New Boat - Help me Decide!

DocG2828

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 2, 2006
Messages
43
Hello everyone! I'm new to boating, first time owner. I'm looking at two different 2006 bowriders: Maxum 1800mx and a Bayliner 185. <br /><br />Here's shared characteristics:<br /><br />135hp 4 cyl<br />Bimini Top<br />Stereo<br />power tilt/trim<br />same basic features<br /><br />Here's where they differ:<br /><br />Maxum - power steering, pull-out carpet, solid fiberglass floor, bow/cockpit cover with snaps, $17k<br /><br />Bayliner - 1 ft. longer, 9" wider, sport seating in back with sundeck and bench, $15.5k<br /><br />Basically I'm getting that the Maxum might be a little better quality, while the Bayliner is a bit bigger and has what may be more comfortable seating and a bigger swim platform. So....any suggestions/advice? Is power steering really much of a benefit on a smaller boat like these? Is the snap-out carpet a really nice feature? What about bow/cockpit covers vs. a whole "generic" cover? <br /><br />Thanks guys! We're set on one or the other, but just can't decide between the higher end features vs. the size/seating. We plan to use it on the Ohio River at first until we can afford a tow vehicle. Also, hope to keep it at least 5-7 years and will have a 12 year loan.
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

i think you can get both boats with a full fiberglass liner and snapout carpet (option on the bayliner)<br /><br /><br />The fiberglass liner is a HUGE inprovement over the wood covered with glass and glued down carpet on any boat<br /><br />I like maxum better for no real reason :) but the 1800 is a tiny boat<br /><br />tommays
 

DocG2828

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 2, 2006
Messages
43
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

Yeah I saw the Bayliner had that as an option, the dealer near us has a bunch that he ordered without that option though, and we don't want to wait till mid-summer for a new shipped one. So lets assume it doesn't have it.
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

Looking at this in the long term many boats with out a liner end up with soft floors becasue the carpet allways stays damp<br /><br />I would never buy a boat without one again <br /><br /><br />tommays
 

markvan

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
150
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

have you looked at any other boats or do you have it narrowed down to the maxum or bayliner?
 

DocG2828

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 2, 2006
Messages
43
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

I've looked at some others, but our budget is very limited and we're very much wanting the simplicity of a new boat. Being new to boats, I don't really know what to look for in a used. That being said, we're looking at 15-18k new. Haven't really seen many other brands with an entry level bowrider for that price. Seems like the other brands jump to 20k or more.<br /><br />Any suggestions of other brands that are in our range?
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

Doc, in my opinion, carpet has no place in a boat, to begin with. i believe it was started as a way to the cost of properly finishing the inside of the hull. get the snap in carpet and use it when you want to impress someone. for ease of use store it in the garage. bought a jeep wrangler, had snap in carpet first time in the mud, got home and the carpet has been in the garage ever since.
 

jtexas

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Messages
8,646
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

Carpet has advantages - it's quiet...can't think of any others.... I pulled the carpet out of my boat - and prefer the bare floor - but it's a fishing boat not a pleasure boat. What I like - end of the day hose it down - scrub it if it needs it but it's never needed it. Carpet gets dirty, what ya gonna do, shampoo it or something?<br /><br />Can't personally recommend either brand, but I'm not convinced all the Baylinerbashing is justified.<br /><br />Same engine/bigger boat - assuming you're satisfied with the performance, Bayliner has 15 square feet more deck space - bound to be more stowage - that would do it for me.<br /><br />welcome to iboats!
 

markvan

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
150
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

I know guys that have owned bayliners and maxum, and i must say the maxum owners seem to be happier as i dont have first hand experience with bayliner i cant personally recommend either brand but i do agree with jtexas 15 more square feet and more storage would do it for me if both brands are comparable performance wise.
 

DocG2828

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 2, 2006
Messages
43
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

Thanks for all the suggestions! I like the extra space of the bayliner, but I think the extra features and more solid build of the Maxum is starting to sway me towards it. Being new boaters and just my wife and I....I think we can make do with a little less space. I'm sure its like my Mustang...I'll always want more power!
 

delsol

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 27, 2002
Messages
749
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

buy the maxium, i think its a little nicer.holds value more, check nada prices first.....i would not spend 17-18k on bayliner....also for 2 more 2k you can look at crownline 18ft and maybe chaperall, at a boat show with a discount...tough call if you throw other boats in the mix but maxium or liner<br />maxium<br />bob
 

delsol

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 27, 2002
Messages
749
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

another important factor with the maxium, i would factor in 4.3-v-6 2 k or so more but a nice ski boat 40 mph+ <br />the 4cly will be slow compared, let dealer take you for a water test first
 

JamNJ1955

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 2, 2005
Messages
83
Re: New Boat - Help me Decide!

I agree with bobby515 concerning the 4.3L. I have a 2004 Bayliner 185 with the 4.3L 190 HP, very fast boat. If you have more then 3/4 people in the boat at once you will wish you had the 2 extra cylinders. Good luck with your choice.<br /><br />John
 
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