Looking for First Boat

[62cruiserinc]

Hello:

I have never owned a boat before.

Last year I bought a fixer-upper 1984 Larson which I am completely redoing (stringers, transom, etc). I have had a lot of posts on the restoration forum. Unfortunately, it looks like I won't be able to complete the resto this year and it will likely be a winter project for next winter (in a heated area of the barn I will set up).

Meanwhile, I want to go boating with the family this summer, so i am looking for a useable boat. There are 8 of us, wife, me and 6 kids. I am having trouble finding larger open-bow boats from the 80's (my price range limits them to the 80's), it seems like most boats over 19' from then are cuddy boats.

I have found two that are interesting on the local CL:

23 ft chris craft bowrider

1984 conroy 20ft open bow

Not sure why he calls the Chris Craft a 23' as it appears it is really a 21' based on the model #.

Also appears the Chris Craft is a mid-engine boat?

Any advice anyone can give me about these two boats or any general advice?

Thanks
Steve

 

[Solittle]

Re: Looking for First Boat

Where are you located?

A 20-23'er won't cut it for 2 adults and 6 kids. Go for 25-26 center console with 200+hp outboard and preferably twins. They are available in Florida.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Looking for First Boat

If you are planning to take a familyof 8 out boating in a relatively large boat, you really need to have something reliable. Old boats aren't. You don;t say where you are but as Gilligan learned, heading out in tidal water in an old boat can be dangerous.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Looking for First Boat

if it has sat outside in the elements unprotected, I would bet it is rotten to the stringers. I would really look hard in the bilge area and stringers, if the floor is soft you can bet it is rotten from below. Drill some stringer T transome samples looking foe rot.

 

[62cruiserinc]

Re: Looking for First Boat

Sorry guys, I didn't realize there was no indication where I am located.

I live in Lockport, about 20 miles north of Buffalo, NY.

We have the Erie Canal, Niagara River, and lakes Erie and Ontario.

Our outings would probably only be a few hours at a time not very far from land (or the Coast Guard!).


Steve