Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

[ezmobee]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

I wouldn't buy a boat at BassPro if I had any expectation of service after the sale. I am also not a fan of the brands they sell there.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

Hmm. I have a Toyota Four Runner (V6). I had always assumed it would have no trouble pulling a boat. Maybe it would though...

What about this boat?
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/boa/1706238783.html

Never underestimate your 4Runner Below is one of my rigs from years ago. Never had any problems but now that I'm older I don't think I'd want to try it again and I don't think I'd want to ask its current owner if he/she has ever had any transmission problems.

Believe it or not could easily get up to 70 on the hwy.

 

[superpop]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

It is not about whether or not you can tow with your 4Runner, it is if you can stop in an emergency in a reasonable amount of time and under control. I highly doubt the picture above could do either. Your 4runner could probably drag a 35 foot boat down a flat road for a few miles, doesn't mean it is safe or won't trash your rig. Please stay within the specs of your tow vehicle, you will be much happier.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

It is not about whether or not you can tow with your 4Runner, it is if you can stop in an emergency in a reasonable amount of time and under control. I highly doubt the picture above could do either. Your 4runner could probably drag a 35 foot boat down a flat road for a few miles, doesn't mean it is safe or won't trash your rig. Please stay within the specs of your tow vehicle, you will be much happier.

Oh I agree 100% it was a joke from good times past when younger and dumber was an excuse that might have held up in a court of law. Stopping was definitely 'interesting'.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

Don't be afraid of buying a 8-12 year old boat.
Many boaters baby them, care for them like they are children, and rarely use them. Then are a better boat than the 3 year old boat that was abused and poorly maintained. And often times will save you 5-10 thousand dollars, so you can buy more boat for the dollars.

I would pass on the Aztec Sunstar, as it is a hybrid ski boat, with mid engine and is an inboard. And as a true ski boat, it is set up to NOT throw a wake.

 

[Timxxl]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

1999 Pro Air Nautique. Lots of hours, but what do you guys think??

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/boa/1710499916.html

 

[ECVCHAMP]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

2008 Reinell 207LS, 305 V8, paid 20k for it as you see it. The 4runner is a 99 with a 3.4L V6. Pulls fine on the flats, works hard in the hills. Trailer brakes are a MUST it is rated for 5000lbs per the owners manual.

Replaced the 4runner for this year. with a 95 Chevy

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

I would go back to the Aztec. All the others you are looking at are 2 feet shorter. Unless you want a smaller boat, great, otherwise the bigger boat with the V-8 is the only way to go. You will not outgrow it as fast as you would with the smaller boats and for another few grand you can throw a tower and some fat sacks on the Aztec and have an awesome wakeboard and family boat. Year of the boat is not nearly as important as how it was cared for and maintained.

I second this. In my search for a boat, I too wanted a family bowrider that I could pull the kids in the tube and my wife and I could wakeboard. But I knew we would often times have another couple adults and a few more kids along. I didn't want to feel cramped. I ended up buying a 21ft montery v8 merc. I don't regret it one bit. The extra few few feet sure is nice when you get loaded up.

That aztec would be one sweet setup for what you are wanting to do. Have you looked at the nada value for it? Don't ever pay asking price. Most sellers leave room to negotiate in their asking price.

Here is the Nada Value link.
Basically without the trailer..$8,515 is low Retail and $9,680 is high. That is what you'd expect to pay at a dealer..I would print this out and go have a look. Good luck.

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.a...d=1600014633&y=2000&ml=A&z=92867&gc=MR&gtc=MR

 

[rokrau]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

Aztec ! No question. Buy fatsacks for wakeboarding or learn to ski instead Craigslisters usually leave 20% room. There - I said it.
I'd also have the boat checked by an independent boat shop before I took it for a test-drive.
Good luck!

 

[Timxxl]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

ok you guys convinced me. Going to look at the Aztec after work today...I'll let ya know!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

Me: get a used 17' center console with an outboard. Best starter family boat you can get. Forget the sofa boats.

Bubba: Family boat? Not even...

Me: Come out here to the coast and look at all the families in the center consoles, raising their children to be boaters. Look at all the teenagers running the same boats, with the skill and knowlege of older boaters.

There are no limits on your activities with a CC, and you spend more time boating and less maintaining. Families would rather spend their time doing the former than waiting around for the latter. and as for buying a used starter boat, you will find the fiberglass holds up better than carpet/cushions, and therefore he's more likely to find something ready to go.
Look, I know this kind of advice is opinion and personal preference, not fact. That's why it's better to present a new boater with options. This guy has a small family, wants to tube and fish, wants to spend under $15K. That rules out big boats, new boats and carpets.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

HC, I understand you love your CC's. However I am failing to see how these are family boats. Where the heck does everyone sit?

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

I got all of the optional seat cusions and backrests in my boat when I got it and I can seat 10 comfortably in my boat. Too bad the CG only allows 7.

For someone that will never see the salt water I'd recommend a bowrider but if you're going into the salt I have to agree with Home Cookin'. I love my boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

two at the helm, one or two in front of the console, 2 in the stern on either side of the motor, four in the bow on the lockers just like in a bow rider, two stand next to the console b/c lots of people, esp. guys, prefer to ride standing up, the rest on bean bag chairs in the back.
OK not all at once but you get the idea. But 4 teens/small adults ride well in the bow area. The advantage is that without the padding, there is more room.
BTW in my boat, no one sits on the bow deck, ever. Occasionally I'll let a guy rest a cheek on the gunwale, in certain conditions, but most times no one sits on a gunwale, either.
You don't even need cushions. If you have boney passengers you can give them a throw cushion to sit on. I'm usually carrying teenagers who don't care or soft-bottom adults like me!

 

[oceanbarrel]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

for 15k I would get a nice older ski boat with an open bow and an inboard. You can get used natiques and mastercrafts for this, they make awesome wakeboard boats. If you want an i/0 go for a sea ray or something like that for around 10k then get a nice tower, nice wakeboard and bindings, racks, etc. Wakeboarding is expensive!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

I don't know. To each is own I suppose. When I look at a traditional CC such as this:

I see 2 reasonable places to sit and maybe 4 additional places to precariously perch. This just doesn't scream "family" boat to me. Kick-*** fishing boat? Heck yes.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

for 15k I would get a nice older ski boat with an open bow and an inboard. You can get used natiques and mastercrafts for this, they make awesome wakeboard boats. If you want an i/0 go for a sea ray or something like that for around 10k then get a nice tower, nice wakeboard and bindings, racks, etc. Wakeboarding is expensive!!

Make that 'wakeboarding CAN be expensive'.

All you really need is a boat that will run ~20 MPH, a rope, a flag on a stick with a suction cup, a life preserver and a board. Everything else is just an unnecessary (albeit sometimes nice) accessory.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

trust me, they work. that whole bow area is great place to ride, especially for lots of chilren. It's like a bull pen and you can watch over them. Not precarious at all. Lots of room--more than an uphostered bow rider of equal length. I just think the CC is more boat for the money, inside, and a DC is a good compromise--not much difference between a BR and a DC, really. But it all comes down to preference and to a large degree what you're used to. I've had all three (I barely remember my dad's closed bow runabout so I don't count that).

I used to have 16' Starcraft bow rider--had two--and they were roomy b/c they didn't have paddnig everywhere, just removeable seat cushions up front. same as that CC in your picture. Also had vinyl floor so you could fish--used to troll for monster blues in it. So the user-friendly aspects vary more than just by interior design.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

What about Rinker boats? Looked at a 175 rinker captiva 4.3L for $21k.

Are they good boats?

Rinkers are great boats! I think that price is a bit high. Is it brand new?

I think though that a 175 is a bit small for what you are looking for. The 192 would work though.

Like has been stated earlier test drive a few boats and get a feel for what you like and don't like. Take your time, there are good used boats everywhere you just have to search for them.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Non hard-core wakeboard boat for less than $15k

And as a skier / water sports enthusiast, CC stands for correct craft to me!