Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

[skategoat]

Hi Folks. I tried posting this to rec.boats but man, there is a lot of off-topic traffic on that list. So here goes, I hope you don't mind the newbie questions.<br /><br />I just purchased a new cottage and will be buying my first powerboat. I'll be using the boat for cruising a fairly large lake, towing water toys and fishing. I think a Fish and Ski boat is perfect for me but they are hard to find on the used market. Therefore, I think I will buy a bowrider in the 17-20 foot range. Looking to spend about $10,000CDN or $7,000USD.<br /><br />I have my eye on a couple of boats and wanted to get some opinions from the group (all prices are in Canadian dollars).<br /><br />1) 1996 Four Winns 170 Horizon bowrider with 135 Evinrude O/B. This boat is kept trailered year-round and the seller claims only a few weeks use a year.<br /><br />I haven't seen it yet but the seller claims it's in excellent shape with a small ding in the bow from a docking mishap. The price seems pretty fair at $10,500CDN. My worry though is that he does not have service records. He claims to have serviced the boat himself.<br /><br />Would you run from this deal or would a competent mechanical survey and sea test alleviate any concerns about the powertrain?<br /><br />2) 1998 Glastron CSX 18 foot bowrider with 125 Mercury O/B. Absolutely mint shape with all records but a little pricey at $15,900.<br /><br />I'm familiar with the Glastron name from watching James Bond, etc. but I'm wondering, are the Glastrons still high quality boats or are they living on past reputation?<br /><br />3) Brand new Glastron MX 175 with Volvo Penta 3.0l for $15,995. I never heard of this particular model until I hit the Glastron site. It appears to be a new budget line. I'm a little surprised by the low price. What have they left out of this boat to make it such a good deal? Has anyone driven one? I can't find any reviews or any other info on this boat.<br /><br />Finally, is a hull survey really necessary on a boat of this size? I can certainly understand it for a large boat but wouldn't I be able to see any hull damage, osmosis or cracks by just carefully eyeballing the boat myself?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Henry

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

I wouldn't shy away from deal #1 at all. Many people including myself service their own rigs. Get a list of exactly what service he has performed. Make sure it was properly winterized each year and he should have rebuilt the water pump several times over the course of eight years. Do a search on this site for preventative maintenance and you'll get plenty of info on what to ask him. Either you or a shop can check the motor for even compression and carbon build up and check the transom and stringers in the bilge area for signs of rot. If the owner is a straight shooter, then the interior and exterior should look near new if it has been kept out of the sun and water and only used a few weeks a year like he states. If the seats and carpet look pretty weathered, then the boat has been used more than he says. Deal #2 seems a bit pricey. Good luck

 

[KCook]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

You did say "fairly large lake". For that I would want at least an 18 footer, or bigger. Too bad there are so few boats available in your area.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[VistaMan]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

I have a Hydrostream Varesett, an 18ft bowrider. Great boat BUT not very good on a large lake with wind, tends to stuf the nose and get very wet, nedd a good bilge pump. Unless you need the extra space a bowrider gives, or for fishing, I would get one with some decking up front. Typically I use the front tonnau (spelling) cover a lot but is a pain for docking.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

I own a entry level glastron 175sx that I bought in 2003. I put over 100 hours on it this year and it has held up like new. The inside of this boat has nothing but cupholders a glove box and a radio/cassette player. I had them thow in a bimini and depth finder during price negotiations.<br />I upgraded to the 4.3 v-6 and paid just under 16,000. We put a medium size cooler under the dash for sodas and stuff. The inside is very easy to keep clean with snap out carpet and fiberglass deck. We just pop out the carpet and hose it down in the driveway and scrub the deck with a small broom. This takes my wife and I about 2 hours to do. We do it every fouth trip or so. This boat does ok in swells and rough weather if you drive as conditions allow. When the wind kicks up in sanfancisco bay and the chop is over 2-3' It's time to head in. I would buy another glastron in a heart beat. When We wear this one out we'll probably stay with the same size boat. I is very nice to be able to open the garage hook it up and go when ever you want. <br />Good luck

 

[skategoat]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

The lake is large but full of islands and sheltered bays. My cottage is located in one of the bays so if the weather is rough, we can just stay in the bay and have our fun. My concern is if we're far from home and the weather suddenly turns, I want to make sure we can get home. I'm not too concerned about getting wet - just home safely. Of course, if there is a small craft warning, we'll find a friendly marina and wait it out.<br /><br />The reason I don't want a closed bow is for the fishing. I think a bow rider would work better for that. <br /><br />I've also thought about a centre console. What are some of the better glass centre consoles out there? I know about Boston Whaler but I don't want to sell the cottage to buy the boat.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

If you are going to keep the boat in the water all season, there are those who say that an outboard would be a better choice. You can tilt it out of the water completely. <br /><br />I agree that someone who does their own service is often better than someone who farms it out. They do the service more religiously and have a better ear for the performance of the engine. They probably took care of the hull as well. (I would hope ) 4 Winns is a good brand, look for a good rude' mechanic to service the engine until you become familiar with servicing it yourself. Outboards are a piece of cake to service.<br /><br />Keep your eyes open, I feel if you look in the right places additional options will become available. It is spring and you are trying to buy at the most competitive time of year....

 

[skategoat]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

I think that's good advice. I'm going to try to stay patient. I expect fall is a better time to buy. I can still water test the boats but I won't be competing with all the spring buyers.<br /><br />I can always pull out the canoe.

 

[montanaman]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

Skategoat, my brother has a 96 Four Winns 170 Freedom w/ the 130 Evinrude that I've spent quite a few hours in. I haven't been in a boat with better finish. The boat is very well built and tracks very well on the water. While salmon fishing once a strong wind caught us a couple miles out. Before we knew it were in 3 foot caps. I was impressed how well the boat took the waves, at no time did I feel unsafe. He takes very good care of his boat and has had no problems. After having a qualified tech inspect the boat and moter I wouldn't have any reservations about buying a Four Winns. Patience is a good thing but it's hard to let a good deal go by.

 

[KCook]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

A center console is far better than a bowrider for fishing. There are a few CC brands that offer a bench seat option for the transom, but most have seating for only a few people. The dealer networks for the saltwater boats are not as widespread as those for bowriders. Have no way of knowing what brands prevail in your area, so you should just let us know what ones you come across.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

The four winns is a great package and seems to be powered just right,(the rude is a good motor) Just look close at the transom corners inside and outside the motor well for any signs of cracking, that boat is near or at its max hp rating, also pay attention to flex in the floor, should be solid, if boat is on a trailer don't be afaird to get a bit dirty and crawl right up under the boat and get a good visal on the bottom, If boat comes with trailer look at the condition of tires, bunks and winch strap and lights and wiring. I think the Glastrons a bit pricy. I myself boat Southern Georgian Bay in a Wellcraft 196 Eclipse bowrider and have in the past in a Baja 170 sport bowrider with very little problems, Boat traffic is usally a bigger problem than wave conditions.

 

[Link]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

I first read this with 0 replys but was busy and knew that you would get good advice. If you are married, have herself read the reply's and discuss what options would suit your needs better.<br />IE: <br />A: Closed Bows are really nice when you get caught in some weather, as everything on the floor and inside of your boat (under the canvas) stays dry<br />B: Bow riders on the other hand on a nice day give you more space to let people enjoy the boat!<br />Plus if you have a Amateur fly fisherman with you, you can put them on a pedestal seat in the bow. Safety first <br /><br />I'd say 19ft min, but you have stated why you could get away with a 17. Either way a couple years from now your going to get the "two foot itch" and get a bigger boat anyway <br />Don't let the wife see that part! <br /><br />Your #1 choice sounds good if every thing checks out. Four Winns makes a good boat<br /><br />Luck to ya

 

[Lou C]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

A lot depends on how many people you are taking out with you. A 17-18 is fine for 4 people, for more than that you will feel crowded pretty fast. I have an older 20' Four Winns and it is just big enough, I'd be inclined to go bigger so you don't have to trade up so soon. If you are on a freshwater lake a stern drive is OK as well, but as others said the OB is less work overall. Now if you are married to someone who can't stand the smell of 2 cycle exhaust (like me) you have to go sterndrive or 4 cycle outboard!

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Purchasing Entry Level Bowrider - advice?

come on lou.. the smell of 2 stroke makes it all that much better!! its a manly cent...<br /><br />but on to help the origonal question...<br /><br />that first deal sems like a good one..if its as he described it. and as said above, outboards are easier to "keep dry" when its docked at the lake, just tilt it up and EVERYPART of the motr and drive is safe. not to mention the fact that they are quite possibly the easiest machinery to work on yourself, so you can perform just about everything concerning maintenece with basic hand tools. nothing special. <br /><br />good luck and keep us posted....<br /><br />mike