What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

[rauch0812]

Ok... instead of asking about each boat I go and look at I decided maybe you guys can help me decide WHAT to look for...
This will be our first boat. We plan on cruising around the Chesapeake Bay and adjoining rivers so we'd like a boat with a nice ride. We would like a boat that seats about 8 people. We will be tubing and wakeboarding. My husband will sometimes take it out fishing. I'm set on having a boat with the full fiberglass floor (not wood). Our budget is set at $7500, $8000 max including trailer. What boat / engine would you guys suggest?

 

[JimS123]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

All those requirements add up to a tall order!. Ok, I'll jump in and start the dialog...

* 20' aluminum outboard bowrider runabout.
* V-6 power
* For 8 grand it's going to be an older one, so be sure you get a 9.9 kicker too
* Be sure to equip it with a bow cover becuse I'm sure the Chesapeake gets rough at times.
* expect to have to give it a fresh water wipedown and flush every time you use it.
* Look for a freshwater boat because the previous owner might not have been as dilligent

The non-wood floor has be stumped though...haven't seen too many of them around these parts.

 

[JB Platte]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

That's a lot of people to fit in one boat. Sounds to me like you need a pontoon or party barge. Better off just looking for a boat and motor that are in sound condition at your price range rather than a particular brand.

 

[JoLin]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

What happened with he Maxum you were looking at? Too small?

Okay, first you need moving-around room for 8- that's pushing you into the above-20' range. Second, you're boating the Chesapeake. It isn't the ocean, but it's a major body of water that I'm sure can get pretty rough when wind or weather turns against you.

A cabin/cuddy cabin boat like mine will handle the water and give you comfortable seating, but it'd be horrible for someone who fishes often. I can do it, but it isn't made for it. 8 passengers will be crammed a bit. Mine is real comfortable for up to six.

For seaworthiness, fishing, tubing, etc., a center console would be hard to beat, but you'll need to add or bring seating for the times you have a crowd.

Deck boat or bow rider will give you the seating with room to move around for fishing. As long as you keep an eye on weather you should be good.

Your price point will be an issue, tho you might be able to find what you need if you're really patient.

 

[greenwell001]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

in order for the ride you want you need at least a 20 footer....i have a 22 foooter and 8 poeple is max on my boat....but beleive me i wouldnt have more than 4 just because it is hard on my boat and annoying to have that many people on there....In that price range you will not find a boat without a wood floor because it will have to be an older boat....it sounds like you have not priced any boats yet because you will find out that 7500-8000 will not get you much in a decent sized boat....i would recomend spending a little more and getting what you want if you are planning on keeping it a while
look at Sea Rays, chaparral, or the newer bayliners, those are nice mid grade boats in my opinion

 

[Billdc]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

I started in that range also, and quickly found some 8-10 year old boats that I did not want to maintain/inherit someone elses problems. That was 18 mts ago and from what I can tell it seems like prices have gone down, so you could find something if you have the time to wait for the "right" boat. There are a ton of boats for sale so don't hesitate to ask ?'s and have it looked at by a local mechanic. I ended up with a bowrider for the extra room and I just watch the weather and don't go too far from home when the chop blows up. Good luck

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

You sound like the perfect candidate for a deck boat. Price point could be an issue. Check out this web site and try to tell me that you don't absolutely WANT one of these http://www.hurricaneboats.com/

 

[osborn159]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

my neighbors got one of the hurricane deck boats, went along for a putt down the river w/ him nice ride plentyy of room, takes boat wakes pretty well dont know about chop, probly b ok if it was small chop, nice boat, real comfy, but next to mine this is the QE2. i believe his is 21' or so

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

Center console, outboard, fiberglass. That's the safest and dryest for where you are, for cruising, fishing and watersports.

You won't get one that comfortably holds 8, and is in decent age/shape, in your price range. Also, if your budget is $8000, your purchase price would be $6,000; the rest is for insurance, tax/title of both, storage, initial engine check/service (is replace the water pump, do the carbs), equipment and toys--and fill up the tank!

Aluminum boats, especially older ones, don't fare so well after a while in salt water.

Consider what you will do most. If you think you will always have 8 people, get a boat for 10. If you think you will usually have 4-6 and occassionally 8, get one for 8.
But once you start pricing the 10 person boats and attendant costs, you will find your budget doesn't work (it costs a lot more to keep maintain and run a 24' boat than a 17').

Look at carolina skiff and bay runner for inexpensive roomy safe boats that have high capacity. But the trade off is that the ride isn't smooth.

Consider the boat clubs--they are a good way to get access to a larger boat and avoid the maintenance (hassle and expense) year round.

I think a boat over 20' is a lot of boat to learn on, too.

 

[JimMH]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

I don't believe you will find a boat for under 8k with all your requirments. It sounds like you are a candidate for a deck boat, A hurricane outboard would fit the bill and have the fiberglass floor but I don't think you will find one in that price range. Good luck

 

[rauch0812]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

Just to mention, setting my budget at $8000 is already taking into consideration $2000 set aside for any work and toys, etc. Now this boat is different than anything else we've looked at...

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/boa/1647458019.html

Would this fit the bill if he came down a little on his price?

 

[snowman48047]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

Not sure if he'd come down much...Sea Swirl is a decent boat and they hold value pretty good. But yes, I'd also say thats about where you want to be as far as the boat.

 

[rauch0812]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

We've been shopping like crazy... it's just sooo hard to know you're choosing the right boat. Of course we'll have whatever boat looked over and taken for a test ride before we purchase. Boating class is done and insurance is quoted. I'm trying very hard to follow all of the advice I've received from this forum. We're aiming for the V6 engine as many people recommend, avoiding 4 cylinders and being hesitant about the V8 because of fuel economy, but not totally against it. I am including having money set aside for when we discover problems with the boat. That's why my $10000 budget went down to $8000 - so I'd have extra money already set aside.

1997 Welcraft Eclipse 20' - Like the boat but trailer is not included for $7000. 5.7L Merc. It had the non-skid fiberlass deck that we really like. Speedometer and Tach didn't work - no big deal. But buying a trailer for a 3300lb (w/o gas & gear) boat is pricey.

2002 Maxum 19' w/ trailer - Going to check it out on Saturday morning. 4.3L engine... right in our price range. Gimbal bearing replaced in '08 and it's been winterized since '08 - nobody used it last year. Fiberglass flooring w/ carpet. Selling for brother-in-law...

1998 Larson 206 lxi - 20' - going to check out on Saturday, haggling with dealer to include trailer in the deal for $8000... not there yet. 5.0L merc. Has all fiberglass non-skid deck, needs bottom paint in my opinion...

1998 Sea Ray 185 18' - going to see on Saturday, right in our price range. 4.3L engine, all fiberglass/carpet floor. Don't know much more yet...

1998 Fourwinns 180RX - fiberglass non-skid deck, would have to talk down just a little, comes with all the toys... V6 engine (don't know brand yet)...

I've been skipping over deck boats because they aren't familiar to me - I wasn't sure what to make of them. I also wasn't sure to make of this boat...

1998 Seaswirl with an outboard motor... would have to talk down a lot...
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/boa/1647458019.html

Would the Seaswirl be a good boat for cruising around the Chesapeake Bay and tubing and wake boarding? Sometimes fishing?

Assuming I could find a deck boat in my price range, would that fit the bill?

So tough... but all of your input is greatly appreciated!

Des

 

[JoLin]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

Not sure if he'd come down much...Sea Swirl is a decent boat and they hold value pretty good. But yes, I'd also say thats about where you want to be as far as the boat.

+1

Good boat, fine motor (I owned a 175 looper on a 21' Pro-Line cuddy). It'll top out at around 40 mph with a couple aboard. As the only outboard on your list, it will be cheaper to maintain if you're having someone else do it. Can be tilted up and out of the salt water.

Cons include noise and lack of a swim platform. Bit more expensive to run as you need to add oil to the fuel (the metering pump will do that for you from a separate oil tank)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

Good advice Bubba.

I like outboards especially for used boats. The one you found will be a great all-around boat for the use you describe and area where you live.
If you go with the one without a trailer: used trailers are cheap. Evaluate your distance, speeds and frequency to see what you can get away with.

 

[jdlough]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

RE that Stripper. I have almost the same boat. The model is Seaswirl 2100 DC (for Dual Console). I got mine last year for $6000 from a guy eager to sell. Mine?s not quite as nice, though. Mine?s a 1997, has no radio, no fishfinder, no GPS, the gas gauge is broken, and a single passenger seat instead of the fold-out double passenger seat. Mine also only has two batteries, no charger, and no electric trolling motor. ​

The 175 HP Johnson OB is plenty strong enough for skiers and tubers. The boat handled fine as it was, but I added the Nauticus trim tabs ($100), which pops the boat up on plane much quicker, and lets me stay on plane at lower speeds (good for the tubers), and overall gives a smoother ride.​

It?s set up pretty nice for fishing. There?s a livewell with water intake and drain in the bench seat behind the driver?s seat, horizontal rod storage racks in the gunnels, a couple of flush mount vertical rod holders, fresh water washdown hose at the stern, and deck scuppers to rinse the fish gook off the deck. LOTS of storage spaces. 60 gallon gas tank.​

It has very high freeboard for a boat that size, and with the bow cover snapped on, you should feel quite safe when the Chesapeake get overly choppy. I?m just south of you on the Chesapeake/Nanticoke, and the boat does just fine. Feels very solid and substantial. It's rated for 8 people/1200 pounds.​

Note that Seaswirl changed the hull design a couple years later (renamed the 2101 DC) to handle chop better, but I think the 2100 handles just fine.​

Also note that even though the model name is 2100, the boat really is just under 20? in length.​

Initially, I wanted a deckboat, but I couldn?t find one so I ?settled? for the Seaswirl. I?m sure the Seaswirl handles bad weather better than a deckboat, and overall I am quite happy with it. But, if someone wanted it in trade for a similar size/condition deckboat, I?d trade in a second. A deckboat might not be as good in the Chesapeake chop, but a deckboat layout is so much more versatile and convenient, with more elbow room.​

 

[rauch0812]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

jdlough - now you've gotten me at least peeking at deck boats... but I have a couple questions. They seem so pontoon'ish with the flat surfaces. The seem like they'd be scary to me if we were caught in choppy water...?

My other question is everybody said go with a V6 min. on the I/O, what's a good sized engine on an oudrive?

And just because you said Nanticoke - we've been wanting a boat for a long time, but it was last summer camping at Roaring Front Campground in Nanticoke and the friendly "neighbors" who took our kids tubing that finally pushed us over the edge. Nanticoke is BEAUTIFUL!

Thanks again,
Desera

 

[Philster]

Re: What boat should I buy? (First Boat)

IF you go I/O, the dog motors are most likely 4 cylinder engines. There are plenty of good, strong I/O engines in V6 configuration.

Get the total horsepower rating out of your head. A well-balanced, well-designed engine making 180 HP can be completely and utterly enjoyable and USABLE versus a 225 engine that makes all its power up near the top of the RPM range, is noisy and less efficient. Peak H.P. numbers don't tell the whole story. There are many 4-cylinder engines that can advertise a high HP rating, but that power (and torque) aren't always on hand, like when trying to get a skier up, etc.

That is where you need feedback from the crew on iboats. The bad engines are well known.

Also... I think this is INCREDIBLY important to know: Are you spending cash on this boat? The reason I ask is that I often find people financing boats and not realizing that they can get a boat five years newer, twice as safe, ten times more enjoyable and twice as cheap to insure if they spend 25 bucks extra a month.

I work in credit, so I know all the benefits of borrowing less, but also the hidden ones in borrowing more... and I increased my budget when I started doing all the math. It was actually cheaper, and less risky, to spend more. I got less hours on the engine, less things to fix that were overdue, and insurance that was cheaper. Safer boat, too.

I could have spent less per month, but after insurance savings and other costs, I was better of just spending another 40 bucks per month on my boat payment. I was risking thousands and safety for 40 bucks per month.

I actually think I got away cheaper by spending more.