 18' bowrider, if I am looking to go out and anchor off and relax I take the cruiser, either way point is look at all the features you want and look at how much your wallet can bear.

 

[sbbamafan]

Re: newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

Don't EVER, EVER, EVER put Chaparral in the same class as Bayliner or Kayot!!!!

 

[robert graham]

Re: newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

Don't forget to consider the size and weight of your boat and the size and weight of your tow vehicle. No need to buy more boat than you can pull with your small compact car. So if you have a big pick-up or SUV, then it's probably not a factor...just thought I'd mention it. Good Luck!

 

[nitsuj]

Re: newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

In your year and price range, you won't find many "bad" boats. Don't concern yourself with brand much, unless like was mentioned by others, having a brand that impresses others is important to you. Decide your usage, and power requirements. Look at lots of boats. Pick features that are important to you. Pick features that aren't and you'd rather not pay extra for. And remember, there's a reason it's "first" boat. Because it's not your last boat. What I mean is, you're going to make a choice. No matter what you chose, it's very likely that within a few years you're going to have a better idea of your needs than you do right now and want a different boat. Make a good deal now and you won't get burnt when you want to change boats.

 

[krakatoa]

Re: newbie has questions on buying a bowrider

Don't EVER, EVER, EVER put Chaparral in the same class as Bayliner or Kayot!!!!

JA JA JA!!!!
Anyway You can take a look to Glastron (first choice) Sea Ray, Four Winns, Boston Whaler, Grady White, PROLine.......