Favorite Boat Builders

[mavryk]

Looking into buying my first boat and curious what makers more experienced boaters would recommend. I know this is a loaded question! Here is what I'm looking for. 18-20' I/O Bowrider, Merc or Volvo powerplant/drive, $5-7K. The boats makers I have been considering are Glasstron, Four Winns, Ebbtide, Larson, Wellcraft. Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks

 

[JoLin]

Re: Favorite Boat Builders

18-20' I/O Bowrider, Merc or Volvo powerplant/drive, $5-7K. Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks

Yes. The boat will be 10-20 years old. Its condition matters- who made it, doesn't. Avoid Merc 470 (3.7 liter 4-cyl) and anything with a Ford-based motor. They were fairly common in Vovo's (less so in Merc) until Ford stopped supplying 'marine' motors in the late '90's.

Good luck!

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Favorite Boat Builders

That budget is at the low end for finding a boat in very good condition without needing something done either right now, or very soon.
Might find one; tough to say.

You did not mention what your primary couple of purposes for the boat will be so if you plan on wanting to do 45+mph or pull skiers you will probably need a v8 depending on how much weight is onboard where if you want to mainly just cruise the harbor, catch some fish for dinner or just mildly cruise then a smaller engine will suffice.

Because the boat will most likely be a little older, if you do not know how to check for water damage in the floor, stringers, transom then it's usually best to hire a surveyor to check that out as repairing a water infested transom can blow the budget.

In my opinion, a solid hull Bayliner is better than any of the brands you mentioned that have water damage and in need of repair.

Mark

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Favorite Boat Builders

With that budget, brand is of little concern. Non-obsolete powerplants and rot free hulls are all you should care about.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Favorite Boat Builders

17' Boston Whaler with a Yamaha outboard

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Favorite Boat Builders

I like SanLorenzo as my favorite builder.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Favorite Boat Builders

One of my favorite boat builders is Chris Craft, but your list seems OK . . . maybe you could add Chaparral.

As stated, based on the budget, you will be into older boats, and condition out ranks brand reputation.

This one might be a stretch, but . . . .

Used 1995 Chris-craft 21 Concept, Pequot Lakes, Mn - 56472 - BoatTrader.com