new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

[mrsportsguy]

I've decided to purchase an open bow boat this season and get rid of my pontoon. The boat will be used on a local reservoir along with the mississippi river a few times a year. Some of the boats I've looked at are a 2001 Crownline 202BR with a 5.0 merc 260 hp with alpha drive. Also looked a few 18-19 footers with the 5.0. wasn't sure what size of boat would be best along with would a 5.7 be alot better (would assume it takes alot more gas to run). will be possibly tubing and skiiing behind as well.

I'm sure there are a ton of different opinions but just curious. Also, been told that to stay away from some brands (rinker, bayliner, larson).

thanks for any help!
Jeff

 

[wbc1957]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

Any suggestion is not worth much, since it truly matters as to how you wish to use the boat. Consider the amount of people on the boat, what type of boating you wish to do, how to tow and store it, and what kind of invstment you plan on making with the original purchase and the long term annual costs. We can help, but more information is needed...

 

[gtochris]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

The 5.0L is more then enough for most people in a 20ft boat, I believe it would need to be the MPI to have 260HP?

Larson and Rinker are excellent Brands! I would rank them rather high.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

Well alot depends on you as wbc1957 stated, if your like me the saying you can never have enough boat is right in line with you can never have enough motor. I have no information on Larson but Rinker has always gotten high marks, I am partial to Crownline obviously but Chaparral, Sea Ray, Cobalt and Monterey are all excellent boats to keep an eye on. Like any used boat The care/maintenance of the previous owner is just as important as the manufactured quality of the boat. The beam (width) of the boat can be an issue, I prefer wider beams as it makes carrying lots of passengers much easier. the 2001 202BR has the following specs:

LOA 20'2": Beam 102": 3300lbs: Fuel Capacity 41 gallons: 16 degree dead rise and 12 passenger 1690 lbs capacity

What are you looking to do? Water Ski/wakeboard, tube? or just want to have a good all around boat that can cruise at a pretty good clip? How many passengers are you looking at normally and worst case?

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

Larson and Rinkers are goos boats. Bayliner had issues with some years but the newer ones are much better. As the above said if you are buying used the maintenance and care of the boats are key. I would rather have a price point boat that is well taken care of then a luxury boat that wasn't cared for? Look around and keep searching. There are some good deals to be had.

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

Larson and Rinkers are goos boats. Bayliner had issues with some years but the newer ones are much better. As the above said if you are buying used the maintenance and care of the boats are key. I wouls rather have a price point boat that is well taken care of then a luxury boat that wasn't cared for? Look around and keep searching. There are some good deals to be had.

by that theory, it would then be preferable to buy a well maintained quality boat over any price point boat. Previous owner maintenance and care are for sure as you said, key.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

by that theory, it would then be preferable to buy a well maintained quality boat over any price point boat. Previous owner maintenance and care are for sure as you said, key.

Huhh, I said I would rather have a well maintained price boat then a bad maintained quality boat. Well maintained quality over any price point boat? All depends on price.

 

[kmarine]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

I myself would prefer the 5.7. both engines have proven themselves for over 30 years to be very dependable. The fuel consumption will be approxamately the same at the same speed. You should only burn more fuel when you are using more horsepower. The engine blocks are the same size and weight. If you plan to use your boat as a towboat, I recomend the larger engine because will have you will have more low end torque to drag skiers up out of the water without drowning them. Both engines are suitable. which boat do you prefer?

 

[mrsportsguy]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

thanks for all the information - on average 4-6 people will be going and I understand the more people - slower/performance will decline. the max would be 8.

just wasn't sure if i really needed a 5.7. (also hear all kinds of info back and forth regarding volvo / merc , good/bad).

Will be water skiing and tubing. but also want to cruise at a decent speed.

Also - is a 19' too small for river boating?

Planning anywhere between $8-12,000 hopefully will find something on the lower end.

Towing and storage won't be a problem - chevy 350 pickup and have my own storage (my 24' pontoon is in there now)

 

[wbc1957]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

I river boat with my 18' Cobalt, but this is a heavier boat than a standard 18 footer. The river has issues that require you to be more aware of your position, and always be planning for the drifting in currents. Stay with an aluminum prop for most of the year, at least until you really know your area of activity. The river current helps to kill most wakes, but you will still be dealing with river barges that make large wakes in the main channel. If you are planning to have 8 people, a 19 foot boat is not wise. Especially, on the river where you need to be more on your toes with its conditions and position, and that many people would constently be blocking your view and access to the controls. A 21 footer would be the minimum for your needs.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

I believe in your price range your better off posting pics/info of boats that your interested in and we can go from there, getting into a 10 yr old Crownline for $8000-$12,000 sounds decent, but obviously your going to have to look it over with a fine tooth comb. I agree with the 5.7 motor, but you can always repower later if your not satisfied with the 5.0. NADA with very limited info has that boat at low retail $10,075, high retail at $11,405. Keep in mind that NADA is just for reference but in reality the local market can have very different pricing....

 

[mrsportsguy]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase



2001 202BR 5.0L merc 260 hp low hours for $12900



2000 205BR 5.0L 260 $16000 (seems a little high valued)

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

They are both high, the 2000 is in for a huge disappointment unless he gets lucky, I like the one on the left with the checkerboard graphics but I like the trailer of the one on the right, I think the 2001 is closer to your budget and I bet he will come down if you bring cash, did you check them out? what did you think?

 

[cribber]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

My best advice is set the amount you're willing to part with and get the best newest boat that meets your needs and start from there. Work your way back to the model year of what you like that is affordable and negotiate from there.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

There is no replacement for displacement.. I would look for a 5.7... Seems a lot out there are running the 305.. I think for the same reason that most entry level i/o come with a 3.0... Cheaper than going with the 4.3.. Get ya a boat with the powerplant you want so you won't be disappointed in the power going with something less... Fuel mileage won't be that noticeable...

 

[oops!]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

for your needs.....the 5.7

but.....a guy here by the name of tashasdaddy had a list of things to think about..........do you wanna fish?....ski....spend a weekend on the boat?...entertain guests?...are you boating on the ocean...lake?

i have just described 6 totally different boats. can they be squeezed all in to one...yes......
so the trick is to really sit down and think of what you want in a boat......does the wifey want a toilet? the worst thing of buying a boat.....is thinking after we should have got a cuddy....or an open bow.....or a toon !

 

[dcducks1]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

For a river boat that hauls 8 people I would be concerned with my vehicle first. Do you have a good tow and launch vehicle? I would have at least a 20 foot boat for 8 people. To have a boat this big, you will need a good tow vehicle. If you are all set in that department, I would then consider looking at a good used boat. They are all over the place, especially this time of year. Just make sure it was garaged or covered and doesn't have a waterlogged interior. I personally like outboards rather than inboards, but if you know hoe to work on inboards, they seem to litter the landscape with very little needed to get them back on the water. Good luck.

 

[mrsportsguy]

Re: new to boating - need suggestions on what to purchase

found a 2001 four winns 200 horizon 5.7 volvo with alpha Duo Prop drive unit! Options include bow and cockpit covers, mooring cover, bimini top, great shape, dual axle trailer wants 16500 any ideas. thinking too much from what i've seen online.
thanks for any ideas