Newbie with Questions!!!

[Mayberry]

I am new to the boating world and I'm looking for a boat to meet my needs. I live in Georgia and have 5 very sizable lakes within an hour of my house. I've been on other people's boats most of my life, but honestly don't know much about them. I'm going to list my needs and personal situation and I'm just looking for suggestions. Since this will be my first boat, I don't want to spend $20k on something until I know how much I'm going to use it and exactly what I want. I'm looking to spend under $9,000, which seems to be in the range of a mid-late 90's or even early 2000's used boat. I want a boat that's 18-22 ft. to use in local lakes mainly for family outings and weekend fun time. We just had a baby a few months ago and I want to go ahead and buy a boat to get used to it before next year when I can get the little boy out playing around on the weekends. I want something that we can tube behind, ski behind and maybe have a few friends hook a wakeboard up to if they come out for a weekend. I want seating and power for 4 adults and I don't want a bass boat that's just good for fishing. That being said, I do really enjoy fishing and would want to take it out bass/crappie fishing probably once out of every 3 or 4 times I get it in the water. So, I'll want something I can put a trolling motor on. But it will be used for family time more than fishing.....I just want something that will be accommodating to me fishing out of it.

Also, the boats I'm finding listed are mostly well above NADA Values online. What is a general guideline for what to use to find a boat's fair market value?

I'm not sure what power I would need, and whether an I/O or an outboard motor would be best. I really don't know the upside and downside of each. Any suggestions on makes, models, motors, etc that you have will be greatly appreciated. This is just not my area of expertise, and I have always wanted a boat. I know I'm not in the high end price range, but I don't want a clunker that I will regret buying, either. I want a boat that will fit my needs and last a few years until I feel comfortable paying more and know more about what I want.

If you want to respond directly to me, please shoot me an e-mail at EDIT. Or, you can post a response on here. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

The I/O vs OB issue has pros and cons for both, and fans on both sides. I/Os will take up some deck space, but offer you the ability to do some tune up and other maintenance on your own if you are comfortable with auto engines. OBs clear the deck, so to speak but some people are intimidated when they remove the cowl. There is more to maintain on an I/O, but having that big engine back there is sure nice to hear.

As far as boat types...Open bows offer room for people to spread out and not be bunched up in the cockpit. A closed bow gives you some covered storage area.

A cuddy will offer a place to let mom be out of the elements with the baby.

I suggest you just do a lot of looking before you start thinking what you would like. In any case when buying a used boat I highly recommend having it looked at by a reputable mechanic or knowledgeable friend to avoid buying problems someone else is trying to get rid of. The cost of a survey could well save you big $$ in the end as well as giving you some bargaining chips. Even new boats can be a POS if not properly winterized or maintained. With the winter we are coming out of lots of boats will be for sale for real good prices when people find lack of winterizing has caused freeze damage. It is also highly recommended that once you make a few selections you get a sea trial.
If the owner is not going for that, run from the boat as they are probably selling a white elephant. Lastly the age of a boat is secondary to the condition and maintenance. Hours are just that hours. They can be meaningless. An hour meter is very easy to disconnect and with out proper care a low hour boat could be junk compared to a higher hour boat that has been properly cared for.

Don't be afraid to ask more questions. That is what we are here for and we would all like to see you get the best boat for your money and situation, so you can enjoy being on the water with us.

With what you have proposed for use I would look to a V-6 or V-8. A 3.0 (4 cyl) has better fuel consumption but may be lacking power in a larger boat with 4 adults pulling a tube.

Good luck with your search. Oh and one more thing..a Tri-Hull will beat you to death in choppy water, but is stable as heck if everyone stands on one side. A V-Hull will ride smoother.

Sorry for the long response, but hey, You asked. Just trying to give enough info for a good start.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

I'd suggest spending $500-$1000 on a tiny boat. Sounds crazy huh? You won't have your son out "on the boat" for at least a season or two. Save up some more money to get the boat that you really want. In the mean time, take that cheap boat out to learn how to everything while your mistakes aren't that costly. You didn't learn how to drive in a nice car I assume? You probably got a beater car. You'll learn a lot with that tiny boat, can fish a bit, and learn all of the things that you'll never figure out until you own and operate your own boat.

Once you've done all that, sell the tiny boat to get your money back, and then look at walleye boats. Alumacraft, Lund, and Crestliner all make great boats that will work for pleasure cruises, fishing, and tubing/skiing. They are truly multi-functional.

Good luck.

 

[VIPV162]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

I think a good used fish & ski would be what you are looking for. I'm not a fan of I/O if you are going to use a trolling motor up front to fish in shallower water. Way to heavy for me. 18 to 22 feet sounds about right to me for the amount of people that you propose to have in the boat. A fish & ski is designed especially for that: dual usage. I do not have a recommendation as I am not familar with the newer (to me) fish & skis you would be looking at for that price range. Get a well known brand that has local service availible through a dealer or a great mechanic. Try to get a test ride in the boat. Let the previous owner show you how he or she drives it. Test drive it yourself or have a knowledgeable friend go with and test drive. A good mechanic look over would be very helpfull too. Good luck on your search. Have fun!!!

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

Not going to get too long winded...

Sounds like a nice pontoon would work out well for you. Especially as a first boat.

It is completely possible to ski/tube behind them, just get one with a strong enough engine. Then there will be little maintanence and a good starter boat.

Just my thought.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

I want a boat that's 18-22 ft. to use in local lakes mainly for family outings and weekend fun time. We just had a baby a few months ago and I want to go ahead and buy a boat to get used to it before next year when I can get the little boy out playing around on the weekends. I want something that we can tube behind, ski behind and maybe have a few friends hook a wakeboard up to if they come out for a weekend. I want seating and power for 4 adults and I don't want a bass boat that's just good for fishing. That being said, I do really enjoy fishing and would want to take it out bass/crappie fishing probably once out of every 3 or 4 times I get it in the water. So, I'll want something I can put a trolling motor on. But it will be used for family time more than fishing.....I just want something that will be accommodating to me fishing out of it.

I'm not sure what power I would need, and whether an I/O or an outboard motor would be best.

I had this same conversation several years ago. I purchase a used deckboat.

17ft long, seats 7, 115HP outboard. Did everything you've just listed (and that I had too) Only thing I didn't do was add the trolling motor, but that was because I didn't want to install one on it, but it had the room to do it on the bow.

To me, this is your crossover between a multitude of boats and is in my opinion the most multi-function boat out there. (Think pontoon on top, sport hull on the bottom) Only real drawback is the lack of a windshield on mine (but you can get deck boats with them) so you catch a fair bit more wind.

As for I/O or outboard, depends on space req's, etc. If you're going OB, make sure you get at least 70% of the max rated HP on it and you'll be fine (but more HP never hurts )

 

[Mayberry]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

Thanks for all the responses. However, after a little more research, I do have a few more questions. I keep running across a few models of boats that I really do like, and thought some of you might have opinions on them. If there's something that is just an overall bad boat and I should rule out, please let me know. I've run across all of these listed below and they all look like good boats, and are in the price range of what I'm looking for. The only thing that scares me is a lot of what I find is the 135 hp Mercruiser 3.0 4 cyl. I/O engines. While a very good, reliable motor from what I've read, is it enough power for these boats? I don't want to pull the trigger too quick and buy something I'm going to regret in a year. I want a boat that can pull a few skiers and/or 4 adults sitting in it without bogging down due to the weight. Please look through these and give me your thoughts. I'm like my mom watching football....I can like the colors, but I really don't know what I'm looking at. I'm trying to learn, but need a little help. Thanks again. All of you have been great here.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/boa/1736065104.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/boa/1735819207.html

http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/1734417925.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/boa/1732842563.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/boa/1732683802.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/boa/1732391656.html

 

[Sea Raider I]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

Find a good SeaRay!!

 

[cr2k]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

The newer Bayliners are way better than the older ones. But if you can get away from the Escort trailer I would.

 

[ltjag101]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

I'd suggest spending $500-$1000 on a tiny boat. Sounds crazy huh?

i agree a small older boat that if you run into the dock your frist few times loading or unloading passengers off the bow, or get it hung up on a stump or a bouey(dont ask) all that is realy hurt is pride. and not a big dip into the pocket if you have to junk the darn thing. plus you may not even like the cost to maitain a boat you live in GA so the boat will either have to have a complete winterizing (stored unheated) or if in heated storage fog engine and top gas tank off with fuel and additive

but on the IO or OB if your wife likes to swim in the lake i would go IO for the swim platform and sun deck it is so nice to have that as an option and i would look into the 1990-1998 rinker captiva when you get your nice boat
in my opinion some of the best boats made

 

[Mayberry]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

Thanks again for the advice. Rinker has been one of my favorites from those I've found so far. I really like the way they look.

As far as a small older boat, that's really what I'm considering this purchase. I have driven other people's boats, and grew up on the ocean a lot. So, taking Dinghy's around the bay was pretty normal. While we all make mistakes, I don't think I would rip the hull off a boat from inexperience. I do want something for the family, so I want something nice and clean. I'm staying away from a newer model or something more expensive, but don't want to go dirt cheap. I think in the $5-$8k range is good to start, while still giving me something I'll enjoy for a few years.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

That's fine then. Everyone has different price points for what is cheap to them. The real test is whether you'd feel the hit if you did something dumb and ruined the boat. There is a different threshold for everyone.

Hop into a few boats, find the one that seems right and pull the trigger. Since it sounds like this boat is a stepping stone to your real boat, don't fret over the details. All of your likes and dislikes will become apparent once you own one. That will make the next purchase much easier.

Good luck

 

[lncoop]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

Based on what you've said it sounds like either a pontoon or a deckboat would be your best bet. The nice thing about pontoon boats, especially for a first time buyer, is that there's very little potential for hidden issues as compared to hulled boats. The main advantage of the deck boat over the pontoon is the option to occasionally use it like a bass boat. That's not to say you can't fish from a pontoon, but if you want to stand on the front and cast, flip, pitch, etc. you'll be disappointed with a barge. Also, you mentioned the possibility of intemittent wakeboarding. You can ski and tube behind a sufficiently powered pontoon, but I'm not sure about wakeboarding. Now, the main advantages of a pontoon over a deck boat are stability and intial outlay. In the secondary market deck boats typically cost more than pontoons in comparable shape and are less easily found. Are you confused yet? I am LOL! Just keep in mind a lot of the info we're providing factors in where we live. Good luck!

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

I probably shouldn't comment, because I am newbie-er than you but you're just about exactly where I was two months ago. Finally decided to take the plunge, no idea what I wanted or what would best meet my needs, and started looking seriously.

It's just me and the sig-other right now, but the kid and her hubby live three hours away and come up often, so a fishing boat didn't have enough seating for me.

I looked at fish-n-skis and bowriders, and would have been happy with either one, I think. I finally bought a 2005 Bayliner 185, with the 3.0L, for $6K. I think I got a very nice deal, and I am absolutely delighted with the boat. It doesn't have a livewell, which I would probably have liked because we fish a lot, but I can buy an aerator and use a big bucket.

Even with the 3.0, I haven't yet gone to wide-open-throttle because I haven't had any need to -- it gets to 35 mph pretty easily and that's as fast as I'm comfortable with.

I will say this -- I am very, very glad I went ahead and pulled the trigger on actually getting the boat, instead of sitting around wishing I had one. We've had it out five times so far, despite crappy weather, and I've only owned it for 28 days. I can't wait to go out again.

Buy a boat. You'll love it. If you don't, sell it and buy another. Any boat you buy will do the thing that matters most -- get you out on the water instead of sighing on the shore at the boats going by.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

I
Buy a boat. You'll love it. If you don't, sell it and buy another. Any boat you buy will do the thing that matters most -- get you out on the water instead of sighing on the shore at the boats going by.

Well said.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Newbie with Questions!!!

no one boat does everything you want. Boating with an infant = covered bow, or at least really good canvas to keep the little one out of the sun. but fishing from a cuddy is a pain. sooo i like the pontoon idea, but they are slow and not sexy.

perhaps you buy a 19' cuddy now, with the baby and all, and later move to a bowrider for more fun?