novice seeking advice

[ugabulldog]

Wife and I have decided to purchase boat we can enjoy on a large lake near our home. I know next to nothing about boats but have no problem researching, that's what i love about the internet. We would like to get a used small, 16' runabout type, kinda like a bayliner capri. My question is about engines mainly I guess, looking for the most dependable and inexpensive to work on or replace if ever needed. (I read the sticky about "no such thing as a perfect boat" and I believe it) From the little I've read, would an outboard meet my criteria more than an I/O? what about a jet boat, if so are 2 cycles better than relying on an oil pump? I have read about the pros and cons of diff. engines ie: taking up space, difficulty in steering at low speeds, etc. Mainly trying to focus on dependability and affordablity. Please go easy on this boat newbie, thanks.

ps- I know forum says no engine topics but since I am asking about all instead of a specific, I figured this would be the best spot to post.

 

[Sikiguya]

Re: novice seeking advice

Don't do it....too small of a boat on a big lake is not enjoyable. It isn't the room that you are concern with. It is the wake of other boats. Look at 20 footers. It really isn't that big of an issue. If the lake is busy, you will get beat up on the water.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: novice seeking advice

What are you calling a big lake? If your talking about the Great Lakes or something similiar, then 16' is on the small size. My first boat was a 14' runabout and was great on the lake which was easily 20 mi. end to end. Buy a boat that meets your needs AND suits where you are going to use it. That goes for the motor size as well. Bring along someone with experience.They will know to look for soft spots, rotton transom, damaged gel coat etc.
Research your purchase as well. Some boats and some motors have better reputations than others.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: novice seeking advice

You made a statement about "2 cycle rather than relying on an oil pump". You apparently need to research engine designs to make sure you understand the numerous differences. Two stroke (2-cycle engines) rely on an oil pump (the oil injection pump) to automatically mix the oil and fuel before it enters the engine. Four cycle engines are like the engine in your car from a design standpoint. You change oil on them just like you do a car. That is not required on a two cycle engine. Jet boats are hard on engines because they run at higher rpms and are difficult to steer at very slow speeds but are great in shallow water. Outboards (2 or 4 stroke) are easier to work on (generally) than an I/O. You also have the option with an outboard of changing the motor and keeping the boat if you love it, or keeping the engine and selling the boat if you don't. With an I/O you are stuck either way. How you boat, the size of the lake and how stirred up it gets when busy, and the number of folks you typically have with you will determine size. In my view, 16 foot is the bottom of the scale for most two person loads but they can typically handle 4. Whatever you decide to buy, especially in an outboard, check the maximum horsepower rating on the capacity plate for the boat. If the engine is less than 70 - 75% of the maximum rated HP, you will have a poor or marginal performing boat. In other words, if the boat is rated for 100 HP max, it should be powered with an engine that is a minimum of 70 HP and preferably 75 HP or more up to the maximum. I strongly suggest your first boat be an outboard. For the simple reason that they are generally a little easier to sell. Outboard powered rigs tend to be a little lighter than I/O powered rigs so you need less power to trailer them and that translates to better fuel economy.

 

[56 rude]

Re: novice seeking advice

Silvertip,not all 2 strokes are oil injected some of the used ones are premix as i am well aware you know and proably left out of your excellent answer by mistake.Just pointing out that there are more than oil-injected 2 strokes out there and the new buyer should make sure he definatly knows what he,s getting.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: novice seeking advice

You may want to avoid Force or Chrysler outboards as parts and service are becoming more difficult to obtain. I have a 16' and it definitely doesn't go well in the chop. However it is also not a very deep V. I watch the weather forcasts carefully and if the wind is supposed to be much over 8-9MPH I stay home. A larger boat with a deeper V would make this much less of an issue.

 

[MikDee]

Re: novice seeking advice

I'd say a minimum of an 18'-20' boat, will handle most small lakes, & protected waters. Thats what I found sufficient on the Great South Bay L.I. where the average ranged from dead calm, to 3' waves, it could get worse, but I decided it wasn't worth boating on those days. If you want simplicity with a minimum of, & ease of, maintenance, get an outboard, usually these are 2cycle engines with either premix (mix it yourself), or oil injection (newer motors),,, Or, the newer (Eco-friendly) outboard engines, are also available in 4 cycle and have a crankcase for oil, like a car. If you must have a car type engine, which is more complex, with more "hands on" repair, & maintenance, get an I/O, which is usually heavier, & needs a bigger vehicle to tow. A small jet boat, is like a jet ski, an inefficient drive design for fuel consumption, because they require much more power to attain the same speed of a prop driven boat. They're fun, & ok, but usually made for shallow water running, a nightmare though to work on because the engine, & drive are really tucked away in tight spots basically they are like a marine motorcycle

 

[ugabulldog]

Re: novice seeking advice

Thanks for all the help. Hope I have as good of luck w/ a used boat as I've had w/ used cars. If anyone has anything else to add, please do. Thanks again.