First time boater Buying a boat

[lilgsx]

Aloha, I am very new to the power boating scene.<br />I have done a search and read a few topics on here and got some good info so far. I will try and give you all the info that you need to help me out no the right choice of boat so here we go.<br /> I have been on Submarines for the last 16 years however I am not too educated on surface vessels. Hahaha. Anyways I am looking to buy my very first boat. I will be in fresh water, brackish and saltwater. I want to be able to wakeboard, and ski with the boat also. My family and I (2 kids and wife) love to camp so I need good storage space on the boat for tents and camping supplies. (Do not want to stay on the boat over night, so no cuddy cabin) The wife says it has to have some sort of head on the boat. I have a F250 Ford Power stroke diesel truck to tow it with so size in not a problem. I would like to have it less than 24 ft. It boat will be trailer and garage kept. <br /> The boats I have had my eye on are the Sea Ray 220 sundeck, The Four Winns 240 horizon, or the Seaswirl 237 deck boat. Yes all of them are inboards I know a lot o you like the outboards as your first boat, but I know how to work on engines and I am very good with damage control. So I think I will be fine on the inboard for my first boat motor. I am just wondering about running the boat in salt and brackish waters, what do you do to prepare to do so? Thanks for all the input. <br /> Oh yeah I am going t have this boat in the South Georgia and north Florida near Jacksonville area. Please help steer me in the right direction, Thanks.<br /><br />Luke

 

[KCook]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

For loading up a bunch of camping gear I would pick a center console fishing boat over a deckboat. But the fishing boats do not have near as much seating for guests. 4 adults and a couple of kids tops. For more folks than that then stick with the deckboats.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Skiuseme]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

I just purchased a used 200 sundeck. I havent had it out yet but i have tons of storage space. the only problem with it is that i read into the length of the boat and not the boat on the trailer. It is just under 24 feet.

 

[QC]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

lilgsx,<br /><br />For what you're talking about I would want a big bowrider or deckboat with decent deadrise at the transom of around 20 degrees. I don't like some of the "deck boats" as many of them have shallower deadrise and beat you up pretty good if you go offshore at all, as it sounds like you may. The 220 SeaRay is an exception at 21 degrees. The head requirement forces your hand some. I like the 236 SSi Chaparral a lot, but no head.<br /><br />I also like Center Consoles, but as Kelly Cook has mentioned they aren't as family friendly. Sounds like you are talking new boats, if you are gonna run a lot of salt water, I would only accept closed cooling and a galvanized trailer. Good flushing, wash-down and corrosion protection are the best remedies for salt after that.<br /><br />Also, what you're really talking about is an inboard-outdrive (I/O) not a true inboard. Semantics issue, but helps for clarity. I have owned three, and they are high on maintenance costs, but OK if you take care of them and follow the destructions. They hate and will punish you for any neglected service . . .

 

[lilgsx]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

QC,<br /> thanks for your reply, those are the type of answers I was looking for.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

The Searay is an excellent choice if a deep v with lifting strakes. Friend had one and they are extremely fast, extremely smooth riding, and a super quality boat. Plenty of power for skiiing if you get adequate hp. His was an 18' with a 165 Mercruiser I/O. Would run 45 mph or pull 2 skiers without even thinking.<br /><br />4 Winns is a good boat too, but cannot compare to the Searay in my opinion....like a Caddy to a Chevy. Both are quality products, just built to different specs. Don't know about the others.<br /><br />If the Searay has an enclosed bow and solid windshield, you can take on some really serious water/weather and come home safe without beating yourself up like would happen on some of the other boats mentioned. A bimini Top would be a real plus. The head would be under a front seat and a person using it would have some privacy from the rest of the folks in the boat; and you don't have it in your way when you aren't using it.<br /><br />Now a boat like that is not a shallow water boat. You can't have your cake and eat it.<br /><br />You mentioned the Searay was a "Sundeck". I'm assuming that is a deck boat and not what I'm talking about. Have no idea what it's like except the Searay name stands for quality.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Silvertip]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

Don't know what kind of garage you have but a 24 footer will likely be too high for a standard garage door and a standard residential garage will not likely be deep enough even if the trailer has a swing tongue. But then if you are talking warehouse, you are good to go.

 

[KCook]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

Very good point from Upinsmoke. Even a 20' bowrider is a dicey squeeze in most garages.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[QC]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

Agree on the storage issue. I had to turn a 20 footer diagonally with a swing-away and the drive down to get it into the garage.

 

[HollaGeo]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

You're making a mistake. For two reasons: <br />1. You have kids. When they get hot, they can cool off in the cuddy.<br />2. A boat without a cuddy is a boat to "party" on. EXTRA SEATING. <br />If you take my advice and get a cuddy with an enclosed head, you will use it for more seasons than you would with a boat you are describing. Also, you can leave your gear in the cuddy without worrying about water splashing onto it (That just popped into my head). I bid you luck on your boat shopping. One more small thing I forgot to mention. Ummm...Spring is here, you will pay thousands more that you would in the fall. Hold off this season and re-think this whole thing.

 

[KCook]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

Bimini tops are better for cooling off than cabins!<br /><br />sunbelt Kelly

 

[HollaGeo]

Re: First time boater Buying a boat

I disagree.