Any of these jump out at you

[Flysooner9]

Hey everyone want to say thanks for answering all my questions so far on my previous thread. I feel like i have a much better base of knowledge to work off of now as i start my search for my first ski boat. Below are a few boats that i have pulled off my local craigslist to take a look at soon. Wanted to see if any of these jump out at you as possible good deals or ones i shouldn't even waste my time looking at.


1996 VIP Vision 18ft

1996 VIP Vision

1998 Glastron 19ft

1998 GLASTRON 19' SKI BOAT 135HP

2000 Bayliner 19ft

**Great Condition 2000 bayliner**

1999 Stingray 18ft

1999 Stingray

1999 Glastron 18ft

Glastron GS 185

2003 Stingray

2003 stingray boat

1996 Sylvan 18ft

'96 Sylvan 1781 Ski Boat

he sent pictures of the above since the listing didn't have any. Looks pretty clean

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

None of them really stand out to me from just seeing pictures. If I had to pick one, the 1999 Glastron it would be.

 

[captmello]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

You never know until you go look at them. An 18' boat with a V6 would be better than a 4 cyl.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

Scanning the list I eliminated all but 1 right off the bat. All way too old. The 2003 is still 11 years old, but when I saw the phrase "garage kept" it piqued my interest.

When I see "newly rebuilt", that would kill the Glastron for me.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

I wouldn't be too worried about the year. Nobody can tell my 1996 is that old. I have all receipts from the owner who took it to the local factory dealer for all service. It is more about maintenance and care than anything. I agree on the motor. Since going to a much more powerful boat I would always go as big as you can find.

Just from the info given the 1999 Glastron 185 looks nice but you will need to check out any prospective boat closely.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

Of those listed, the 99 glastron would be the first one I'd call on, the 03 Stingray second. The rest I'd pass.

 

[Flysooner9]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

Guys i wish I could not worry about the year and get a super nice boat but my budget is 5k. I know I've got to make sacrifices somewhere. I know everyone is just looking out but it's what I have to work with.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

Guys i wish I could not worry about the year and get a super nice boat but my budget is 5k. I know I've got to make sacrifices somewhere. I know everyone is just looking out but it's what I have to work with.

When I posted don't worry about the year I meant to not rule out an older boat just because of the year. If it is well taken care of it could be better than a 4 year old boat. My old 1983 was perfectly solid with the original interior. The only blemish was the corners of the doghouse. After owning for 7 years I sold it for $100 more than I paid for it. It is all about condition.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

Yeah year and condition don't always correlate, but the fact is that boats are low on many people's priorities, thus they get rode hard and put away wet. A well maintained boat engine should last 30 years. If its been rebuilt already at 14 years, its quite obvious the care wasn't there.

You need to plan on much $ extra to get an old boat up to safe running condition. Buy at your budget and plan on adding a lot afterwards.

Look at a 16' outboard tinny in the $3000 range to start, and then move up in a few years.

Good luck!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

What kind of skier are you? If you are a salom skier or plan to be, get an outboard-powered boat. All those I/O powered boats will throw a 2' wake (due to the 1100 # cast iron block and OD), which really stinks for any experienced skier. You will never run a bouy course with any of those boats, due to the wake.

You want the flattest wake possible. You will also usually have lots more room in a boat powered by an OB in the length you are considering.

Something like an 18' shallow Vee hull w/150HP outboard, would be best.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

i'm a bayliner fan would want a v-6 in any of these boats.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

The 2003 Stingray is the only one that struck me as looking well taken care of. But at $8250 and only a 4-cylinder it seems expensive, especially with snow on the ground. Most of those looked somewhere between neglected and totally trashed.

Considering your price range, you might be better off looking for a well loved older boat vs a neglected newer one. At this point maintenance is far more important than age.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

If your price range is still what it was from the other thread, and you're not looking for more than just skiing for fun (not enthusiast or competitive level) then most all of those boats are worth a look. I like the two Glastrons, the Bayliner or the '03 Stingray the best of 'em.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Any of these jump out at you

I'd look for boats with glass-lined cockpits. Four Winns of the 1998-2001 vintage (depends on model) and newer typically have that feature. It's a big improvement over carpet and plywood, IMO.