Need some input

[san76]

I am looking to purchase my first boat. I grew up boating, but have been out of the loop for quite some time. In the late 80's a friend of our family owned a Four Winns 211 Liberator w/ a 460 King Cobra which at the time was extremely fast compared to the other boats in my area. I like the Liberator, but it looks a little dated, anything I can compare to it in the 21 to 24 ft. range? I'm looking for a boat with a lot of power that I can also pull tubes and possibly skiers behind. I do realize a boat in that range with the power I'm looking for will not be ideal for skiing and the like, but I want to have that option. What about a Wellcraft Nova 23'XL? Please share your opinions and experiences. Also, prefer closed bow, and something under $20,000.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Need some input

Where will you be boating? It may make a difference in what boats are readily available used.<br /><br />Also, the Liberator was updated in the late 80s or early 90s. That generation doesn't look too old.

 

[san76]

Re: Need some input

I will be boating mostly on the Mississippi. Some lakes too.

 

[san76]

Re: Need some input

Also have heard some bad things about OMC and parts are hard to get?

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Need some input

I haven't found parts hard to get, but depending on what you want, they can be pricey and depending on where you live you may not be able to find a mech to work on them. <br /><br />If you are seriously looking in the 20K price range or there abouts, unless you enjoy tinkering with boats and doing a lot of work yourself, I would try and find a setup with a merc or volvo. Parts more readily available as well as service techs. <br /><br />You can get a lot of used boat for 10-20K. Friend just bought a turnkey 32 ft 54 Owens with twin 327's for 4K. Deals are out there, be patient and do your best to find excactly what you want.