New Boater Needs Recommendation

[ferguson]

Hello, We are a family of four (children age 9 and 13) new to boating, and need a recommendation for a general purpose boat that will be used for fishing and water skiing on a fresh water lake. How much engine power do we need, and what features should we look for. Thank you for any help.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

Hi ferguson,<br /><br />Try a search here for 'first boat'. It returns 200+ results and may give you a starting point. In reality you need to do some homework to define your needs and expectations, decide your budget max. and visit as many marinas as possible to watch, talk and learn from other boaters. Hull designs, makes and models, materials etc. are only a few of the parameters involved.<br /><br />Asking here for a brand recommendation usually ends up in something like 'go for a known good brand, better a second hand good quality than a new discount make'. Some of the manufacturers no longer in business made excellent boats.<br /><br />Once you know your boat needs, look for something with no less than 75-80% of max rated hp, preferably modern engine design, with full history and in mint condition.<br /><br />Get a survey or a skilled friend to look it over and take a good (long) test ride.<br /><br />When you have specific offers, come back for advice.

 

[KCook]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

As UU said, your question has a zillion answers. Depending on your waters and your personal preferences. Just a few of the issues to be considered -<br /><br />Aluminum vs Fiberglass vs Poly<br />I/O vs Outboard vs Jet<br />Quiet lake vs lake with heavy traffic (wakes)<br />Cool climate vs Sunbelt<br />Bowrider vs Deckboat vs Fish-n-ski<br />New vs Used<br /><br />Many boaters have strong preferences, but any of the above can be the "right" answer, depending on circumstances. Good luck with all that searching.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[MrBill]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

ferguson: As already stated your question has a zillion answers, but much depends on the size of the lake that you're on, your budget, your familiarity with boats and how agressively your family will take to the activities you mentioned. Also, in the general area, what is available for parts and repairs or are you the do-it-yourself type. <br /><br />If you'll be on a mooring for instance, most find it most convenient to have an open bow boat, also good for fishing and water sport. You don't indicate what part of the country you're in or the lake and size. On my lake for example, over half the boats are 18 to 21 foot open bow runabouts. Take a look at what seems popular on your lake and ask a few people who have been there for a few years what size and style would be good.<br /><br />Don't make the beginner mistake of saving money on the engine if you're buying new. A lot of beginners buy a new 18 to 20 foot boat and get a 3.0 liter to save $3-4,000. The re-sale value and useability for water skiing with active teenagers will be disappointing. You don't need to go crazy with a big V8, but a 4.3 or 5.0 liter would be much better in an 18 to 20 foot boat. Although, I could afford to buy new, I generally like to buy used boats and PWC's. UU's advice regarding buying a good quality used boat rather than a lower quality new one is very good advice. If you go to a local boat show (and lots are coming up in the next few months, check out the different manufacturers from a price/quality perspective. You'll find that there is wide range of prices for boats of similar size and style. An 18 foot, open bow runabout w/merc 4.3 I/O for instance can go from $12K to $25K, depanding on whether its a Bayliner or Cobalt. <br /><br />Good luck, try the recommended search and try coming back with some additional info to get more comments.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

...just one second thought: Take your family (spouse) with you all the way. Boats tend to either unite or do part.

 

[Solittle]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

Suggestion - - Check your area to see if you can rent boats of different sizes/styles. Better to spend a bit that way than to spend a bucketful and find out quickly that you want something different.

 

[93bronco]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

that really depends on how you can spend.<br />but for a wife & kids a porta-poti is a must.<br />you can get a bowrider with a changing/poti space or an enclosed bow with a cuddy.<br />-<br />then you have inboard or outboard.<br />i like outboards only because they are above the water line.<br />-<br />you can also check into a deck boat, hurricane has a nice one that is a center console design with the changing/poti.<br />-<br />it really depends on how much you want to spend.

 

[KCook]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

2K BOAT - Not so fast. My wife has never required a porta potti and my friends with kids don't bother with this either. Simple boats can work for families.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[lund17]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

I bought my fish 'n ski boat from a rental fleet only after I rented it for a full day to see if it would everything I wanted. When I bought they refunnded the rental from an already good price. I love my boat. No surprises. PS. It's the very same boat not just same model that I rented. It is as mentioned before a known quality: used. 90hp on a boat rated 115 = 79% and I do 40mph with plenty to pull my 170lb 15 yr old. Very pleased.

 

[dkwalker]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

my two cents-<br />look in the search under "cuddy"- there was a recent thread on just that topic -"whether to get one or not"<br />I highly recommend one:<br /><br />a)a semi private place for the portapoddy-though the cramped space on a smaller boat makes that a fairly acrobatic exercise<br /><br />b)specifically cuz you mentioned kids, it gives them a place to get away, nap play or read<br /><br />c)dry reasonably secure storage.<br /><br />One feature that is almost a must on any boat but especially with a cuddy is a walk thru windshield. They're almost standard on any boat today, but there are plenty out there that don't have one.<br /><br />I have 19' cuddy which is narrower than most and it gets crowded real fast. Look for a full 8' beam on what ever you shop for, and personally I'd go 20' or better. It may seem large right now, but get out there with Mrs, and two kids, freinds or cousins and you'll find out how they shrink. Think in terms of coolers, skis, tackle box, poles, net. And a duffel with extra clothes towels, etc. Going for a test ride with only your bride and your wallet won't tell how crowded it can get with crew and gear.<br /><br />$$$ is a factor but as the earlier posts indicated, used is the way to go. You can find some very nice used boats for much less money than new. Don't be intimidated by brokerages- it's like buying a car... they want to move the product and you have the money. If you see something you like at a brokerage, think like its a car lot and make low offers. Don't be afraid to leave your number and walk away if they won't come down to your price. You might be surprised with a call back the next day.<br /><br />Walk the docks and look at lots before you buy. Boats are much more individualistic than cars and you'll see things on other boats that you'll want on yours.<br /><br />This is a good time to buy... on into February. The market is slower and sellors are hungry.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

I am also a boater with a family of four kids.. Mine range from 10 to 3, and the wife of course.<br /><br />Currently we have a 17ft sea ray with a 3.0l MC. We couldn't be happier. Most others that read this will think I'm nuts. This boat, at this point, meets our needs just fine.<br /><br />We usually just go skiing to tubing for the day and spend a good portion of the time beached and playing on the beach or picnicing.<br /><br />This rig has plenty of seating, has enough power and speed to do what we want to do, and gets great mileage.<br /><br />I'm not advocating that you should go out and buy a similar boat. The point is that the perfect boat is one that meets most of your needs with the least compromise. For me, I wanted a boat I could service myself, one that would not cost much to run or maintain, would fit in the garage, we could use to ski or tube, would seat all six and then a friend to two, and would handle the water we intended it for. I met all but the last, but that was not a total compromise..<br /><br />AS stated before, try renting various styles to get an idea about what you will want to do..

 

[tmac58star]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

Make sure the wife and kids are into it first. Take them out in a few rental boats of different sizes. In short, test drive until you find what you like. If I was going to buy a family boat all over again, I'd get a pontoon for the wide open spaces.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

We bought a " first" family boat with the intentions on seeing what we liked and what we didn't. I found a trihull at a marina that had a rowboat trailer under it. I bought it for a song. It was owned by a little old man who took his wife fishing every other weekend in the summer. It had a 85 Hp johnson on it. No power trim. The next summer I found a old junky boat with a 115 with power trim and the engine had been rebuilt two years before. I swapped engines and cleaned up the old boat and sold it for what I bought it for. FREE HP and power trim to boot. Kept the boat a lot longet than we planned but it was a really nice boat. I guess what I am trying to say is try to buy something at a reasonable price that you can resell if you dislike it ,, but you will learn a lot once you get your own boat on the water. I sold the trihull last summer and made $ 1000.00 on the boat .. I bought it for 500.. put a top on it .. changed engines for nothing ... rebuilt the trailer with new springs and tires. Sold it for $ 2100.00 !!! Wish everthing in boating could go that well !!

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

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[steam_mill]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

For my first boat I went out and purchased a 30 year old 50 evinrude on a 15' runabout. I bought it for 2K. It ran well. I had to get the LU resealed and rebuilt my carbs myself.<br /><br />I also learned alot to do with repair and maintenance. I tore up one prop.....<br /><br />The best thing about it was that I learned several things:<br /><br />1. How to operate a boat.<br />2. How to maintain a boat.<br />3. That my wife and I both love boating.<br />4. What features I really want in a boat.<br />5. Preferance for outboards.<br /><br />Well this year, I bought my brand new boat:<br /><br />16.5' 7' beam Cutter with a 90 hp mercury. With a 17" prop, I can haul out a 200 lbs waterskiier and cruise at 45mph. Got a new prop for next year should hit 50mph.<br /><br />The boat serves all of our needs. Cruises with 6 people on board easily (our boat is in the water at the cottage), tows easily with my subaru etc.<br /><br />I knew what I wanted because I owned an old boat. If I had bought a brand new boat (i/o for example) I don't think I would be as happy as today....<br /><br />Joe

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

I'm in a very similar situation. 3 kids, my wife, and I. Love to go tubing and general fun on the lake. I bought a 16ft bow rider with a cobra 3.0 140 hp engine. What a gem! Superb boat with lots of seating and great for fishing too. More than enough guts to pull water skiers ( I use a hydrofoil for super quick planing and level turns).<br /><br />It fits in my driveway and is still very trailerable. Fairly economical on gas too! I have the power trim and power steering and really like these features. The power trim allows you to adjust the prop high enough to troll through small shallow channels. It's an 18 year old boat and still in great shape. Up in Canada, winters are long, so boats only get used 1/2 as much as down south.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

Ferguson,<br /><br />Congradulations, you want a boat. The best advise I would give you is to get lots of opinions. Outboard vs. IO, open bow vs. cabin, merc. vs. volvo, brand A vs. B.<br /><br />Will this boat be kept in the water or launched each time?<br /><br />If you don't know a good mechanic find one before you buy anything.<br /><br />I would purchase a Sealoc or Clymer manual specific to your purchase before I put gas in the new boat.<br /><br />Never purchase a boat without driving it regardless of price if you are not experienced. Your friend may have the exact same boat but like women they all have their own ideosyncracies. Know them before you get married to one.<br /><br />Used boats have always been good to me and if purchased correctly will give you the max bang for the buck but know what you are looking for. Bilges, floors, electrical systems, engines, hull, trailers, even the owner will tell you alot about a boat.<br /><br />I have always been partial to the max or near max horsepower available in a given model. If you are going to ski, a 135hp outboard or a 4.3 i/o would be my starting place.<br /><br />Involve the entire family in the process. A resentful wife will make you rue the day you even thought of a boat. Your kids will probably have some time into waxing and cleaning etc.<br /><br />Make sure you have the proper equipment to trailer or move boat or make arrangements in advance on how you will handle it. Then buy as much as your checkbook will allow you. Bigger is better in most cases. Your kids will bring friends, your friends, neighbors, etc.<br /><br />By the way this is fun, enjoy the search!!!

<br /><br />Doug <br /><br />PPPPPPP = Prior Proper Planning Prevents Pi** Poor Performance.

 

[wasjr]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

Lots of good responses above. I went through this as well. A couple of practical points: <br /><br />Get a boat big enough for friends as well. Boat capacity ratings do not mean comfortable capacity. My boat is rated at 12, but comfortable capacity with gear is probably 9.<br /><br />Get sufficient power to pull tubes and skis--teenagers like to go fast!<br /><br />When we did this routine, we decided on deck boat for versatility (There are also differences between deck boats in hull shape, which affects handling, and deck shape, which affects capacity and comfort). I would suggest looking at the Hurricane website and ordering a catalog to help in your research. It will give you an idea of whats out there as they offer 20+ models from basically a pontoon deck on a glass hull to slick loaded out models.<br /><br />You have a fun process to go through with many decisions. Follow advice in the above posts and you can't go wrong.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

Gotta ad my $.02. Hope you all do not mind.<br /><br />I recently got my first (sorta) boat. Parents had boats in high school, so I was versed in handling, loading, docking, navigation; but this one in MINE!!!<br /><br />I have a wife an three small boys (all under 5). We got an 18' center concole with a 115HP outboard that seats six. I learned two things real quick when looking for a used boat:<br />1. Stay away from any add that says "Needs Work". If you are trying to get the wife and kids into it, you need turn key, not the best, but something you can go ahead and put in and use. You can improve it later and create projects for it.<br />2. Do not buy from someone that is getting out of "Boating" and has let the boat sit. They are usually not well taken care of.<br /><br />I looked at one boat, very pretty, that had set-up all summer. The Tilt trim did not work and the floor was soft, would have needed replacing. The boat that I bought, the guy had just upgraded from an 18' to a 22' offshore series boat. It was well maintained and will allow me to do a few projects. Take a look -- http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/knightgang2003/lst?.dir=/My+Photos <br /><br />Also, look at the trailer well. If you are going to ramp launch each time as I do, you will want a trailer that you can load and unload very easily. Nothing like not wanting to go baoting because you hate to "Fight" with it.<br /><br />I have to agree that nothing on a boat is "cheap". I think the word "Marine" alone adds about 30% to the price. But, if you are a "Do-it-yourselfer" definetly get a manual and you will be able to save yourself a boo-koo of $$ on the maintance and minor repairs as they come up. And do not break the bank on the first one, use it as the test boat to see how much you will use it. Take care of it and it will last years (or until you really decide what you want).<br /><br />Hoep this helps some.<br />Knightgang

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: New Boater Needs Recommendation

You have alot of good advice here but I will still put my .02 in to stir the pot some more. <br />Don’t overlook a nice pontoon boat. Large enough for the kids and their friends and room to fish. Very stable and many new designs are all aluminum construction; should last forever. Many have a privacy curtain for the porta-potti. I think I would prefer an outboard rather than the I/O but it really is personal preference. Many of the older designs are prone to rot so keep your eyes open if you are looking at used.<br />Before you make your decision check the tow capacity of your present vehicle; it wouldn’t due to buy a boat and then tell the wife you need a new truck to tow it…or would it? <br /><br />Mike