Does anyone know?

[GracieBebe]

Does anyone know if you can go waterskiing with a 1989 Four Winns 245 Vista that has 260 hp? We are looking to buy a boat and were originally looking at a Sunrunner 230 Classic but then someone told us that it was going to be a slow boat so now I'm looking at the Four Winns. Any info would be most appreciated!

Also, a completely different question. I heard SeaRay and Bayliner had the same parent company. That they're basically the same boat but with different accessories. Why does the SeaRay have such a great rep and the Bayliners have such an awful rep? I heard the Bayliner hulls were a big prob? Is this true?


Thx,
Grace

 

[ThePostMan]

Re: Does anyone know?

1. Sure, you could ski behind that boat. But you could ski behind a cruise ship, too. It kinda depends on what level of waterskiing you're planning to do.

2. (DUCK!)

 

[nlain]

Re: Does anyone know?

I can't say much about the water skying. SeaRay and Bayliner are both owned by Brunswick, years ago Bayliner had some problems in most of their boats, but that was a long time ago, and to keep the record straight SeaRay also had some hull problems, it had a lot to do with wood. Today they both have a good hull the major difference is the trim and fit and finish. Bayliners are good boats today and for some years past, I cannot tell the exact range but back in the 80's maybe early 90's was the problem time.

 

[GracieBebe]

Re: Does anyone know?

LOL! Thank you PostMan and NLain. I am probably looking to do recreational waterskiing, tubing and some wakeboarding with the boat. Also, we might want to do a weekend here and there on it so a nice cabin cruiser with enough power for some fun is what we're looking for. Just hope the Four Winn has what we need.

Thx!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Does anyone know?

that is a lot of boat for skiing. getting out of the hole is going to be a problem, twins would help a lot. the other boaters are not going to like the wake it throws. break out the gas credit cards.

 

[Holy Smoke]

Re: Does anyone know?

The skiers won't like the wake it throws either. And If you think that you want to wake board, the boat probly won't be able to hold 17-20 mph. (wakeboard average speed). Ask the owner if they will take it out for you to try. If they look at you funny, you might just have your answer.
Waxhaw, NC water ski instructor. (hobby) send me a pm if you have more ski questions

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Does anyone know?

Also, I don't think Bayliner has/had a bad rap in the size boats you're looking at.

 

[GracieBebe]

Re: Does anyone know?

The skiers won't like the wake it throws either. And If you think that you want to wake board, the boat probly won't be able to hold 17-20 mph. (wakeboard average speed). Ask the owner if they will take it out for you to try. If they look at you funny, you might just have your answer.
Waxhaw, NC water ski instructor. (hobby) send me a pm if you have more ski questions

Why would it throw such a big wake? Sorry, I'm so new to this boating thing that I need to have it all explained to me. Isn't it the bigger the boat, the larger the wake? Please excuse my inexperience!!!
:redface: :redface:

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Does anyone know?

usually the number name of the boat is the length 245 4 winds 24.5 feet, searay 230 23 ft. these are heavy boats both throw a good size wake. i have a 23 ft, that throws a great wake for tubing and boarding. but i am very careful where i do it. the pilot of the boat is responsible for any damage his wake does.

 

[GracieBebe]

Re: Does anyone know?

usually the number name of the boat is the length 245 4 winds 24.5 feet, searay 230 23 ft. these are heavy boats both throw a good size wake. i have a 23 ft, that throws a great wake for tubing and boarding. but i am very careful where i do it. the pilot of the boat is responsible for any damage his wake does.

Thx! What kind of damage can a wake do? I didn't realize a wake could do damage, especially a wake that's from a boat that's 24-28 ft. I mean I know a wake from a cruise ship is much larger than a wake from a 24 ft boat, but can a wake from a 24 ft-er really do that much damage?

 

[marine4003]

Re: Does anyone know?

As a Marine Contractor and avid boater...let me tell you about wake......in close proximity to smaller boats the wave action caused by the bigger boat can and has capsized the smaller craft...little kids with there predilection to "ride the rail" have been tossed overboard,folks standing on a floating dock have been tossed into the water due to excessive wake,I dont know where your boating but it is understood via "courtesy"to slow when approaching another craft head on, as to not rock there boat,boats tied off at a dock..slow down,its all common sense,one cant have a "its all about me"attitude,as for wakeboarding on a 24 FW,no problem,i hope the boat comes with trim tabs ,otherwise its gonna be hard piloting and trying to see over the bow...unless,of course your going Full-Tilt-Boogie

 

[GracieBebe]

Re: Does anyone know?

As a Marine Contractor and avid boater...let me tell you about wake......in close proximity to smaller boats the wave action caused by the bigger boat can and has capsized the smaller craft...little kids with there predilection to "ride the rail" have been tossed overboard,folks standing on a floating dock have been tossed into the water due to excessive wake,I dont know where your boating but it is understood via "courtesy"to slow when approaching another craft head on, as to not rock there boat,boats tied off at a dock..slow down,its all common sense,one cant have a "its all about me"attitude,as for wakeboarding on a 24 FW,no problem,i hope the boat comes with trim tabs ,otherwise its gonna be hard piloting and trying to see over the bow...unless,of course your going Full-Tilt-Boogie

Of course, we would definitely be courteous to the other boaters and those around and follow the rules of the area.

This may sound like stupid question, but what are trim tabs?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Does anyone know?

Wakes can cause all sorts of problems, from safety issues for smaller craft sharing the water to shoreline erosion. The wake from a 24' boat can easily swamp a small fishing boat, especially if it hits the boat broadside.

Most of the lakes in my area are no wake within 150 feet from the shoreline, to help prevent erosion and to help protect boats that are docked.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Does anyone know?

Of course, we would definitely be courteous to the other boaters and those around and follow the rules of the area.

This may sound like stupid question, but what are trim tabs?

Well then..you will be the exception,seems most folks dont care,or never took the time to take a Safe Boating Course, Trim Tabs are adjustable metal tabs that attach to the very rear of the boat,at water level...when activated they help raise or lower the bow under way,look here - http://www.boatus.com/boattech/trimtabs.htm

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Does anyone know?

that boat coming out of the hole, and at wake board or tube speed will throw a 2 ft tall wake or more.

 

[GracieBebe]

Re: Does anyone know?

Thanks for all the info! CT requires anyone who is going to drive (?) a boat to have a boating license which requires one to take a boat safety class as well as take a class on Personal Watercrafts. A combo class is about 10 hrs (8 for the bsc, and 2 for the pw). My b/f, another friend and I have all signed up for a class that starts next week. Hopefully, the boat we check out this weekend is as good as we hope and we can take it home with us.

Counting down 2.5 wks before we can be on the water!!!

 

[QC]

Re: Does anyone know?

Gracie,

Since you are looking at used boats I am going to paste here an inspection list that was origianlly posted by one of our most experienced guys, Reel Poor. He doesn't post much anymore, but I have a lot of respect for him and this list is a good one.

Here is some advice I would give to anyone buying a boat.

□ What ever you do don?t buy any boat without a test drive.
□ Make sure the engine is cold and has not been previously warmed up. You will want to see how it cranks and runs after it has been sitting for an extended period.
□ Always check all fluid levels before test drive.
□ After the test drive ck all fluid levels again for color and consistency, looking for any water intrusion or fluid level changes.
□ Make sure bilge area is dry before and after test drive.
□ When test driving, don?t make a quick trip out and back, give it a real test drive. Put it thru the paces, run it hard, hit some waves, run it long enough to show up any problems.
□ Pay special attention to how solid the boat feels when you hit a wave, if it feels loose/shaky it may have structural problems.

□ Check closely for any soft flooring. Reach under the floors and try to dig your hands into any exposed wood.
□ Stop and restart the engine several times.
□ Make sure everything on the boat works, gauges, bilge pump, blowers, lights, wires are still in their looms, etc.
□ Make sure all thru hull fittings are tight, in good condition, and well sealed.
□ Make sure all deck hardware i.e. bow rails, cleats, tow eyes, windshield, seats, and etc. are solid on their mount.

Don?t just accept it. Don?t buy while you?re overly impressed. Take your time and look it over well.

 

[GracieBebe]

Re: Does anyone know?

OMG, that is so helpful!!!! Thank you for this awesome checklist!!!!!

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Does anyone know?

When I was growing up my dad had a 27' bayliner with twins and we skied behind it for years. The wake will be big though especially if you are pulling wakeboarders because of the slower speed you tow them at you will still be plowing the water which really increases wake size. But that might be a good thing for wakeboarders, thats why all of the higher end wakeboard boats have ballast systems in them weight down the stern thus throwing a much bigger(comp to what yours would be) wake. That size boat with only a 260hp single prop won't be any rocket ship for shure but with the right prop will probably do okay. Pulling slalom skiers might be a challange unless they are pretty experienced at getting up. Good luck with the purchace.