Another First Time Boat Buyer

[DogFace81]

Ok, so I have searched and searched the Forums in regards to first time boat buyers for quite some time and I could not find anything that pertains to my question...so I'm hoping that this issue has not been beaten to death, and I'm missing something here. To begin, here is some background information:

I'm currently deployed in support of OEF and will be purchasing a boat in the Central Texas/Austin region within the next two months while I am on R&R. I am pretty set on buying used and paying cash to avoid a loan. My price range in between 10k-12k and I'm looking for a 17-19' bowrider/fish and ski model that was manufactured past 2000. I've already taken the 3.0, 4 cylinder out of contention as I'm fairly confident that it will not meet my power needs (skiing and tubing) and would like to purchase a 4.3 6 cylinder.

I would also like to purchase from a dealer as I would like to think they would be less hassle and many seem to be pretty close to blue book. I only have 2 weeks before I have to go back to Afghanistan, and have been dreaming about spending this time on the lake on a boat. This does not mean however I'm willing to hurry a purchase on a bad deal...so if you're still reading this I truly appreciate your patience...now to the question at hand.

Would you...being a first time buyer, rather purchase a later model Sea Ray/Regal/Monterey (2000/2001) in good condition or a newer model (2006-2007) Tracker Tahoe/Bayliner?
*Both models would be in decent condition and comparable in price.
Any advice would be truly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

Would you...being a first time buyer, rather purchase a later model Sea Ray/Regal/Monterey (2000/2001) in good condition or a newer model (2006-2007) Tracker Tahoe/Bayliner?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard to the forums here at iboats,...
And,...
Thank you very, Very much for your service to Our country....

My Love's Daughter is based outa Killeen, too, 'n is in Iraq at the moment...

Personally,... I'd opt for a mid-level older boat over a newer entry level boat, myself...

 

[Susquehanna Squid]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

I agree with Bond-o, mid-level/older. And, my Monterey has the 3.0 and I have absolutely no problem pulling tubes etc. Hope this helps.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

Thank you for your service.

That price range should get you a very nice boat. Brand really doesn't matter a lot with used boats (although I really don't think I would personally consider a Tahoe). I'd much rather have a mint condition Bayliner than a beat SeaRay. A 10 year old boat certainly has the potential for rot if it spent any significant part of it's life uncovered outside. So check carefully. Your budget certainly would warrant a professional inspection.

 

[Navigator_Victory]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

echo what everyone has said....Thank YOU

My two cents.....if you are only here a couple weeks....keep saving and rent a boat.....if you were up in my area I would take you out on mine as a courtesy and thank you for your service......might put the word out at the Marina and or here on Iboats under rendezvous section might get a few freebie rides

Plus if you rent a couple different types of boats it will give you an idea of what you really want to purchase. You may find what you think you want is not what really fits your needs.

 

[palace]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

I have 1987 19' Bayliner Capri with 3.0 and pull my Dad (220lbs), 2 boys (155lbs & 70lbs) two people on board: NO PROBLEM. As long as boat has been maintained it is good. Clue, always take out boat for test run on the lake. Test it! Pull engine cover off check for leaks, water pump, manifold, oil, engine temp, run out drive tilt, start 0 to top speed (if have GPS on phone you can verify speedometer), make sure control works forward and reverse. Check inside ski locker for rot. Just check out post specific to boat you are looking for.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

I agree with Navigator_Victory: rent for a couple of weeks. Check with your base here too - there's all sorts of programs set up with discounts and extras. Might be a boat in there somewhere. That way when you come home from the sandbox for good you can have the extra cash to go straight for the pretty stuff.

Thank you for your service. Keep your head down and come home safe.

 

[DogFace81]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

I agree with Bond-o, mid-level/older. And, my Monterey has the 3.0 and I have absolutely no problem pulling tubes etc. Hope this helps.

Thank you, I'm glad to hear a consensus.

 

[DogFace81]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

Good idea, I will definitely look around and see what rentals are available. I don?t know why but it never really occurred to me that I could rent a boat. I'll see if I can?t make the comparison between the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder I/Os to see if the V6 is really what i need.

 

[DogFace81]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

I have 1987 19' Bayliner Capri with 3.0 and pull my Dad (220lbs), 2 boys (155lbs & 70lbs) two people on board: NO PROBLEM. As long as boat has been maintained it is good. Clue, always take out boat for test run on the lake. Test it! Pull engine cover off check for leaks, water pump, manifold, oil, engine temp, run out drive tilt, start 0 to top speed (if have GPS on phone you can verify speedometer), make sure control works forward and reverse. Check inside ski locker for rot. Just check out post specific to boat you are looking for.

I don't think I would buy it without given an opportinity to test drive it first. I will for sure test drive a comperable 4 cylinder boat as well to see if it will fits what I may want...I just hate the idea of buying something and wanting more from it later on down the road.

 

[Navigator_Victory]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

I don?t know why but it never really occurred to me that I could rent a boat. .

The value of posting a question on a forum.....no two people think the same and you can often get a new or different perspective on a problem.....Good Luck in your search and come home safe

 

[emoney]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

Renting is a grand idea as it will serve several purposes; will allow you to test drive different type, verfiy the performance that will make you happy, and most importantly take off the "urgency" of a purchase which is where so many get into 'trouble'. Oh, and more importanly, thanks for doing what you do. My son is a Navy man, so when he's on leave, he tends to stay away from the water, lol.

Just an idea, but talk to your base credit union and see if they have any "repos" for sale. Lots of boats sitting around on storage lots, and usually, if they've had it for any length of time, you can get a pretty decent buy. Don't forget, however, that YOU are in the driver's seat as it's most definitely a "Buyer's Market". Your price range should net you a fantastic boat to enjoy for several years. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

i would buy any boat that suited me in good shape, sure some boats are built better than others but if maintained they all will last. how many 3 decade old faded bayliners are still lurking on the area lakes? a TON..... but if i had a 2007 bayliner, and a 2002 sea ray side by side both in good shape same price, id go for the sea ray

 

[southkogs]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

Might check with the swamp jockeys on post and see if there's a surplus yard boat available. Twin diesels and a .50 cal. Won't pull a tube worth diddley, but lots o' deck space and you'll never have to worry about gettin' your "honey hole" to fish in.

 

[hostage]

Re: Another First Time Boat Buyer

If you decide to buy a boat, condition is more important than name. Though name can also mean quality of some of the items and features in the boat. I got my boat over a year ago. I was looking first for an open bow with a 3.0L engine. I ended up getting a Cuddy (has a cabin instead of an open bow) w/ a 4.3L it was in great condition and was a Maxum 2000 19". I only paid $7,500 for it. Market conditions can vary. I would have gotten an open bow if I was in Texas as my cuddy would be an oven down there. Though my g/f loves the cuddy as it is a place where she can change, we can put her purse, better sea keep, and etc. I am happy I got the 4.3L as I could only imagine how annoying it would be to pull a skier w/ more than a couple of people in the boat. With that budget you can do a lot, I got mine off craigslist. A dealer might be a little "easier", though I don't trust than anymore than someone on craigslist.

 

[DogFace81]

Thank you everyone for your input. I definaltey have a lot more confidence when I finally do have an opportunity to make my purchase.

If you decide to buy a boat, condition is more important than name. Though name can also mean quality of some of the items and features in the boat. I got my boat over a year ago. I was looking first for an open bow with a 3.0L engine. I ended up getting a Cuddy (has a cabin instead of an open bow) w/ a 4.3L it was in great condition and was a Maxum 2000 19". I only paid $7,500 for it. Market conditions can vary. I would have gotten an open bow if I was in Texas as my cuddy would be an oven down there. Though my g/f loves the cuddy as it is a place where she can change, we can put her purse, better sea keep, and etc. I am happy I got the 4.3L as I could only imagine how annoying it would be to pull a skier w/ more than a couple of people in the boat. With that budget you can do a lot, I got mine off craigslist. A dealer might be a little "easier", though I don't trust than anymore than someone on craigslist.

I would really like to open up my options for a larger cuddy, but I have a 2002 Ford Ranger to Tow the boat with. Its the larger, 4X4, 4.0 litre "Edge" model so I'm thinking I shouldnt have any problems with a 19' bowrider, but anything larger than that I would have come concerns about pulling it accross the country as I move from post to post. Oh and I'm too cheap to buy a new truck.

Might check with the swamp jockeys on post and see if there's a surplus yard boat available. Twin diesels and a .50 cal. Won't pull a tube worth diddley, but lots o' deck space and you'll never have to worry about gettin' your "honey hole" to fish in.

I'm sure my GF would love the sound of a .50 as it rips across the open waters, early in the morning. I'll definately look into it.

i would buy any boat that suited me in good shape, sure some boats are built better than others but if maintained they all will last. how many 3 decade old faded bayliners are still lurking on the area lakes? a TON..... but if i had a 2007 bayliner, and a 2002 sea ray side by side both in good shape same price, id go for the sea ray

This was exactly the insight I was looking for, thank you!

Renting is a grand idea as it will serve several purposes; will allow you to test drive different type, verfiy the performance that will make you happy, and most importantly take off the "urgency" of a purchase which is where so many get into 'trouble'. Oh, and more importanly, thanks for doing what you do. My son is a Navy man, so when he's on leave, he tends to stay away from the water, lol.

Just an idea, but talk to your base credit union and see if they have any "repos" for sale. Lots of boats sitting around on storage lots, and usually, if they've had it for any length of time, you can get a pretty decent buy. Don't forget, however, that YOU are in the driver's seat as it's most definitely a "Buyer's Market". Your price range should net you a fantastic boat to enjoy for several years. Good luck and keep us posted.

Great idea, we do have a credit union, I'll give them a call to see who i need to talk to.

My Brother has been in the Navy for 18 years and avoids the water at all cost as well. Although I think it may because for some reason after 18 years, he still gets sick on Lake Erie back home. I'll never understand that one.