looking for another boat.

[glen f]

First I want to thank all again for a season of very helpful info! After getting my first larger boat I have found out a lot of likes and dislikes. First I found I tube more than I ever thought I would because the family and friends love it. (70 lonestar aluminum Johnson 70). This boat doesnt quite cut it for that but I may keep it for fishing. I want something better suited for family tubing adventures, That usually means shallower lakes so Ill probably be best to stick with ob for power. I like to beach as well so Aluminum might be best there too but am open for discussion on that. Budget is 5-7 grand, could go more. Living in rural Minnesota. 19 ft or a little bigger. Looking for a nice ride through the rough and comfy and abundant seating. Would any center console cut it? Id love some opinions. catransplant your advice would be great we boat similar water both present and past. Wife loves deckboats but Ive never riden in one and dont know much about them.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: looking for another boat.

Deck boat would serve your purpose well. Carries whole family,takes rough water very well.5-6 K budget might be tough. Prolly have to go early 90's to get that price.

 

[manykids]

Re: looking for another boat.

Check out this boat. Doesn't sound bad for the money, just a long way to go for you to get it.<br /><br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/8/80472398.htm

 

[fishingdan]

Re: looking for another boat.

Look around for a good used bow rider. Many have I/Os, but you can find them with outboards too. For the money you want to spend, you should have your pick of good used bow riders.

 

[KCook]

Re: looking for another boat.

"nice ride through the rough and comfy and abundant seating" - sounds like a pontoon to me?<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[glen f]

Re: looking for another boat.

Did a little checking on deckboats today. Seems like I have a good down payment but I am looking to buy cash outrite. Back to runabouts Im thinking. I could be wrong Kelly but I think tubing wouldnt work well from a pontoon. Could you tube from a lund pro v????

 

[glen f]

Re: looking for another boat.

Actually how would a center console work for this? I dont see many in this area but I like them from pics Ive seen.

 

[KCook]

Re: looking for another boat.

Pontoons can certainly pull tubes. But do not like to make hard turns or raise much of a wake. So the tubing is on the tame end of the thrill scale. However nothing else offers as nice seating, not even a deckboat. Here is a good thread on pontoon basics - Pontoon boats. Looking for a little advice <br /><br />Kelly

 

[glen f]

Re: looking for another boat.

thanks for the link Kelly. Thats what I was thinking regarding pontoons. It would be ideal as far as room but Ill want to sacrifice that for some speed and agility. I think Im may bump up my budget as well.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: looking for another boat.

I saw your pontoon boat in action. V8 5 - 5.7 L. I almost went after it to see it up close. 1 minute and it was gone. THAT was a Pontoon Tuber plus.

 

[glen f]

Re: looking for another boat.

Ill clarify more. I dont want seating to be the main purchase decision. It seems some runabout type boats you cant really use the front seat for more than one person comfortably. So I shouldve worded it better. I am really just trying to get unexpected ideas, things I may have not thought of. I got that with the pontoon thing but once in a while I hit big water and want more speed and manuverability.

 

[KCook]

Re: looking for another boat.

As for speed, here is another thread on quick aluminum boats - high performance ALUMINUM boats. Just expect to burn the gas <br /><br />Kelly