Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

[atengnr]

Im looking for 16-17 foot runabout. I want a boat that fits in my garage, and that doesnt require a significant tow vehicle to trailer.

I cant seem to find many manufacturers that make decent boats in this size range....Any suggestions??

Thanks.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Boat topics and questions, non engine.

 

[Mike722]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

I would think a runabout in that size is going to be tough. The only thing I can think of is a small Sea-Doo.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

since ya didn't say old or new boats.... many old fiberglass boats come in that size. many are fixer uppers, but ya might find one that's already be redone too that someone is wantin to sell. the seller never gets what has been put into it and some are like new boats.... other than that, jet boats or aluminum fishing type boats come in that size too.

 

[atengnr]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Im looking for new or few yrs old.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

aluminum hull, must lighter, easier to tow. takes less Hp to push also.

 

[Don S]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Most of the major manufactures have 17' runabouts, both IO and outboards and they don't take diesel trucks to pull them.
Might want to list your price range, year range, what you have as a tow vehicle, and how deep your garage is. Then, things can be narrowed down. But if you are looking for a 2008 boat for $5000, that is 17' long and on a trailer and you want to put it in an 18' deep garage and tow it with mini pickup, then none of it will happen.

 

[atengnr]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Yes, the garage is about 19.5 feet deep. I have a 15ft on a trailer that fits with about 8 inches left over, so trailer length couldnt grow much (but how about those swivel hitches?)....

In terms of towing, Im thinking 2500 lbs +-. I dont want to purchase a tow vehicle that I commute with, just to be able to tow my boat 12 times/yr.

Thanks for the input.

 

[KCook]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Here is a link to another thread on aluminum boat brands -

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=232523

Hope you are going to be running this little guy on quiet waters ...
Kelly

 

[atengnr]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

OK, you ll laugh, but I would like something that is best able to perform on larger lakes ... Im talking about staying a few miles from shore on the Great Lakes. But most often on inland lakes.

But I think most anything will be better than what I have now....1968 15ft Saftmate. But, Ive been out on Lake Huron numerous times and it works ok, but I just dont have confidence in the boat anymore given that its 40 yrs old, and it rides very poorly on anything but <1 foot chop. I want a boat that I can use out there at times, slam into some waves a bit and not worry much about the boat staying together.

 

[KCook]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

I'm tempted to say "RIB", but they won't have a big windshield like a runabout ...

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

I was just browsing around the other day for boats like what your describe. I found a few that interest me. I'm not sure they would fit you or not, take a look.

"http://www.hurricaneboats.com/hurricaneFDGS172ob.html"

"http://www.keywestboatsinc.com/boats/1720dc.html"

"http://www.keywestboatsinc.com/boats/176dc.html"

"http://www.pioneerboats.com/html/venture.html"

All of them are "Dual Console" salt water boats except for the Hurricane deck boat of course.

I especially like that they are all OB powered.

Good luck.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Not quite familiar with runabouts. Do see lots of carolina skiffs, Mc Kee craft and boston whalers in that size range that might work. All look like safe craft. Also see an aluminum LUND thats nice, especially for fresh water, although the one I see is towed from the north and used in salt. No matter what you get, something that size is limited to the conditions you encounter. You want new or used? If you were around here you would fine quite a few at give away prices. Wish I needed another boat. So much out there right now, hard to pass them up. regards FRED

 

[atengnr]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Not quite familiar with runabouts. Do see lots of carolina skiffs, Mc Kee craft and boston whalers in that size range that might work. All look like safe craft. Also see an aluminum LUND thats nice, especially for fresh water, although the one I see is towed from the north and used in salt. No matter what you get, something that size is limited to the conditions you encounter. You want new or used? If you were around here you would fine quite a few at give away prices. Wish I needed another boat. So much out there right now, hard to pass them up. regards FRED

Thanks for all the replies. Im leaning more towards buying new, but <5 yrs old would be OK as well. I really want something that I dont have to worry about for a while. And something that can get beat up by 3 foot waves as well and not fall apart. I would like to take some day trips on the big lakes, but I dont need a great riding boat. I can happily cruise at 10mph in the rough seas.

I will take a look at the info provided....thanks.

 

[atengnr]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

I was just browsing around the other day for boats like what your describe. I found a few that interest me. I'm not sure they would fit you or not, take a look.

"http://www.hurricaneboats.com/hurricaneFDGS172ob.html"

"http://www.keywestboatsinc.com/boats/1720dc.html"

"http://www.keywestboatsinc.com/boats/176dc.html"

"http://www.pioneerboats.com/html/venture.html"

All of them are "Dual Console" salt water boats except for the Hurricane deck boat of course.

I especially like that they are all OB powered.

Good luck.

WOW, thanks for the info. Great looking boats.

 

[sidechoke67]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

I spent a lot of time shopping for fiberglass runabouts around 17' and under 2,000 lbs. You have some options, but have to pay attention to year and model.

I just bought a Glastron 175 runabout that is 17'1" and has a dry weight of 1980 lbs. Glastrons were under 2,000 lbs until 2003 or so. With trailer it is right around 2,500 lbs (dry). The Bayliner 175 is listed at around 2,300 lbs with trailer. The other light figberblass option is the Four Winns 170 - it is 16.5' and weighs in around 1,790 lbs with a 90hp outboard (I believe Four Winns stopped making the 170 after 2004 though). I think Seaswirl also makes a fiberglass openbow around 17 feet that is under 2,000 lbs (with an outboard).

I have an excel spreadsheet I made up for fiberglass runabouts around 17' and under 2,000 lbs for year/make/model. If you pm your email address to me, I'll send it to you if you are interested..

Good luck!

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Speaking of weight take a look at the specs on the boats I posted.

Lets assume each will use a 90HP 4 stroke Mercury at 400 lbs

Dry weights noted below

Hurricane 172 Hull:1237 Total:1637

KeyWest 1720 Hull:1200 Total:1600

KeyWest 176 Hull:1375 Total:1735

Pioneer 175 Hull:1200 Total:1600

 

[atengnr]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

Thanks. That Key West 1720DC looks great. It seems to have fairly high gunwales, and seems like it would be a better big water boat...What do you think would be best for cruising out in rough water of these choices??

Thanks

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

The Hurricane should probably just be taken off the list when talking about big water.

Based purely on looking at pictures and specs on the internet I would say that the Pioneer would be the best riding boat. However, I am pretty sure the two KeyWests are probably pretty decent also, the 176 is probably a little more forgiving than the 1720 based on additional weight. They are all designed for saltwater use.

Maybe others with more experience can chime in.

 

[KCook]

Re: Looking for Runabout 16-17 ft Max.

I don't think those model lengths include the outboard hanging out the back. Good luck with the garage.

Kelly