Just another new boat question

[mountain view]

Hello everyone. After several years of renting boats when we go to a lake, my wife and I have decided to buy our own. I'll give a quick run down of things then I'd be very grateful for any input from the board.

-We'll have about 5k to spend on the boat.
-I'm a pretty good mechanic, gone as far as doing valve jobs on car engines and everything up to that level.
-For some reason I'm a bit shy of I/O setups, not sure if I'm being paranoid or what, but the idea of an OB engine holds more appeal for me. I don't have a whole bunch of experience working on 2 strokes but I certainly know how they work.
-I have lakes o plenty around me and plan on taking boat with us whenever we go away.
-Already have full size 1/2 ton truck to pull it with.
-Wife is into the idea as much as I am, we are both 'water people'. Lakes are close enough to where we can go out for a couple of hours on summer evenings after work.
-Will be covered and stored on my driveway.
-About half the time it will be just the two of us, the other half probably 4-5 adults total.
-Currently looking at Bayliner Capris, Glastron, etc.

Since I haven't done much "kicking the tires" on a boat, what are some of the things I should really pay attention to? What do people try to cover up? Even if the boat and engine is older but appear in good shape, which I don't really mind, at what point has your experience taught you to just walk away and wait for the next one?

There is so much more I could ask but I'll just lurk around here and keep reading. Any advise appreciated.

 

[werthert]

Re: Just another new boat question

You looking at bowriders?

 

[mountain view]

Re: Just another new boat question

Yes, must be bowrider. Sorry, thought I had mentioned that.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Just another new boat question

Always insist on an "on water" test ride. Wide open throttle, mid range, idle and back up again. If the owner says "no" you had best do one of the following: 1) buy the boat for its salvage value or 2) walk away as they are trying to hide something. Just needs a tune-up is another ploy. If that's all it needs why didn't they do it to ensure a sale. Hull condition, solid floor, no transom rot, lower unit all there (as in not chewed up), are all good indicators of condition. Use your eyes and ears and cover the boat from top to bottom, inside and out.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just another new boat question

$5k should be able to get you a nice 17-18' outboard powered bowrider. You may want to avoid Force motors as parts and service are becoming scarce for them. Pretty much any other brand is fine. As Silvertip said, look for solid floors and transom and get an on the water test if you can. Good luck with your search. Post anything your serious about on here and we'll tell you if it's a good deal.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Just another new boat question

I think that you are looking for a good first boat.

Working on outboards (2stroke especially) is really not that hard. You should have no problem keeping it running well.

For $5k you should be able to buy a nice mid 90s bowrider with an outboard and trailer.

Do you prefer fiberglass over aluminum?

A few brands to look for:

Glastron
Starcraft (Al or FG)
Four Winns
Larson

Each of these manufacturers made decent boats with outboards. There are plenty of others out there also.

Do not buy a boat with any softness in the floor. That is a dead give away that you are in for some major repairs.

Good luck.