New Boater, Lake Tahoe

[Eddie P]

Hi everyone -

I'd like to apologize in advance for asking the proverbial newbie questions. I've lurked here for a while and done a lot of searches for things I have questions about, but figured I'd post on those I'd like a more direct answer for.

My family and I are new to boating in general, though I've boated quite a bit with friends and driven boats on a recreational basis over the years. We have two small kids - my daughter is 3.5 years and my son is a little guy, less than 6 months old right now. We kayak regularly, are comfortable in the water and are ready to get a boat. My daughter is actually a strong swimmer for her age. We have recently brought the kids along on 21-23 foot boats and have quality life vest/infant vests.

We are looking for our first boat. My wife is mostly interested in cruising and beaching, and I'm mostly into just having us all in one place enjoying the water and outdoors, though eventually I'd like to be able to do some wake boarding and pull the kids in a tube when the time comes.

We live close to Lake Tahoe and other high altitude mountain lakes. My considerations strongly center around reliability and safety for the big water that comes along regularly at Tahoe. Having rented boats at Tahoe with the family over the years I've seen enough to know I need something at least 22 feet long and the kids lead me to believe a Cuddy Cabin might be a good bet for us right now. (Sun shelter, secure place to watch a DVD or take a nap, etc.)

I don't want to spend the cash on a new boat at the moment so I am trying to find a nicely equipped and well maintained used boat. I've looked at deep vee type hulls from 21 to 23 feet in length and engines in the 5.7 to 7.4 liter class, mostly carbed units so far but I hear the EFI engines are preferable.

I like the idea of:

Rinker 232 / 7.4L
Maxum 2300SC
Any other deep vee hull boat with a strong engine

My initial budget was somewhere from 10-15K, though now I'm thinking I might have to budget myself in the 20K range for what I'm looking for.

I don't have a problem with slightly older boats, however, I do not have the time or inclination to take on a project boat. Regular maintenance is fine - boats are boats - but I'd rather be on the lake and not asking when my boat can be serviced as I call from the shore or worse yet as I call from the office of a salvage company or tow operation.

***Suggestions?
Good Boat Manufacturers? Engine sizes needed for Tahoe? How old is too old for a used boat? What are your experiences?

There are many things to learn when it comes down to it but it's fun so far. Any knowledge from the skippers around here would be more than welcomed. Thanks in advance!

 

[Mr Happy]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

Hello, last year I bought the boat you are looking for. It is a 1991 Sea Ray 225BR, 23'10", 5.7Ltr. It cost me $13,000 and the boat is in excellent shape. It took me over a year to find the boat so take your time. A lot of boat owners a very anal and that is the kind of boat owner you should look for. You will know when you see it. My boat new would now cost $55,000 or more.

New boats take a big hit($) when they are first launched. Start by looking at boats on boat trader.com. Type in the size, style and price you are looking for. After a few months you will be able to see the prices of boats in your range and year. Also go to a few boat shows, look at your local dealers on-line sites.

You should be in no hurry to buy the boat of your dreams. I am on my 3rd boat in 5 years. Not because of boat problems but size does matter.

 

[Eddie P]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

Thank you Happy, I'll check out the Sea Rays too. I'm thinking my new budget makes more sense. I was originally set on paying cash for the boat but the more I think of it, a hefty down payment and small loan makes more sense on a newer, better equipped boat.

Another question -

Some of the 7 to 10 year old boats I'm looking at seem to have the same thing said about them time and time again when I ask about maintenance history and records: "It runs great, I haven't had to do a thing to it..." That statement gives me pause for consideration.

How often does a typically well maintained boat get the bellows changed, belts replaced and engine tuned up, for example ? Should I plan or expect to be able to negotiate this sort of inevitable cost in the price if nothing has been done to keep up with this type of preventative maintenance??

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

A 7 to 10 year old boat that the owner states he never did a thing to would scare me.
The bellows about every 3 years,the drive pulled and serviced every year,tune up every year along with a lot of other service related items.
You can find a very well cared for boat...keep looking..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

I own ahouse in Lake Tahoe and boat there often. Get the biggest motor you can get. My 7.4L carbed motor in my 24' boat is somewhat tough to get up on plane with more than 4 people in the boat.

 

[Eddie P]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

Excellent advice on all fronts, thanks for that guys.

Bruce, would a set of hydraulic trim tabs be a good thing for Tahoe where the even the big engines are working pretty hard at the higher altitudes... And what are your thoughts on open bow vs. cuddy on Tahoe.

 

[vandy21]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

I prefer an open bow, however, with two young children you may find a cuddy useful. I just like having more room to be out in the sun, but more room in the sun means more room in the storm! So if you want to have a protected area for your kids when the weather kicks up, its not a bad idea.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

Hey, if u run into any of the Corleone's up at Tahoe, say hello. Heh, heh, heh.

 

[Eddie P]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

I was just at that house the other day - well the hollywood location that is. Maybe a few guys sleeping with the fishes offshore.

Vandy, good points. I bet an open bow is easier to sell too when the time comes, and we were looking at a few too as an option as it really opens up the layout a ton for those days where more guests on board would be nice.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

Bruce, would a set of hydraulic trim tabs be a good thing for Tahoe where the even the big engines are working pretty hard at the higher altitudes... And what are your thoughts on open bow vs. cuddy on Tahoe.

I would get hydraulic trim tabs for sure if you are using the boat up there often.

Cuddy vs open bow is a personal decision based on your use. Since I camp with my boat and take it out in the ocean too, the cuddy is my pick. If you are only using it on the lake, I would go open bow.

 

[glenncal1]

Re: New Boater, Lake Tahoe

I realize I ama little late on this conversation, but I would try to get EFI rather than carbs. Unless you are going to stay strictly at the higher altitudes. You will have a hard time getting the boat to run well should you decide to go down to the delta or soemthing if it is tuned for altitude. For the size boat your looking at, go big block. For every 1000' above sea level you loose about 3% of your rated power on a non-turbo engine. If it is a hot day on the lake it will be even more.