Looking for first boat...

[solar7647]

Re: Looking for first boat...

The first thing to consider were you will be using the boat the most, rivers, small in-land lakes or large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. This will help narrow your search because differant hulls are designed for diferent uses. The next thing is power, for the uses you listed 90-200hp should be just fine depending on the size of the boat. I would stay away from anything that hasnt been in the water for more the a year or two unless you are willing to turn some wrenches. Dont buy it if the current owner wont get it wet and take it for a test drive, that is the first hint of an issue. Remeber cometic issues areasy t fix, you can buy seats and stuff that sort right off the shelf and they are easy to fix. On a test drive dont be nice to it, beat it up a little it will bring out any issues. Always ask if it has been submerged this can also give you an idea of any potental problems. The key is research research research. Take your time and dont rush, getting a problem child can get very pricy very fast. look up the safty regulations for your state and take a safty course they help alot. Good luck and good boating.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/1143446659.html

What do you guys think about this one? It is a good compromise in size for the g/f and I, and of course she thinks it's pretty... The price is pretty low. Says it's a 120hp Force (original) outboard on it. Is there anything in particular I should look out for on this year/model/motor? It's about 20 mins away so it will be relatively easy to look at. Opinions? I think our next boat will be a little bit larger, and more along the lines of the Key West. But then again, who knows what we'll be into by then? Any opinions on this one are welcome.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Force outboards have a poor reputation. They were a budget minded motor. They are no longer made and they aren't all that well supported with parts etc. I would pass on that Bayliner.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

It's pretty awesome you guys actually take the time to look at a link and give an honest reply...

Yeah, I did more research and talked to my grandfather who knows quite a bit about boats, but lives in NJ unfortunately. I decided to shoot more for 18-20' and if it's an inboard, a Mercruiser/Alpha 1 combo. He suggested a Wellcraft, Four Winns, SeaRay, Regal or Century. He wasn't familiar with Stingray, Crestline or Caravelle. Here are some more boats I've narrowed down to...


http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1140411508.html
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/boa/1146545229.html
http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/1146809949.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1140013872.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1143384928.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1139148589.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1138020817.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1142385570.html

Am I atleast on the right track? I know a lot depends on a boat to boat basis but is my narrowed search better?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1140411508.html
Removed

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/boa/1146545229.html
Rare outboard option. GREAT price. I personally would LOVE that one. (I'm an outboard guy though)

http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/1146809949.html
Doesn't say what engine is in it. Really need to know that.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1140013872.html
Good boat, ok price.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1143384928.html
Nice boat, real nice price.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1139148589.html
Nice boat, ok price, nasty looking bottom paint could be an issue.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1138020817.html
Neat older boat. Looks very well maintained. ok price.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1142385570.html
Good motor, ok price, doesn't look to have been that well maintained.

See my comments on each above. You are definitely on the right track. Those are all good boats.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Thanks. Yea, I emailed about the 21' SeaRay, no number listed. I like the shape of the hull of the crestline, very sleek. However the 18' Sea Ray with the Mercury outboard looks to be in very good shape, and it has been suggested on here that an outboard may be more suitable for salt. Do you think that 115hp will push an 18' bowrider okay? I don't need to do 50mph, but I would like to be able to tow a tube or wakeboard after dropping everyone off at an island... I think that might be the boat to buy though.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

My uncle had a 17' with an 85hp for 20 years. Skied behind it constantly. I bet that 115 will push that 18' to low 40's.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

IMO, an outboard boat is roomier for getting around, back to back fold down lounge seats I like as opposed to confining 2 buckets, & a back seat. An out board is easier to maintain, & easy to winterize. I think the 1st SeaRay 18' outboard is your best deal! Because, it's a tried, & true hull design, for comfort, pleasure, durability, utility, and (lightweight for trailering), nimble, & seaworthy, in case your girl wants to take it out alone.

The Sorrento is a heavy boat, (for trailering, & fuel usage) that doesn't have much cockpit space, actually doesn't offer much for it's bulk. Plus it's old!


Stay away from the 4Winns, a great boat, but has a notable troublesome obsolete 4cyl engine!

The other boats don't thrill me, as they all look confining in the cockpit area
(Maybe it's just me, but from experience, I don't like that. I opt for a bowrider because it's open, & roomy, why follow it up with a tight cockpit? I like a boat thats open, & roomy for it's size)

The yellow Maxum is really a good design, but a Force engine although decent, & dependable, plus simple to fix, & work on, is sadly obsolete, and hard getting parts for.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1140411508.html
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/boa/1146545229.html
http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/1146809949.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1140013872.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1143384928.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1139148589.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1138020817.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1142385570.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Oh crap I was thinking the 4winns had a straight six. If it's the dreaded 470 RUN RUN.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I'm shooting for the 18' Sea Ray w/Mercury outboard. I like the idea of it having more room for it's size and being lighter, easier to handle. My g/f will appreciate that as well. There isn't a number listed so hopefully he replies soon and we can look it over, and possibly pick it up this weekend. Thanks a lot guys, I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

That one would be such a great first boat. (heck I'd love it as my second) Versatile, light, and easy to maneuver. Good luck!

 

[MikDee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I'm shooting for the 18' Sea Ray w/Mercury outboard. I like the idea of it having more room for it's size and being lighter, easier to handle. My g/f will appreciate that as well. There isn't a number listed so hopefully he replies soon and we can look it over, and possibly pick it up this weekend. Thanks a lot guys, I'll let you know how it goes!

I'd say it's a 35-40mph boat, plenty fast, & powerful enough for tubing, & skiing, and easy on gas as well compared to the others you posted. A great first boat, if still available?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I can't look at the craigslist links from work, but it sounds like the O/B SeaRay is a nice boat.

Good luck.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I still haven't heard back about the Sea Ray with the Mercury outboard. However, I went over all the boats again with my girlfriend last night and she had a change of heart for the Key West dual console. Do you have any suggestions of what to look for on the boat in particular. It's a two hour drive, so if it looks good and we can get the price down a little, we're taking it home. It's a family owned boat they're selling because the husband is ill. I'll look over the hull real closely, the floor and make sure the motor runs strong, tilt/trim work and all the electronics work. Think this boat is still a good choice? It's the one I originally wanted...

Forgot link: http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1141022041.html

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I found a surveyor on boatsurvey.com local to where the Key West is located. He said it'd run me about $250.

http://www.boatsurvey.com/member/?id=547

Do you think it's a good deal/he is reputable? I know I should probably do it to be safe. He isn't available til tomorrow, but my g/f isn't so I was thinking taking her there tonight, if she likes it put down a deposit and meet the surveyor out there tomorrow, if all is well take it home. Yes?

 

[MikDee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

I don't know much about this brand of boat? The price is a little steep for a 15yr old boat! Plus, The hull looks like it's not much of a vee bottom (it's hard to tell in the back from the pics), a semi-vee (almost flat in the back) will give you a hard bumpy ride in the chop, but is faster by design then any deeper vee. Aside from that, it looks like a good size, nice featured, powerful, Superfine boat! You just have to see if it's in good shape, or not, and decide if it's worth it to you.

 

[strubby]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Still searching...

Finally heard back from the 18' SeaRay w/Mercury outboard. Sold before we made it down there. The Key West wasn't as nice as I thought. The hull and deck were all nice and solid. The prop was real banged up, most of the electronics (radio, gps, fishfinder, etc) didn't work. Water gets into the fuel filter sometimes (had to dump out the filter while I was there). Tried starting it with the motor in full tilt and 2-stroke oil started pouring out from somewhere near the front of the carbs. Needless to say it didn't do more than fire for 5 seconds. He said he'd call when he had it fixed. Maybe for the right price... but atleast we know a dual console all fiberglass is what we prefer. I found another just listed. Does anyone know about this brand of boat, and how reliable this outboard is? Here's the ad...

http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/1150017257.html
http://www.fishtalesresort.com/Forsale.htm

It's the style boat we like, but I'm not familiar with boat or motor name. It is supposed to be in turnkey condition tho.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Pro-Line is a very good boat from everything I have heard.

Tohatsu is a good motor also. Tohatsu used to be called Nissan Marine...yes that Nissan. They are good Japanese outboard.

That seems like a fair price to me.

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Yeah, that's what I figured. I got ahold of the people and it's sold. Good, now maybe I can talk her into the Key West, ha.

Still searching...

Finally heard back from the 18' SeaRay w/Mercury outboard. Sold before we made it down there. The Key West wasn't as nice as I thought. The hull and deck were all nice and solid. The prop was real banged up, most of the electronics (radio, gps, fishfinder, etc) didn't work.

The good deals go quick. Tashasdaddy advises to be ready to act. Have your funds ready, have your inspection strategy ready.......

Although good deals go quick, they also pop up frequently. I would be suspect of a boat that was around on craigslist for several weeks....just my opinon.

I watch CL 2-10 times a day. I have seen boats last months, even years.....and then I've seen some last about 15 minutes

 

[MikDee]

Re: Looking for first boat...

Still searching...

Finally heard back from the 18' SeaRay w/Mercury outboard. Sold before we made it down there. The Key West wasn't as nice as I thought. The hull and deck were all nice and solid. The prop was real banged up, most of the electronics (radio, gps, fishfinder, etc) didn't work. Water gets into the fuel filter sometimes (had to dump out the filter while I was there). Tried starting it with the motor in full tilt and 2-stroke oil started pouring out from somewhere near the front of the carbs. Needless to say it didn't do more than fire for 5 seconds. He said he'd call when he had it fixed. Maybe for the right price... but atleast we know a dual console all fiberglass is what we prefer. I found another just listed. Does anyone know about this brand of boat, and how reliable this outboard is? Here's the ad...

http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/1150017257.html
http://www.fishtalesresort.com/Forsale.htm

It's the style boat we like, but I'm not familiar with boat or motor name. It is supposed to be in turnkey condition tho.

Apparently your tastes are more for utility, then luxury, these are more a fishing boat, but that's fine if it suits you. From what I know, Pro Line is an even better boat then a Key West, go for it if it's good, good luck, Mike