Same Situation Here!

[BarryBob]

Surf - I also have a clan of 5 people, 3 kids (6,4, 1.5 yrs old) and am looking for my first boat to explore Lake Champlain between VT and NY.<br /><br />I'm in the under $5,000 range and my primary concern is to get a boat big enough to fit everyone (which has me thinking 18') but small enough to be towed by a 1994 Toyota Previa minivan (which has me think closer to 16').<br /><br />I want as big as I can tow because the Lake can kick up pretty well when the weather changes. 14' is out of the question. I think I've decided on a bowrider just for the extra seating capacity. I got a line on a Ciera 160, which I hear is a dreaded Bayliner with Tohatsu 55 hp. for $1,400 obo. From what I'm hearing on this board, I may be better off waiting for a good $3,500-$5,000 boat.<br /><br />I'm also concerned about shallow waters, mainly because I'm clueless about depths, but I'll study my charts! Hull design will be based on ability to handle some rough waters, though.<br /><br />Thoughts anyone?<br /><br />Barry

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Same Situation Here!

BarryBob,<br /> I would wait and see if you can find a decent 18'er, if for no other reason, safety! If your going to be in rough waters, a Deep "V" Hull or a Semi-Deep "V" Hull will be the way to go. I would get the Max. rated HP for the boat or as close as you can. A 16'er is a little small for 5 people, especially with a 55 HP Motor. I would be looking at something near 100 HP with an 18 footer. The only problem with the Deep "V"'s are with the shallow water. Just depends on how shallow you need to run it and how often. I'm sure others will have opinions on your choice. Last 2 things: Stay away from older Bayliners and Stay away from "Force Outboards". Good Luck and you should have no problem finding what will suit you for $3000-$5000!!

 

[flashback]

Re: Same Situation Here!

never boated on that lake, but I can tell you this, if you are going against any waves of size, you do not want a boat with an open bow, get an 18 footer with a cuddy cabin and deep v hull and you will be a lot better off..............

 

[MrBill]

Re: Same Situation Here!

I'm familiar with Lake Champlain (son is student at UVM) and I boat in northern New England in some reasonably large lakes, although Champlain is definately a biggy. I would look for an older 18-20 ft bowrider I/O, probably vintage 1988 to 1990. Myself and many that I know, purchased 12 to 14 year old Wellcrafts, Dynasty's and Searay's with 130 to 165 hp Mercruisers I/O's for unders $5,000. Right now is a great time to get a 'deal' in Vermont. I bought a great 19 footer with a 165HP Merc in awesome condition last November for under $4000....what a great summer we had. Look around, and be patient, I think there are more used boats in Vermont than cows, well maybe people.

 

[surfcity]

Re: Same Situation Here!

Good luck on your search! I'm still keeping my eye's open, I figure sooner or later something will "appear". One thing I've noticed is that used late-80's bow riders are in abundance around here (central NC) in the $2500-$5000 range. The only thing that concerns me about those is the draft. I'm talking some very shallow water if you stray even a little outside the marked channels. And after a storm, the markers can't even be trusted. Keep us posted...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Same Situation Here!

Champlain is my playground! I love to explore that lake and do it quite often. Depending on where you launch and want to boat Champlain has allot to offer from the docile calm to the real bad waves (not to mention the occasional Champ sightings ).<br /><br />BarryBob if you are looking for a decent Champlain size boat e-mail me. There is a local dealer (used boats only) who has a decent selection when compared to the regular marina's. <br /><br />I am located in Castleton and work in Rutland. My e-mail is RPF924@hotmail.com contact me and I will give you a few leads to check out. If you are new to boating I would strongly suggest that you start on the southern end of Champlain (below the Chimney Point Bridge. The water is much calmer but you will have to pay attention to the channel markers.<br /><br />My usual routine is to launch in Whitehall, NY (South Bay) and head north to the bridge (a nice 90 minute trip by boat) Let me know and I will try to help.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Mikevn1500]

Re: Same Situation Here!

I Have 3 little boys(1-2-6) and the wife. I just picked up a 1986 Sea Rayder 17 1/2 openbow with a 140hp Mercruser I/O. This boat is in great shape and fits our family. It's easy to load by myself, And my S10 Blazer pulls it Great. My only complant is that I am more from the fishing side of boating but this boat has nothing to do with fishing except it floats. Oh well at least the the wife let me buy it for the family. We really like the way it is all padded out on the inside. My 1 and 2 yr olds run around in it like they are in the living room. My first boat was a 15 1/2 65hp outboard. At the time i liked it alot, But it just does not compare the bigger boat is better in every way. Except no livewell. (yet)

 

[Mikevn1500]

Re: Same Situation Here!

One more thing This Boat is very clean. You can easly tell that the former owner took very good care of it. I paid $3200.00 I looked at a lot of Boats and learned That almost everyone thinks there boat is in good shape. Some were junk some were so-so. I did a lot of running around looking and chasing down boats,racking up the miles on my truck. After serching out boats in 3 states (WV,PA,OH) I found one just 6 miles from the house. I guess my point is you have to get out there and look. Everyone that has seen and ridden in my boat say I got an outstanding deal.

 

[BarryBob]

Re: Same Situation Here!

A couple more things...<br /><br />I guess I assumed the Previa would not pull an 18' boat (it is AWD by the way). Sounds like that may not be the case.<br /><br />Someone in another thread said to spend 60% of my total purchase budget to buy the boat and reserve the rest for insurance, repairs, gas, etc. I have to admit I have not given much thought yet (I plan to buy next spring unless a good fall deal comes up). What's the typical season's cost to maintain a 16-18' foot boat? Aside from major failures, that is...<br /><br />My fear with the Ciera I'm considering is I'll buy it for $1,200 and put another $1,500 in engine work, hull repair, top, cover, etc. and end up with a boat that is still worth $1,200. That why I wonder if just buying a better boat for around $4,000 may be a better approach.<br /><br />By the way, the Ciera nor its trailer are registered so the seller won't put it in water. He says he hooked hose up to engine and it runs fine. May not be a good idea to buy my first boat without a test ride.<br /><br />BarryBob

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Same Situation Here!

I would stick with a water test. If you bring an un-registered boat to a lake and test it you will not go to jail. Call the VSP and they will confirm it as long as it is a test and not an outing for fishing or pleasure for the day.<br /><br />My primary concern is a 16' boat with a 55 hp will be okay for cruising and fishing. Provided the hull design is good you should do okay on calmer days on Champlain (and Southern end) and great for other lakes (Bomoseen, Dunmore, St. Catherine and others).<br /><br />Bob

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Same Situation Here!

I bought an 87' Sea Ray Seville 170 this spring for $5200. I had looked at only one other boat, but I knew this wqs the one. It was flawless. And so far, I have had a trouble free boating year.<br /><br />I have four small kids (8,7,6,2) and the wife and this boat is just fine. I will need bigger when they get older, but for now, this works. It has the 3.0l Alpha I combo which has not provided any limitations other than top end speed. I pop onto plane very quickly. The MPG is fabulous compared to the Force pig I had last year.<br /><br />I think I was lucky because I found a desireable boat in desirable condition, underpriced. <br /><br />If want shallow water capabilities, stick to the outboard models. It is a pain to beach this I/O without damaging the prop or the u-joints.<br /><br />I got the 17 footer because it would fit in my garage. If not for that reason I definately have gone larger and consequently more HP. However, this package works great.<br /><br />Good luck..