Decision points on a used family boat

[Alwhite00]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Man,i would steer clear of that 470 no matter how good it looks. Someday you will want to sell or trade up and have a really hard time selling it

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

There is absolutely no way I would buy that boat with that engine. I don't care how good of condition the boat is in.

 

[16victor]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

I have declined the boat - a bit ashamed since we did agree on a deal - but your great advice had given me pause...and a sleepless night...so I had to renege

The owner is 100% truthful in how he describes it. We did not start it on our visit so I never got to hear it run. The boat *is* in fantastic shape, in case anyone's interested I do have reasonably good photos.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Removed...

 

[JoLin]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

I feel for you, 16victor. Not fun to back out, but at that point the seller had very little time and no money invested in your deal. That's part of the selling process and the seller needs to see that objectively. You saved yourself a lot of potential headaches.

I didn't know about this forum until after I'd bought my first boat. I did okay, but dumb luck isn't a good substitute for knowledge and planning. Any boat that's clean and shiny looks sexy as hell. First rule of buying is to fall in love with the thing AFTER you've done the inspection, sea trial and payment.

Keep searching- your 'mate' is out there. You'll find her.

 

[Natty Light]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

I would at least take a look at outboard model boats if you're looking in the 19' range. It would depend on the model but most outboard driven boats that length are going to have more room for family than an inboard.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

I had one of the 3.0l Merc packages on a searay 17 footer. I loved that boat even wtih my 4 kids. Never really lacked for power. Though I did sell it before they became teenagers. I would not do the 3.0l in a 19ft with teenagers and a wife. You will be wishing for more juice.

I also second the advice here on the power plant selection. There are just too many boats out there to not pick a mainstream powerplant. At the endo of the day if you can't get it fixed or find parts to fix it, you won't be boating.

One thing that has not been mentioned is winterizing. coming from Ohio, you will need to winterize I assume. OB's are far easier than I/Os and you won't be sweating on those october nights when you hope it doesn't get too cold because you didn't have time to winterize the boat. OB's can also be swapped pretty easy in the case that it is too small or it bricks on you.

If I was in the market in your range, I would be looking for 18-19 ft I/O with a 115 -150hp Johnson/Evinrude V-4 outboard. There are tons and tons of these V4's around, they have good reliabiltiy and can be swapped very easily. Maybe even a deckboat configuration, although those are rare in that age group.

I am biased as I like the J/E outboards of that vintage (90's) more so than mercury.

 

[buellwinkle]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

If I was in the market in your range, I would be looking for 18-19 ft I/O with a 115 -150hp Johnson/Evinrude V-4 outboard. There are tons and tons of these V4's around, they have good reliabiltiy and can be swapped very easily. Maybe even a deckboat configuration, although those are rare in that age group.

My wife wanted an outboard, I want inboard, neither are popular, at least not in So Cal. I don't really want a stern drive, but that's what most boats for sale are. There's a handful of inboards, but they cost way more, but that's OK for me. Outboards, outside of smaller fishing boats like Boston Whalers are non-existant. If I can get a 18-19' cuddy or bowrider with an outboard as you described, it would be great because we can keep it on the lake longer, but where are they?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Agreed to your point, there are tons of the outboards out there, but there was a real bias toward buildling the bowriders with I/Os. There are some out there, but they are not the norm.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

outboards nonexistant? that's crazy talk. look around parts of the country where the people who own boats are boaters.

 

[16victor]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

OK, now researching pros & cons of an outboard in the 19'-20' range...I know this question has been asked and answered so I won't bother repeating it here, unless anyone has strong feelings they'd like to offer.

I am finding folks say that OBs are less maintenance heavy but harder to work on. Well, I have built more auto engines and transmissions than I can remember, and have retrofitted electronic fuel injection to two auto engines, one which I autocrossed with moderate success (car was faster than driver). I am in the machine tool industry and am well-tooled (I mean, I have lots of tool; i.e, mill, lathe, press, MIG, etc.) I don't reckon it will be beyond me, but again advice is welcome.

Rear weight bias is something to consider esp. towing skiiers, wakeboarders, etc.

Your help has been fantastic. Back with more questions soon I'm sure,

Ron

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

OK, now researching pros & cons of an outboard in the 19'-20' range...I know this question has been asked and answered so I won't bother repeating it here, unless anyone has strong feelings they'd like to offer.

I am finding folks say that OBs are less maintenance heavy but harder to work on. Well, I have built more auto engines and transmissions than I can remember, and have retrofitted electronic fuel injection to two auto engines, one which I autocrossed with moderate success (car was faster than driver). I am in the machine tool industry and am well-tooled (I mean, I have lots of tool; i.e, mill, lathe, press, MIG, etc.) I don't reckon it will be beyond me, but again advice is welcome.

Rear weight bias is something to consider esp. towing skiiers, wakeboarders, etc.

Your help has been fantastic. Back with more questions soon I'm sure,

Ron

Sorry, that the first boat did not work out, but "there are plenty of boats in the the yard". Regarding an outboard . . . keep in mind your original requirements of 70% water sports. That heavily favors an I/O, because of the quick & easy access to the stern, swim platform, etc.

The maintenance issues with I/O's really come into play when the boat is kept in the water. So, if you trailer, maybe not so bad.

If the prior boat had a V6, it probably would have been a done deal. So, make sure you are targeting a boat with a good amount of engine for the water sports, etc.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Certainly nothing wrong with expanding the search- the more boats you look at, the better. Outboards have pros and cons, too. Consider that if your primary use will be watersports (you said 70%), you'll lose the full-width swim platform you'd have with an I/O. Might or might not be a big factor for you.

As for motor brands to avoid, here are a few...
1. 'Force' and 'Force by Mercury'. Lots of them around (usually on Bayliners), but don't bite. It's the whole obsolescence thing again.
2. Johnson/Evinrude 'electric shift' models. Many of those parts are unavailable.
3. OMC 'Seadrive'. It's a rare oddball, but you might find one and be tempted. Don't do it.

Does anyone else have a 'gotcha' to add?

Johnson, Evinrude, Merc, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Mariner (did I miss anybody?) are all still in business or, in the case of Johnson, well supported via Evinrude. No support or design issues I'm aware of.

Keep us posted.

 

[briangcc]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

19' isn't that cramped as that's what I own currently. I've had 6 adults onboard for watersports and there's enough room to move around without tripping over someone.

One thing I'd say is look at the rear seating. Four Winns offered (2) seating options...standard and sunsport. I have the latter which gives you a full length bench seat across the back - which does pull down/fold out. The former gave you (2) jump seats on either side of the engine doghouse.

I'm sure its a personal preference but the bench seat may be something to consider when you're looking.


I would say that you need to check for access around the engine compartment for any I/O. Mine's tight but doable for engine access. My hydraulic pumps for trim/tilt are another whole story and I am more than willing to let a mechanic weasel his/her way in to top the fluid off as I know I can't get there to service the unit. It's one of the items on my list for my next boat - access to all mechanical parts for service.

 

[Natty Light]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

There are lots of good used fish and skis on the market.

The Nautic Star 210 coastal is also a very interesting family and fishing type boat.

 

[ksukats57]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

I would stick with looking for a sterndrive boat (as opposed to an outboard) for a family watersports/pleasure boat. To me, they're just more refined, you have a full swim deck on the back, and they're often quieter on-deck.

I bought my '95 VIP http://forums.iboats.com/vip-boats/my-new-95-vip-valiant-1996-i-o-lotsa-pics-504633.html 2 summers ago for $4500 and love the power package for that size. Its a 4.3LX (only difference from a regular 4.3 is the 4 barrel carb, supposedly good for an extra 5 or 10 horsepower). That engine also has the Vortec heads, which I believe came out in 1994. Could be wrong on the year there. It also has the Alpha 1 outdrive.

It pulls skiers well. One thing that really helped it on a boat that size was the addition of "Smart Tabs", basically automatic trim tabs without expensive electronics. They really helped the holeshot and the ride over choppy water. With 6 people in it and a full tank of gas, it does get dogged down a little bit but will still pull a skier up. You may enjoy the performance of a v8 boat but the fuel consumption will increase greatly, keep that in mind. Also I've been told that the performance between the 4.3 and the 5.0 isnt that much different, and to really see an increase you need to get the 5.7 (350).

I think if you get a 4 cylinder boat you will be disappointed in the performance of it, especially if you plan to ski with the family on board. Id rather just spend an extra couple bucks to get what I want now rather than wishing I always had it.

 

[jkust]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

IThat engine also has the Vortec heads, which I believe came out in 1994. Could be wrong on the year there. It also has the Alpha 1 outdrive.
Also I've been told that the performance between the 4.3 and the 5.0 isnt that much different, and to really see an increase you need to get the 5.7 (350).
.

Vortec heads in 1996 but like the trailer you get with a boat when new it could have an older or newer engine than the hull. In other words a 1995 with or without vortec heads. The 5.0 in carb format is an anemic V8 and the 4.3 has amazing torque numbers for a v6 but the 5.0 has a much flatter curve. Would take the 5.0 over the 4.3 all day regardless of carb or MPI (which came out for model year 2002) or even old fashioned EFI. 5.7 has a lot more grunt. 4.3 will get nearly the same mpg's as the 3.0 with that well documented at boattest.com.

 

[hnt]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

If I were you I would search for an older Grady White Tournament 190 or 192. They are great boats and have outboard power. Many have 150hp but I think they are rated for 200hp.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

This boat would tow your son our of the water just fine with a lower pitch prop: Stingray ski boat (Winchester)

Also, if you keep looking and wanted to spend just a little more, I think you can find the 19 foot stingray with a 4.3 for just a grand or so more. Search on the 190 LX or 190 LS. 8 adult capacity, pretty light for an 19 foot boat, and nice and roomy, with lots of storage space.

It is the boat I have!

 

[jkust]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

This boat would tow your son our of the water just fine with a lower pitch prop: Stingray ski boat (Winchester)

Also, if you keep looking and wanted to spend just a little more, I think you can find the 19 foot stingray with a 4.3 for just a grand or so more. Search on the 190 LX or 190 LS. 8 adult capacity, pretty light for an 19 foot boat, and nice and roomy, with lots of storage space.

It is the boat I have!

Stingray's are decent, inexpensive boats. As for the one in the link though, it's a pretty light boat. Heavier small bowriders ride nicer than lighter versions especially when you have non-boaters onboard or are in heavy chop or big water. I've got a light bowrider and a heavy one and the heavy one is favored.