Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

[sierrak9s]

Hi again! I'm the newbie boating infant who asked on Saturday about a 1991Sundowner. The response I got was less than enthusiastic -- thanks for the guidance -- and so I'm having second thoughts about it, especially given the old OMC outdrive.

So instead, I went looking on Craigslist - again - and found a few more boats that really have my strong attention.

I have a small family, so don't need a big boat. Want to fish and cruise and play, not necessarily in that order. Must have a bimini. Very much want a deeper V-type hull, because smooth ride is important. Do not ever need to ski.

So what would you all think about any of the following:

1994 Four Winns 19' bowrider, looks perfectly kept - $5K
1998 Aquatron 17'6 bowrider, some wear - $3800
2007 (really, not a typo) Bayliner 175, looks perfectly kept - $9750
1996 Quantum 18' fish-n-ski, looks well kept - $3K

The one I really, really want is the Four Winns. It has a bimini top, I know I love the ride of a Four Winns -- but it's two hours from me and difficult to get a sea trial on.

The Quantum is a nice price, but I don't know anything about them -- does that front platform for the trolling motor come off, so you can sit in the bow?

The 2007 Bayliner is practically brand-new, but a little out of my price range.

And I have never heard of Aquatron.

Please share your thoughts! I'm scared to death out here in my vast ignorance, and hearing from experienced people gives me warm happy thoughts. Thanks!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Do not base your decisions on whether or not a boat has a bimini top. That's like a $200 add on you can easily install later. We can't give you any input without knowing what motors/drives these boats have.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Well, that's a big price range you've offered. Any of those boats could be a great boat. Any of those boats could be a disaster. There's no way to tell from the description you've provided. Each needs to be considered separately and examined by someone who knows boats.

You're asking our opinions about boats we've never seen, and providing very little information. Any actual answers you get will be relatively worthless in helping you with your decisions.

Post the Craigs List links, at the very least, for each boat.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Thanks!

The Four Winns ad says that it's a 5.0, but I don't know what kind.
The Aquatron is a 3.0 Mercruiser.
The Bayliner is a 3.0, but I don't know what kind.
All three of the above are I/O.
The Quantum is a 120 HP Force Outboard.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

You're asking our opinions about boats we've never seen, and providing very little information. Any actual answers you get will be relatively worthless in helping you with your decisions.

Post the Craigs List links, at the very least, for each boat.

Great idea!
Four Winns:
http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/1690821187.html
Aquatron:
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/1691487387.html
Bayliner:
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/1690956583.html
Quantum:
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/1690032856.html (no pix in ad, but he has sent me pix via email -- seats are in good shape, no obvious damage to hull, etc.)

And understand that I know NOTHING. So any information at all is welcome!

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Jeeze... the Bayliner.

It's a price-point boat when new... but... Hey, it's decent and priced right. It is sold as affordable when new. Sure, nothing fancy when new, but you can really enjoy it. If it was garaged and taken care of... start negotiating.

The theory on these boards is boat brand doesn't matter much on a used boat. Engine/Outdrive matter! And... if the owner took care of the boat, a used Bayliner is better than a used Glastron that was neglected.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

You don't want a Force outboard. They are no longer made nor fully supported with parts/service. Same as OMC I/O's.

I think that Bayliner looks to be a really nice deal if you can go that high.

The Four Winns and the Aquatron look to be worth checking out.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

You don't want a Force outboard. They are no longer made nor fully supported with parts/service. Same as OMC I/O's.

I think that Bayliner looks to be a really nice deal if you can go that high.

The Four Winns and the Aquatron look to be worth checking out.

Ahhhh, this is exactly the kind of information I was hoping to find. Thank you! The Aquatron is well-priced, for sure, but I've never heard of them. The Four Winns was really my first choice; just have to figure out how to get all the way over there before he sells it to somebody else.

 

[koko1]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Personally out of those 4 I would go Four Winns... The Bayliner is a good boat but I am not a fan of 3.0 motors personally and you already said you really do not want to spend that much.... I think the Four Winns would be the best especially if you can get him any lower.... Only downfall is the 5.0 motor will cost more to operate...GL

 

[Plasma George]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

You don't want a Force outboard. They are no longer made nor fully supported with parts/service. Same as OMC I/O's.

I think that Bayliner looks to be a really nice deal if you can go that high.

The Four Winns and the Aquatron look to be worth checking out.

Don't know about "fully supported" compared to a Mercrusier, but I talked to my local Marina, they service and carry parts for the Force outboard I have.
Are you planning salt water ? Outboards are better for salt water than an I/O (especially with an aluminum trailer vs steel), being able to raise it completely out and still be docked on the water.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Four Winns - not a great boat to fish from, but it will go fast and be comfy to ride in.

Aquatron - Even worse as a fishing boat. Small engine, compared to the Four Winns. Good cruiser boat. Don't know that brand, though.

Bayliner - Expensive choice, but possibly the least likely to have problems. Still, not a good fisher, and not a real go-fast boat.

Quantum - Cheap. Good fishing boat...less good for general cruising around. Drawbacks include age and the Force outboard. Still, it's your first boat and if it checks out as in good condition, you can keep it for a year, then sell it for about what you have in it. You'll have learned more about what you really want a boat for. Don't buy this one, though, without having it checked by an expert and getting a thorough sea trial. Advantage of the outboard is that it can be replaced. Not so the I/O models.

Your first boat won't be the one you want in the long run, probably. That's most everyone's experience. You may use your boat very differently than you think you will. I always recommend a good used boat for first-timers. If it checks out OK, it'll probably work fine for that first year. Then, you can sell it for what you paid for it and get something closer to what you really want. If you pay $10K for your first boat, you're less likely to sell it if it doesn't suit you.

And, yes, you can remove the trolling motor, but do keep it around. The next owner will probably want it back on the boat.

With any of these boats, get them checked before buying by a pro. Get a sea trial. Don't accept any "Well, that'll be a cheap fix" excuses. Buy a good running, sound boat and go enjoy the water. Your next boat will be closer to what you actually want.

 

[Plasma George]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Your next boat will be closer to what you actually want.

That's great advice. Last year boat my first boat, learned a ton.....then this year bought a larger boat more equipped with what I want/need.

Problem is, I'm already felling my bigger next boat.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

You don't want a Force outboard. They are no longer made nor fully supported with parts/service. Same as OMC I/O's.

I think that Bayliner looks to be a really nice deal if you can go that high.

The Four Winns and the Aquatron look to be worth checking out.

Good point on the Force, however, I wouldn't let that stop me if it checks out to be in good condition. Service and parts are still available. My thinking is that this is the person's first boat, and probably it will be replaced after a season. And he did mention fishing. None of the others are really fishing boats, and nobody wants stinky fish stuff on the nice upholstery.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

You guys are great -- thanks so much!

and now I have another possibility to add to the mix:
1994 17' Caravelle with a Mercruiser 3.0
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/1678207381.html

Unlike the Four Winns, this one is ten miles from my house, so easy to set up a sea trial and inspection. Any further thoughts?

(Seriously, you guys are so helpful. Thanks!)

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

I like outboard boats as first boats, too. Less stuff to deal with as you learn. I'm not thrilled with the Force brand, but if it checks out as a good motor, it should be OK for a season at least. And service is still available for them.

I don't know. I just hate to see someone spend $9000 on a boat then decide they don't like that boat. It'll be harder to sell, too.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Another option. All used boats from private parties are sold "as is." I'd make sure why the seller mentioned that. Get a complete survey.

With boats, you really, really have to read between the lines in ads. "As is" in a Craig's List ad is a yellow flag. Needs checking.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

Another option. All used boats from private parties are sold "as is." I'd make sure why the seller mentioned that. Get a complete survey.

With boats, you really, really have to read between the lines in ads. "As is" in a Craig's List ad is a yellow flag. Needs checking.

That's funny -- that was my exact reaction as well. Just gave me a "hmmmm" moment.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

I like outboard boats as first boats, too. Less stuff to deal with as you learn.

CATransplant (I'm one too, BTW), can I ask you to elaborate on this? I know the motor has to be maintained and winterized, whether inboard or outboard; is there a significant difference for the end-user? (I will probably NOT be doing any of my own maintenance, especially at first.)

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

I like that Caravelle. If you could get that price a little lower all the better. We can all like the Four Winns all we want but until we find out for sure it isn't an OMC it's all speculation.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Newbie back with more ??s about first boat

There's almost nothing to winterizing an outboard, really. An I/0 engine, however, does take some work to winterize, for sure. In addition, other service on an inboard engine is more complicated and more frequently needed. A two-stroke outboard like that Force doesn't need oil changes. There's no fan you have to run to clear the engine compartment, and an outboard boat weighs less, making it easier to tow, launch, and retrieve. There's also no hole in the transom that can leak if there's a failure of some kind.

All in all, an outboard just gives a new boater less to deal with than in inboard/outboard rig. Plus...in the worst case scenario, you can unbolt an outboard and bolt another one on the boat and get back on the water. Any breakdown on an I/O is expensive to fix, no matter what it is.

It's my own prejudice, of course, but I like outboards as first boats for all those reasons.