Need boat opinions

[txmntman]

Hi folks, I need some opinions. I am looking to upgrade my current ride, and have looked at many boats. I have it narrowed down to two. I'll list the boat's purpose and then the two boats.
Purpose: Cruising and some fishing in fresh water, and pulling a teenager (and friends) on tubes. Must please the wife, as she is not as comfortable on small (read: my 15 ft center console) boat. Some saltwater bay fishing in the Texas Gulf Coast, so that means shallow water. This will be a couple of trips per year.

Boat 1. 1999 Blue Wave center console, 189 C. That is an 18 ft, 9 inch boat. Power is 1999 Johnson 115 Saltwater Edition motor (2 stroke). Looks to be in good shape, must replace one cushion (tear). 30 Gal gas tank, one ice chest for console seating, two seats in rear, two additional seats up front, in addition to the forward of the console. Aluminum trailer. Nice boat.

Boat 2. 1998 Boston Whaler Montauk 170. Power is 1998 Honda 90, Four stroke. Looks to be in good shape, no tears on cushions. 12 Gal gas (2 6 gal under the console seat), seating forward of console. Galvanized trailer. Nice boat.

Seating is set up better on the Blue Wave. Blue Wave should be great from a ride standpoint, and better in the shallows. But, I think I like the Honda better than the Johnson. (actually, I'm concerned about the Johnson...should I be?...they are out of business, 2 stroke as opposed 4 stroke, reliability questions...). And, I think it is hard to vote against a Whaler....Give me some opinions, folks, what are your thoughts?

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Need boat opinions

I'm not familiar with these boats but here is my comments/opinions

1. What's the max HP rating on the Blue Wave. The 115 should be a minimum of 70% of that. If not, it'll labour pushing that boat. My guess is your close to that minimum.

2. 4 stroke Honda 90. Same thing, is that enough to push that boat as mentioned above. My guess is a 17' would rate a max around 135-150. So the minimum would be in the 90-105 range. So it's push the boat and pull the skier as req'd/

3. I have a 2001 115 Johnson 2 stroke, Ocean Pro (saltwater series) Love the engine, well built, and Johnson is owned now by BRP. Plenty of parts readily available. No concerns there.

4. Honda build a good motor and 4 stroke will be more fuel efficient

The only knock I guess on the Whaler is whether or not you're wife thinks it's large enough.

However, most important is the condition of the boat (deck, stringers, transom) and the condition of the motor. How well was it maintained and what is the condition. What are the hours on each. (Although hours aren't as significant an indication of maintenance and repair, if one has 1000 hours and one has 150 hours you may want to factor that into what you pay for it)

Hope this helps.

 

[txmntman]

Re: Need boat opinions

thought I would give a followup.
I ended up buying the Whaler. The boat is almost pristine, and my wife LOVES the railings that give he a quick handhold. I prefer the Honda, and spoke with the shop that maintained the engine, and he gave me some great info and reviews on that boat. The ride should not be a problem, as I tend to be a fair weather sailor, and figure the boat will take way more than I will. The Blue Wave is a good boat and will work our great for someone, I just felt the Whaler was a better decision for me.. Overall, I'm very happy with the decision.