I've got a project boat...an old 1978 19' Baja Bowrider (dual console/walk thru ski boat) with a 1750 Merc Black Max . The engine works fine but the boat's deck (and mostly likely the stringers) need to be replaced. My original thought was to re-build the deck to make the interior more suitable for fishing. As satisfying as the thought of re-doing the boat might be, my second thought was to forego the re-build and just purchase a used fishing boat (without the engine) and use the Black Max 1750. (That way I could be enjoying a boat on the water. I can work on the project boat during the off season).
I was thinking of a 16'-19' fishing boat, but 175 HP seems like a lot of engine (weight and power) for a primarily interior lake fishing boat that would generally be carrying two people and fishing gear. However, that kind of horsepower would provide the option of being able to do some ski-ing. I've read many threads on this forum regarding the relative quality of different boat manufacturers... and a thread probably exists on this subject, but I have not yet run across THE thread dealing with recommended fish-n-ski boats.
Does anyone have an opinion/experienced problems and/or have a recommendation for any given boat manufacturer that caters to the fish and ski crowd (versus the ski and fish crowd)? If I purchase used, is/are there manufacturer(s) that I should stay away from? Forgive me if I'm raising a question that's been answered a zillion times before.
I was thinking of a 16'-19' fishing boat, but 175 HP seems like a lot of engine (weight and power) for a primarily interior lake fishing boat that would generally be carrying two people and fishing gear. However, that kind of horsepower would provide the option of being able to do some ski-ing. I've read many threads on this forum regarding the relative quality of different boat manufacturers... and a thread probably exists on this subject, but I have not yet run across THE thread dealing with recommended fish-n-ski boats.
Does anyone have an opinion/experienced problems and/or have a recommendation for any given boat manufacturer that caters to the fish and ski crowd (versus the ski and fish crowd)? If I purchase used, is/are there manufacturer(s) that I should stay away from? Forgive me if I'm raising a question that's been answered a zillion times before.
