Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

[Bartster]

Evening all

I am buying a boat here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

I want a family boat for cruising, water fun and general smile factor.

My thoughts and feedback from others here so far:

The Sea Ray 240 Sundeck is muy popular here. I like it with the 350 Magnum engine for its space, build, and image. My wife likes the 2 tables and toilet!

Four Winns H220 Frenzy in orange. I like the rarity factor. For sure no others around here and it turns heads! My wife figures it is a little too small but I like the 350 Magnum Bravo I on it a lot and the fact it has the stainless arch, big Bimini and other stuff in black so looks cool against the orange. I do worry about re-sale a bit as it is a "particular" taste that wants bright orange!

Down here there are lots of ski boats - Nautique, Malibu, Sanger and Tahoes to name a few but I feel like I want a more a more allround boat. I know the H220 Frenzy is full on but it is also a Four Winns at heart.

Also here are Cobalt (very few and pricy), Bayliner (not that popular), Maxum (not around now I gather), old Wellcraft, etc.....

Any ideas, guys? Any specific experience on the Sea Ray 240 Sundeck or Four Winns H220 Frenzy?

 

[fkboatman]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

its all how something was taken care of. Bayliner and searay are a brunswick company along with many others then you have boats built by genmar. if you find something you like have it checked out by a shop. also look how they take care of there vehicles, house and such. remember do your home work. DO NOT EVER BUY SOMETHING WITH OUT TAKING FOR A TEST DRIVE IN THE WATER, DONT GO BY THEM JUST RUNNING IT ON A HOSE EVEN IF A SHOP CHECKED IT OUT.

 

[oops!]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

Hi welcome to iboats !

the four winns and the sea ray are both great boats.
Either one will have good resale.....so its flip a coin between the two.

but lets start off right .....
we need a little more info to help you properly...

how many people will be in the boat on average...
do you plan to spend weekends on the boat.
how far do you plan to go off shore?
what is your level of proficiency with a boat?

these questions will help us help you better

cheers....and again ....welcome

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

If you are looking at newer or even brand new boats . . .

There is the Formula 240, which is a ski boat with good ocean/bay capabilities.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

Cobalt 232 or 242. If I had the dough, a Cobalt 242WSS would be my first choice for a general runabout. I don't have $70K+ just sitting around though.

 

[CC245]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

This is an easy one! Go with the Frenzy in orange!

 

[Catchad81]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

I looked at both the Four Winns and SeaRay, among others, when I went to upgrade. Decided to bite the bullet and go with a Cobalt 242WSS. I'm looking forward to it this spring. Happy Hunting!

 

[Bartster]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

Hi welcome to iboats !

the four winns and the sea ray are both great boats.
Either one will have good resale.....so its flip a coin between the two.

but lets start off right .....
we need a little more info to help you properly...

how many people will be in the boat on average...
do you plan to spend weekends on the boat.
how far do you plan to go off shore?
what is your level of proficiency with a boat?

these questions will help us help you better

cheers....and again ....welcome

Thanks so much for the welcome...

Well, there will be my family of three - wife, me and young son and some friends occasionally.

Only daytime saling so no Overnight cabin needed.

I am a pretty proficient sailor of sail and motor boats albeit rusty

I'll go as far offshore as needed for some fishing or whale watching otherwise within sight of shore for skiing or snorkelling

Today, I was put with the local dealer on two Four Winns... The H220 frenzy was great but the wife thought it too "young" in bright orange and I think I would tire of it too. Then we took out the SL222 which was AMAZING. The hull dealt with the waves far better and apart from the fact the boat was 2010 and immaculate in blue with cream interior, the engine was the best I have ever heard or used. It was a 377 Magnum with thru hull exhaust.... WOW.

I THINK I could spend all day flicking on the thru hull and not tire of it. Incredible performance and sound...

So, the boat is the dealer owner's own for his family so he doesn't really want to sell but he would take $48,000 when I pushed him - I offered $45,000. He has kept it from new immaculately and it has around 150 hours and has every possible extra from woofers to the stainless arch to the computer controlled ski system etc etc....

My wife wants a boat with a toilet though so.... Either I over-rule her and tell her it's use the sea or we look for the following:

SL 242 Four Winns
Sea Ray 240 Sundeck
Chaparral 246ssi
Cobalt 242 (240)

Any opinions/advice on where I go...?

My heart is with the SL222 2010 at $48,000 for the most amazing performance ever, the brain is with one of the other 4 on the list...!

Cheers

 

[Bartster]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

I looked at both the Four Winns and SeaRay, among others, when I went to upgrade. Decided to bite the bullet and go with a Cobalt 242WSS. I'm looking forward to it this spring. Happy Hunting!

You Lucky man!

I love the 242WSS...

I can't afford a new one so is the 242 the same boat in broad terms as the older 240 I see which I can afford?

Thanks

 

[Bartster]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

If you are looking at newer or even brand new boats . . .

There is the Formula 240, which is a ski boat with good ocean/bay capabilities.

I took a look at the Formula 240 and it is a great boat BUT at a higher price tag than anything else of the same size, very, very expensive...

Thanks for the suggestion though

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

The 242 and 242WSS are the same boat, with the WSS being gearing mainly towards the wakeboarding crowd. The 242 and the 240 are obviously similar in style/length, but the 242 has a reversible louge/sunpad on the rear, as well as convertible bow seating with the use of filler cushions. Other than that, they are similar in layout with lots of creative storage compartments. As usual, the fit and finish is about as nice as you'll find in any bowrider made.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Best 22 to 24 ft Bow Rider?

Good advice above. Any of the boats mentioned would be good.

But it all comes down to dealer support--and of course, price.