NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

[Rodrunner]

Hey fellas.I'm looking at buying a new boat this spring for my family and I. We will be using it for fishing and skiing/tubing. I'm looking for somethinf in the 19-21 ft range. Who makes a good quality boat besides Lund. Also looking for a quality motor. Who knows anything about an E-tec motor?? how does it compare to a mercury 4-stroke or honda. Any input will be very helpfull..thanks a bunch.

 

[JB]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

Quality in pleasure boats is not any cheaper than it is in cars, Rod.

Top quality boats in that range are Grady White, Boston Whaler, Everglades, Scout and very few others. I am partial to Boston Whalers and Everglades.

Any of the engines you mentioned are excellent engines. You might add Suzuki and Yamaha 4 strokes to your list of possibles. I don't think any outboard brand stands above all others.

 

[KCook]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

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

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=203786

Kelly Cook

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

As far as engines go. Find out what the outboard shop of your choice services and go with that.

 

[Rodrunner]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

thanks guys,still looking for additional input.Really would like to know any problem boats and motors. ie.. poor craftsmanship,customer service,recalls etc.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

you will get a better responce, if you narrow your search, go to the boat show, or visit dealers, or internet. pick out what fits your needs. then come back to us, with some of your choices. you get the quality you pay for in most boats today. also find what you like, then look at 2 year old model for sale. there are big savings buying used. let the other fellow take the showroom depreciation. can be worth a couple of repairs.

 

[rndn]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

Welcome to the forum rodrunner!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

Welcome to the forum! Take td's advice and check out two year-old versions of your favourite models. Nothing depreciates faster than a boat and you can really save some money on a gently used one. As for motors, I haven't heard a bad thing about E-tecs yet but if burning any oil just don't sit right I'm partial to Yamaha.

If you do go used make sure you know exactly which lockers to look in for all the skeletons or get a professional marine survey. Preferably the latter. And never, ever, did I say never? buy any boat you haven't taken for a sea trial yourself. All sorts of usability issues emerge once you cast those lines off. Lusting after a supermodel and living with one are often two very different experiences.

 

[Rodrunner]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

thanks for the warm welcome..I'll go check out a few models and let you know what I find.Was planning on doing that.I hoped to narrow my search a little.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

you may want to look at deck boats also, they tend to have more room than a standard bowrider.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

You would never buy a car without going for at least a short ride. I know this applys to boats..............maybe not used airplanes.!

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

I Second Tashasdaddy response about the deck boat.

You mentioned skiing and tubing, which probably means you will be using it with the family some. They will enjoy a deckboat a lot more than your average fishing boat. The deckboats also typically have a large flat area in the bow you can fish from, and most deckboats have a fishing package that add a livewell and chairs on the bow.

Overall a good compromise IMHO. Unless you are planning to fish off-shore, in which case stick with the deep vee's mentioned earlier.

 

[muskyone]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

ranger reata is top of the line stratos fish&ski is a really nice boat there are a bunch out there most bass boat makers make good fish&ski boats i have a ranger and i love it seats 5 for playing and 3 can fish out of it with no problem big casting decks 200hp merc so it runs good i bought it used for about half new price and its in great shape the only probem is i traded my bass boat in on it now my wife wants to go with all the time

 

[topdawg1817]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

I would have to agree with some of the other posters in that you need to really look at all brands and decide which one is going to suit your needs the best. All of them are similiar, but have some different options/ features that make them more suitable to others.

 

[donnymac]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

Well....I've slagged Bayliners a little, but you do get your moneys worth. TheTrophy is one that I looked at. Proline is another boat that I like. Of course I couldn't afford at the time so I went with Campion 552 with the 4.3GXi and a cuddy cabin. Enough HP for water sports, great for fishing and I sleep quite comfortably in the cuddy. You know, when the need arises

 

[Pro V]

Re: NEED guidance on quality boat and motor...

Got a 2025 ProV Se Loaded for Cheap