Help deciding on a boat

[samg713]

Hi,

I own a pontoon but am looking to buy something small (12-18 feet), somewhat fast (greater than 35 mph), affordable (less than $6000) and reliable. What would you guys suggest. I was thinking about a jet boat but am unsure.

I appreciate any suggestions as I am new to boating.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Help deciding on a boat

depends on waters you boat in and your needs.
In my neighbourhood, your "must have list" would call for a 16 foot bowrider with a 75 to 90 HP outboard on it... Evinrude or Johnson
wouldn't worry about the year so much as overall condition

I don't think you'd come anywhere close to reliable in a jet boat for that budget...
old jets aren't reliable

old Evinrude's are

what motor is on your pontoon? If you like it - get the same for the other boat

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Help deciding on a boat

In my neighbourhood, your "must have list" would call for a 16 foot bowrider with a 75 to 90 HP outboard on it... Evinrude or Johnson
wouldn't worry about the year so much as overall condition

A man after my own heart

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Help deciding on a boat

We don't know what you intend to do with it. Do you fish a lot? Are we cruising or carrying 5-6+ people? Watersports? What body of water do you mainly run on? (saltwater/freshwater, small/medium lake, large lake or ocean)

I would assume that since you own a pontoon, you are on a small to medium inland freshwater lake. What does the speed help you do; is it just for the adrenaline rush? If you want fast, it's hard to overlook dedicated speed boats, but just like any other item with speed, once you've gone 65-80 mph, it loses it's luster and you want to go faster. Good luck doing that with 6K.

Most general v-hull runabouts with a 5.7L V8 or larger will do somewhere between 45-55mph. Deckboats would allow you a similar layout to the pontoon with the benefit of a v-hull and I/O platform. I would imagine the only two boats that will run 35+ for $6K are a v-hull runabout or a jet boat/bass rocket of some sort.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Help deciding on a boat

You say "between 12' and 18'..." There is no comparison between a 12' (jon, 9.9 HP) and an 18 anything, except a scanoe.

Look into Carolina Skiff. they are inexpensive and will fly with a relatively small motor (which saves you $$$.) You can rig them any way you want and can do anything in them. You already have a boat for sitting and riding, so get something as open as you can.

 

[dave11]

Re: Help deciding on a boat

You say "between 12' and 18'..." There is no comparison between a 12' (jon, 9.9 HP) and an 18 anything, except a canoe.

You need to to set some criteria. The difference between a 12 ft boat and an 18 ft boat defies comparison. Make a decision as to what you want the boat to do. Maybe then we can give you some ideas.