entry level runabout

[stlouis_g]

Hello,<br /><br />I have been considering buying a new 17-18' runabout since I found out you could get a bayliner 175 for $10K. My question is for the people that have bought these types of boats (Bayliner 175, Stingray 180rx) are you happy with the purchase any problems etc? I would also like to know if anybody has a preffrence for Merc 3.0 vs Volvo 3.0?<br /><br />I have not seen any used boats in the classifieds around Denver, so I assume they hold their value for the first few years.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Greg

 

[KCook]

Re: entry level runabout

Sorry, but no dealer will actually let a Bayliner 175 out the door for that $10k figure. A bunch of additional charges will get piled on. Here is another thread on these boats - Boat purchase - please help <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[koolerb]

Re: entry level runabout

I've see them at the boat show for that price. If you can nail one for 10K I think it's a great buy.

 

[phantoms]

Re: entry level runabout

For a BayLiner they are a good buy, especially at that price. That 130HP 3.0L 4cyl is pretty peppy and good for about 40mph. It's actually a couple mph faster than a Tahoe with the same engine. It is an entry level boat, but may provide you just what you want.

 

[stlouis_g]

Re: entry level runabout

Thanks for the replies. I went to the boat show today and put money down on a bayliner 175 XT (with wake board tower, stereo and hull graphics). If the test drive it goes well and we can work out the payments, it's mine.<br /><br />Greg

 

[KCook]

Re: entry level runabout

I think Bayliner's 185 would be worth the extra $$ over the 175, if you can swing it. Here is another good thread on low priced bowriders - 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed <br /><br />Kelly

 

[Surffx]

Re: entry level runabout

My question is for the people that have bought these types of boats (Bayliner 175, Stingray 180rx) are you happy with the purchase any problems etc?

Bought one last year at our local boat show. $12,400 final price. Used it almost every weekend between April and October. No probs, we love it!!!

 

[4poco]

Re: entry level runabout

I bought the bayliner 175 last spring. I know people like to bash bayliner, but this has been a great little boat. Pulls a skier well, lots of pep. For a entry level boat,I think you will be happy with your purchase, Although wish I would have went alittle Bigger! <br />But theres never enough room is there?

 

[ethelwright]

Re: entry level runabout

I love my 175 . Great price, sweet performance , a wonderful beginner boat . In fact I will probably keep this one when I get a bigger boat for my footitis . Four feet of snow in my yard and all I can think is of how soon I can get my 175 out on the water .Maybe I should get a small icebreaker next.

 

[stlouis_g]

Re: entry level runabout

I am with you ethel. I was all set to test the boat on the lake defore "I signed on the dotted line" We have been having fairly mild weather, but the lake froze the night before so we had to post pone. I am looking forward a summer of boating.<br /><br />Greg

 

[stlouis_g]

Re: entry level runabout

I finally got to test drive the 175 yesterday. The lakes around here have been frozen. We had to drive about an hour to find a lake that would allow boats on the water. When we got there it started snowing, and the lake was choppy. The boat did fine going through the rolling chop, although, since this is my first boat I do not have anything to compare it to.

 

[KCook]

Re: entry level runabout

Even without prior experience there are very basic things you can check:<br /><br />Any difficulty starting (especially cold)<br /><br />Noise level<br /><br />Balky shifting<br /><br />High steering effort<br /><br />Struggling to get on plane<br /><br />Porpoising<br /><br />Sudden lurch to the side in a tight turn<br /><br />Seat feels lumpy after sitting for a while<br /><br />Most new boats will pass all of these concerns. Some a little better than others, but that distinction does require experience.<br /><br />Kelly