new here looking for boat advice

[mntbiker2008]

Hey all! been lurking around here for a little bit and decided it was worth joining. I am looking to buy a boat but not sure what to get. I am a college student so money is somewhat tight. i want something that is fairly light and can be towed easily. i have a hyundai santa fe so i can get around the 3000# area. i have piloted a few boats (all ranged in the 16-20' area), i rent pwcs in florida every year im down there. i will list a few boats that (to my knowledge) are decent looking. Let me know what you all think or if there are any other suggestions. any tips would also be great! ive never owned a boat before.


1989 18' seasprite bowrider
1985 bayliner runabout
1976 Invader (trihull) the engine was completely redone and a few other interior things.
1988 bayliner capri 17' open bow
76 ashcraft with 10 year in board
78 Thundercraft 14'
1983 Four Winns Marquise 16' with 4 cyl mercruiser

sorry i dont know the model of some of the boats. if anyone wants links to them to see pics i can do that.

any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks alot!

aaron

 

[77GALAXIE]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

So you want to buy a boat. So far your best move was coming to iboats. I have learned more of what I shouldn't have done than I ever expected. First I would like to say that a cheap boat is never cheap. You get what you pay for. Next I will add that I would not buy any boat the owner wont take you out for a sea trial on. And finally, If you think you've looked at everything on the boat look again. Take notes and get every detail.

 

[VeroWing]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

First you should consider what you want boat to do. Will it be fishing, skiing, go-fast, cruising, partying, overnighting, etc.? Where do you plan to use it? Freshwater, saltwater, lake, river, bay, ocean?
Do you want an open model, or maybe a small cuddy cabin where you can store things plus a portipotti?
Once you know these answers, then you can start zeroing in on the right boat choice. Just my opinion, Mike.

 

[mntbiker2008]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

So you want to buy a boat. So far your best move was coming to iboats. I have learned more of what I shouldn't have done than I ever expected. First I would like to say that a cheap boat is never cheap. You get what you pay for. Next I will add that I would not buy any boat the owner wont take you out for a sea trial on. And finally, If you think you've looked at everything on the boat look again. Take notes and get every detail.

awesome! thanks for the advice 77 Galaxie. i dont think any boat is cheap! the technology for boats makes has me drooling like a kid in a candy store. but that not why i want to get into boating. i need something to do besides mountain biking (its getting old going and beating the poo out of my body every weekend) and i want to take family and friends out and have a good time.

thanks again

aaron

 

[mntbiker2008]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

First you should consider what you want boat to do. Will it be fishing, skiing, go-fast, cruising, partying, overnighting, etc.? Where do you plan to use it? Freshwater, saltwater, lake, river, bay, ocean?
Do you want an open model, or maybe a small cuddy cabin where you can store things plus a portipotti?
Once you know these answers, then you can start zeroing in on the right boat choice. Just my opinion, Mike.

mostly cruising some skiing/tubing, a few overnights being a first boat, speed is not crucial i usually keep it around 30mph. i will be on lake and river mainly. i really like the open bow boats but also like the cuddy cabins. im just not sure what choices i have. thats my main problem. with the open bows, do they usually have storage spaces? im thinking if people bring things on board that they dont want to get wet, i would want to be able to put them somewhere. i guess i could always rig up one of those plastic storage bins and secure it if there isnt. porta potti isnt a big deal. i can just rig up a few towels and do the duties like that in an open boat

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

mostly cruising some skiing/tubing, a few overnights being a first boat, speed is not crucial i usually keep it around 30mph. i will be on lake and river mainly. i really like the open bow boats but also like the cuddy cabins. im just not sure what choices i have. thats my main problem. with the open bows, do they usually have storage spaces? im thinking if people bring things on board that they dont want to get wet, i would want to be able to put them somewhere. i guess i could always rig up one of those plastic storage bins and secure it if there isnt. porta potti isnt a big deal. i can just rig up a few towels and do the duties like that in an open boat

It's a huge question, in my opion, a bow rider vs a cuddy. I started with a bow rider and moved to a cuddy, (not because I wanted a cuddy but because I liked the boat )...anyway having a 2 year old and 6 year old the cuddy is hands down a no brainer.

At times though I really miss the seating up in the bow....some bow riders will give you more storage than others so that will be one thing to compare boat to boat....

If you really want to spend the night out on the boat, unless you get some canvas enclosure of sorts I really dont think I would ever be comfortable overnighting on a bow rider.....problem here is you are still in college so the part of your brain that registers comfort has not yet fully developed so you probably dont give a damn about that...

being that you can probably sleep anywhere, that may not be a criteria, I think maybe you need to weigh the # of people on board as your major criteria. Bow rider will definitely get you more seating but less storage.

and finally, any lady friends you may ever have on board might definitely appreciate a cuddy.....but again there is that college mentality......., (god I feel old)

 

[mntbiker2008]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

If you really want to spend the night out on the boat, unless you get some canvas enclosure of sorts I really dont think I would ever be comfortable overnighting on a bow rider.....problem here is you are still in college so the part of your brain that registers comfort has not yet fully developed so you probably dont give a damn about that...

being that you can probably sleep anywhere, that may not be a criteria, I think maybe you need to weigh the # of people on board as your major criteria. Bow rider will definitely get you more seating but less storage.

and finally, any lady friends you may ever have on board might definitely appreciate a cuddy.....but again there is that college mentality......., (god I feel old)

your good. haha. all i gotta do is bring my backpacking rollout pad and sleeping bag and im good. not sure how the lady friends would like it though. my parents have a 4 year old and i might even take my dog on some trips the storage space comes into play again though. i will have to check out some of the open bows and see how much space they offer. if not, looks like i will be going cuddy. not a big deal though. offers a little privacy

thanks for the help!

Aaron

 

[Les Robb]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

I sure hope your not my son, I can't hardly afford my boat and there is no way you can afford one on what I send you.

Love Dad

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

I am a college student so money is somewhat tight.

Well you're light years ahead of me when I was in college. I was mainly concerned about where my next case of beer was coming from, and what girls would be at the parties Wednesday night through Saturday night.

One little question...what's your budget?

 

[Numlaar]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

One small point I would suggest, (this is just a strong personal opinion), but whatever boat you ultimately decide upon, I would suggest going with an outboard, rather than an I/O.

IMO an I/O will have higher overall maintenance costs than an OB, (manifolds, belts, other wearables that an OB doesnt use) and gives you less water intrusion problems without having a hole through the transom (especially if from what it looks like you are going with an older boat because of money reasons).

For a first boat an OB I feel is a wiser choice for the first time buyer. (one that is still sustainable with parts evinrude/johnson?).

If you want something that is just fun and reliable this is a way to go.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[mntbiker2008]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

Well you're light years ahead of me when I was in college. I was mainly concerned about where my next case of beer was coming from, and what girls would be at the parties Wednesday night through Saturday night.

One little question...what's your budget?

hahaha try not to laugh but im not a drinker. just dont like it for some crazy reason. budget. im trying for 2 grand. i know, cheap but i have actually found a few boats that were in good condition. plus i want a pos so when i make a mistake (notice i send when) it wont bum me out too much.


Numlaar, thank you for the suggestion. im trying to find an ob. i heard they are easier to work on as well. you basically hit it on the dot. i want something fun and reliable, yet within budget.


thanks again
glad i came to this place!

 

[jonesg]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

just reading your short list , the designs and age...

they will most likely be hazardous waste in need of restoration and should be priced at that level unless they have either been garaged forever or already restored ....completely.

Open bow design with rugs and furniture, they don't last very long unless very well cared for. I wouldn't pay more than $300 for most of those.

I like cuddy's myself, although mine is a 20' center console, I pitch a tent on the bow platform for overniters, it works.
If I got a cuddy it would be with an outboard engine for simplicity.
simple is good on a boat.

For my first boat on short budget I would look for a 16' runabout with no soft spots in the deck and a good transom, then put the money into the engine rather than the tub. Preferably alum.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

Welcome to Iboats Man, Like it says "The #1 boating site ever" If you ever need advice you'll get a whole boat load from these great guys, We tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, Isn't that what you wanted in the first place, Good luck finding your first boat!! Just remember, The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask, We were all Newbies at one time so don't be afraid to ask any thing!!

 

[bayliner12]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

look at the names four winns is one of the best out there

 

[mntbiker2008]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

thank you jonesg. i will post the link to the runabout that i listed first. it looks to be in decent shape plus the motor was just rebuilt.

1985 bayliner runabout

it is going to have to depend on what i find. either way i will be happy. as long as i can get out on the water and have fun.

wavenbye2- thank you for the welcome. im sure i will have tons of questions!

bayliner12- i would love to have a four winns however the few i have found are not in very good shape and the one i have posted isnt in the best of shape either the add said the upper half of the out drive needs to be replaced as well as the bell housing not sure how much that would be. if i could even find the parts anymore. my girlfriends grandparents have a nice winns up at their lodge on lake michigan. got to take it out a few weeks ago when i was there. very nice boat and tons of power!

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

Chrysler outboard with all kinds of no longer available parts is no bargain at the price of free.
Honestly for a college kid it sounds like an all around bad idea, renting PWC's is much more cost effective.
I dunno you have a pretty new truck so maybe your well off enough to pony up a couple grand on a novelty like a boat.

Good luck in your travels.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

Waaayyy to much for that bayliner... and I agree, the chrysler is not the right kind of OB to get (they are no longer sustainable)...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

Yes you may want to avoid Chrysler or Force outboards because of parts supply issues.

Here's my completely biased opinion.......you want a boat, you want to get out on the water cheaply, you don't want a huge time-sucking, wallet-draining project....go aluminum. On an aluminum boat even if all the wood turns out to be rotten you can replace it in a weekend. Check out the restoration forum and look at any of the Starcraft projects. Most of use got our boats for under a grand.

 

[countvlad]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

unlike everyone else i suggest to keep the money and use em for something else... just like my father told me before i bought my boat: "after women boat is the most expensive thing" and believe it or not it is so true.... theres maintenence to do on it, trailer needs attention every season, if you have the boat in salt water a flush and a trailer rince is necessary...

trust me you dont know what you 're getting into, theres always a price to pay, and as a college student i dont think you'll have that boat for too long.... unlike a vehicle a boat motor works at least 3 times more if something goes wrong parts and labor are not cheap...

if you decide to get a boat just like someone else suggested get an Outboard... easy to work on them, least things to go wrong, less maintenance etc....

for $2000 options are limited... a good 20yo motor costs about 1500... got mine for 1200 3 years ago and its 20yo...

IF YOU WANNA PLAY, YOU GOTTA PAY... just remember that good luck in your decision

 

[SeanT]

Re: new here looking for boat advice

I had more disposable income in high school and university than I do now. Sure didn't feel like it at the time, and it's something you don't realize until years after. I guess the main difference back then is what little I had was MINE, not just waiting to be spent on repairs around the house or groceries.

Anyway, if a student has the time and ability to get a boat, go nuts. I've heard it said that if you are living within your means, you're doing it wrong!