Is bigger always better?

[NewTube]

Considering purchase on fixed budget. Would you suggest older and bigger or newer and smaller? Have read all about 2-10 footitis and understand, just trying to avoid $2-10Kitis.

Also, how old is too old?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Johnny 5,,, Input,,, Need More Input,,,

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is bigger always better?

i have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[NewTube]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Sorry, perhaps this will make the question more clear. Still generic but more clear. Generic only because I have not decided on a manufacturer yet.

For the same money (mfgr., etc.) would you go for a newer boat that is smaller or an older boat that is bigger? For example, a 24' built in 2000 or a 28' built in 1994.

Hope this helps.

 

[seabuddy]

Re: Is bigger always better?

I would say that it depends on the waterways where you want to boat. Big lakes and open waters versus smaller lake waters seem to drive boat selection as well as budget.

I hope this helps.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Depends on the boat. I would take a 28' built in '94 in excellent condition over a 24' built in 2000 in poor condition anytime.

How much do you know about boats? How good are you at judging condition? None of my boats or cars have ever been to a dealer or mechanic, I do all my own mechanical work so I have some idea what to look for.

As a VERY general rule, the older the boat the more maintenance items it will require. Again, this is highly dependent upon the quality of the upkeep the boat has received.

If you are not very familiar with the type of boat you are considering, it would be well worth your money to pay someone to check it out for you.

As for how old is too old, again that mostly depends on the condition of the boat and your mechanical skills (or how much fixed budget you can devote to maintenance at $100 / hour shop rates). I would avoid discontinued marine engines and drives (OMC outdrives, L-drives, Ford motors) just because parts are not as common. Not saying you can't get them, just expect them to be more expensive and/or harder to find.

Condition and regular maintenance are the most important items. Friend of mine just got a great deal on a '79 Mako with a '92 150 Hp Mariner last week that you would swear is brand new.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Considering purchase on fixed budget. Would you suggest older and bigger or newer and smaller? Have read all about 2-10 footitis and understand, just trying to avoid $2-10Kitis.

Also, how old is too old?

Thanks in advance.

Ok, Johnny 5, the inquistive robot from the movie "Short Circuit" got it?

Anyway are you a newbie to boats? or do you have some experience? it depends, are you looking to trailer it, or keep it in a marina? a sailboat, outboard, inboard, or I/O? a bowrider, fishing boat, cuddy cabin, full cabin, pontoon boat, deck boat? How big? How small? How old? How new? How much is a fixed budget, yours, or mine?,,, more input, Get my drift?

 

[KCook]

Re: Is bigger always better?

I assume you are getting this boat for cruising? If it is for some types of fishing, or for watersports, then the 28 footer may be too big.

Kelly Cook

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is bigger always better?

New Tube, I think you are approaching this from the wrong angle. You should be choosing the type (and type will define lenght) of boat you want, and then choosing the model, year etc.

It doesn't make sense to buy a new 16' runabout, if all your boating is on the ocean. Just as it doesn't make sense to buy an old Cruiser if all your boating is on a small lake. (extreme examples, but you get the idea)

First determine what kind of charactistics the boat should have. Fast, carry a lot of people, sleeping, long range...etc. This may be determined by how you plan to use the boat, and how many passengers and helpers you will have aboard.If you go out by yourself, you should have a boat smaller than 24' or so, or it wil be hard to handle.
Then determine what boat best meets these needs. Bowriders are good all around boats. They carry a lot of folks and are fast enough to ski and beach easily. Pontoons are for calm water but carry more passengers. You can fish off them in a lake or bay.

CC are optomized for fishing and cruising on warm days. Walkarounds provide a bit more shelter, but carry less people. Cruisers caan have small cockpits and large cabins, or large cockpits and small cabins.

After you determine the kind of boat, now trade off the price for age and price (but not length)

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Is bigger always better?

If this is your first dive into boat ownership, find your comfort level first. What are you comfortable owning/maintaining/paying for? It's a step game, learning as you go. Upgrading isn't hard or necessarily costly when the time comes. Define your needs, shop around and ask questions and then make the wisest purchase available...whether it's your first boat or your 3rd, 4th, etc.

 

[NewTube]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Thanks for the feedback. I have given significant thought to usage, etc. and believe my ideal boat would be one that can be used in the Chesapeake and associated rivers. It should be big enough to fish 4-6 on the bay or entertain 6-10 closer to home. I would also like to trailer this boat as we have a place with ramp access near where the boat would be stored.

I am thinking a cuddy may do the trick, but would prefer a fly bridge - of course no trailering there. All winter to decide, thankfully. Appreciate the input.

 

[KCook]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Entertaining 10 would certainly drive my choice toward the larger boat. Cuddy vs mid-cabin cruiser is a tricky question in the 28' size. Gets down to specific models, I think.

Kelly

 

[NewTube]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Any suggestions either way on this?

 

[seabuddy]

Re: Is bigger always better?

Sit 10 or "lean and stand" 10 for cruising?

All outside or some in and some out?

All on one level or some can be up on a bridge while others are down in the cockpit?

 

[Hashi]

Re: Is bigger always better?

10 people...WOW...planing on some wild party, eh? If your always going to be entertaining with more than 6 people, consider a pontoon boat. They're not that expensive and can pull water skiers.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is bigger always better?

toon can be extremely dangerous, in choppy water. one person too many moves to the bow, and it submarines.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Is bigger always better?

You never can get big enough except:

When trailering, launching/loading, docking, or filling up the fuel tank. Grin

Mark

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is bigger always better?

NewTube, The only boat that i can think of that will seat 10 and fish 6, and be trailerable is a Bowrider or Deckboat. Additionally, these will need to be 23-25 feet, which put them on the edge of trailerability.

I recommend you leave some folks home and get a 21 foot BR or Deckboat.

 

[NewTube]

Re: Is bigger always better?

I think I found it - maybe not for 10 people but should work for the rest of my wants. 28' Pursuit Open. One for sale in my state that was built in '91. Any thoughts (pro's or con's)? Has two OB Yamaha 250's.

 

[bamafutbal]

Re: Is bigger always better?

hope you have a dually