New outboard powered runabouts.

[JimS123]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Bayliners turned me off from the garbage they built back in the 80-90's. Not to mention I hated their styling. While I think they are putting out a nicer product now I just don't trust their quality.

I agree with the 80-90's comment but don't sell them short now. Climb in one and dig around a bit and you'll see its built better than a Searay of the same size.

 

[JimS123]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

With boat costing what they do today, the I/O is cheaper to manufacturer so there are a lot more of them. I was an OB man for 50 yrs, always had 14 - 18' boats with OB. Three years ago I stepped up to a 22' alum with an I/O, yes there is more maintainence but the economy and simplicity of a car motor makes it worth it to me. Always loved my OB, but now that I have one, I like the I/O.

OBs have come down in price proportionally. OTOH, the I/Os now require catalitic converters which has upped the price. Today, for comparable models, its break even or the OB has the cost advantage. The gadgets and MPEMs on the I/Os have made them equally hard to work on today.

I love my I/O too, but if I needed a new boat it would be an OB again.

 

[Mason78]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

I agree with the 80-90's comment but don't sell them short now. Climb in one and dig around a bit and you'll see its built better than a Searay of the same size.

I agree that they put out a good product for the money. They are both owned by the same parent company so many of their parts are shared. But Searay still puts a lot of detail into their boats that the Bayliners do not have.

Think Cadillac vs Chevy. Both made by GM (Govt motors) but the Cadillac is way upgraded. It all depends on how much you want to spend.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Sea Ray no longer makes an outboard powered runabout. You can find some 2011 185 O/B for sale occasionally. The only outboard models
Sea Ray currently offers are the 2013 220 and 240 Sundeck deckboats. But those are priced at $50K and up.

Glastron has 4 or 5 outboard model runabouts.
The all new Crownline 19 is a first with outboard power for Crownline, and a very nice boat.

Monterey has an all new 197FS with out board power, and is the roomiest of boats in this size. Up to 150HP available.

Also Rinker has added 2 or 3 O/B models this year.

 

[Tnriverluver]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

I think my biggest issue finding these boats is my lack of knowledge of the current boat builders. Other than bass and fishing boats, I have been out of the boat scene for many, many years. We owned a Glastron back in the 1970's (purchased new) and they were one of the best back then. How is the quality of the current Glastrons since this is not the same company as the original?

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Glastron quality is decent. Not a upper level builder like Monterey,Crownline, Four Winns etc. in this O/B runabout segment. But the prices also reflect that.

Take a quick look at this video. Boattest review of the Glastron GT200 O/B. They are now designed in Europe, and the styling is "retro", but built in Cadillac, Mi. The same plant that builds Four Winns and Wellcraft boats.

http://www.boattest.com/Partners/Partner-Main.aspx?lp_id=3211169&t=BOAT-TEST&Videoid=2683&p=0&s=

 

[Tnriverluver]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Glastron quality is decent. Not a upper level builder like Monterey,Crownline, Four Winns etc. in this O/B runabout segment. But the prices also reflect that.

Take a quick look at this video. Boattest review of the Glastron GT200 O/B. They are now designed in Europe, and the styling is "retro", but built in Cadillac, Mi. The same plant that builds Four Winns and Wellcraft boats.

Playing - Glastron GT 200 (2012-) - | Partner Magazine | Powered By BoatTest.com

I like that boat. To bad being in West Tn the nearest dealer is in Texarkana Texas:grumpy:

 

[hostage]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Keep in mind that you will loose a swim platform if you go OB. I have seen a lot of hurricanes in larger sizes with outboards.

 

[Mason78]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

If it were me, I would look for one available with a Yamaha. That is why I like the Stingrays.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

I like that boat. To bad being in West Tn the nearest dealer is in Texarkana Texas:grumpy:

Not familiar with Tn geographically. But there is a Glastron dealer in Morristown, Tn.

Tri county Marine

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

If it were me, I would look for one available with a Yamaha. That is why I like the Stingrays.

And there is a Monterey/Stingray dealer in Clarksvilkle, Tn. also

Yamaha power..... that is why I like the Monterey's :lol:

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Keep in mind that you will loose a swim platform if you go OB. I have seen a lot of hurricanes in larger sizes with outboards.

Not completely. There is a swim platform on either side of the outboard on all new O/B powered bowriders. Like the Rinker
186. This boat sells brand new with 90HP and trailer for $20K even.

 

[jkust]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Bayliners turned me off from the garbage they built back in the 80-90's. Not to mention I hated their styling. While I think they are putting out a nicer product now I just don't trust their quality.

You probably aren't in their target market of brand new to boating and know very little so are attracted by the low prices. Their build quality in the later 2000's has picked up a lot but I agree their styling is still low end (although I actually liked the look of the 80's and 90's BL's). Plus those 80's and 90's boats falling apart and rotting was due to those same first time boaters not knowing how to take care of a boat. There's no bad boats just bad owners IMO.
There is actually a bit of a resurgence of Outboards so you are timely in your search. The resurgence is due partly to the EPA overstepping and mandating via regulation that Cats and MPI be on all I/O's with a few caveats in there. That simply means that I/O's are closer to on par price wise with O/B's.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

If you're in West Tennessee, Memphis has Counce and Memphis Boat Center alongside I-240 between Getwell and Perkins. Only other dealership of any size is Travis Marine/Tracker out on Summer Ave.

Many West Tennessee people also go to Pickwick/Counce, TN to purchase boats. They have a number of boat dealerships there.

Good luck in your search.

 

[robopath]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

Speaking of the Four Winns 180 OB, Boat Test just posted their review. It is available with 3 Yamaha engines.

Four Winns H180 OBRS (2013-) | Four Winns | Powered By BoatTest.com

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New outboard powered runabouts.

I like the Four Winns H180. But the flashy "RS" is nearly $30K with a single axle trailer and 150HP outboard. That is really getting up there for a 17 ft. runabout.
The base model with 150hp could be had for just under $25K I would guess. Still pricey IMO, and close to what an I/O powered boat of similar size would cost new.