Time for NEW boat

[G. Arruda]

Ok I've posted a few time lately... my 88 4winns is dead :-(
We need to move on, I'm glad I learn on a 3k boat (like plug in, then launch!)
We enjoy boating as a family, so another boat is necessary!
Knowing my limited time, patients, and $; I think I would like to get into a NEW boat, and just maintain it not just fix it!
So... any recamendations on an entry(cheap) level boat to get into, a couple that come up are the Bayliner175, and the GlastronMX 170 or 175, I think I'd still like the idea of a OB but I think buying new I'd be ok with a I/O.
Use would be general lake fishing, tubing, wake boarding.

Thanks for previous comment look forward too more!
Gary

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Time for NEW boat

you must have missed this, it's going to be the boat to beat for the 2008 line, to be out real soon, get your order in. 3 styles to chose from. my choice would be the fish & ski.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=198208&highlight=test+drive

 

[KCook]

Re: Time for NEW boat

Regardless of the brand I would try hard to bump up from the 17' model to an 18.

Kelly Cook

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Time for NEW boat

Thanks! I did miss that thread. As bad as Bayliner has been bashed, I'm hearing other good things from recent owners. I think Bayliner is not the boat it was in the 80's & 90's, from what it sounds like.

Whats the word on entry Glastrons w/ Merc or Volvo???

Thanks again, Gary

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Time for NEW boat

Thanks Kelly. Why the 18? Does it make that big a difference in handeling and such?
Gary

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Time for NEW boat

i spent a day on those boats and i was a bayliner basher. i would buy one if i weren't retired, and didn't want payments. they quality is there. and the boat is well worth the money compared to the competition.

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Time for NEW boat

hard to beat the price... thanks, for the input!
thank, gary

 

[KCook]

Re: Time for NEW boat

Thanks Kelly. Why the 18? Does it make that big a difference in handeling and such?
Gary

Some difference. Whether it's a big enough difference is a personal call. But the other reason I would steer clear of the 17s is because these are all price point boats, plain and simple. The builders cut all the corners they can. Comparing them to the 18s at boat shows, same brands, seemed like the 18s got a little nicer treatment in workmanship, etc. In any event, at the 18 size there will be more brands to choose from. Which means more dealers, which may give you a shopping edge.

Kelly

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Time for NEW boat

I never considered that, makes sense!
Even the 18 Bayliner looks like a better deal...
Thanks, Gary

 

[rndn]

Re: Time for NEW boat

I see you're in NH. If you plan to stick to small shallow inland lakes think twice about going to an outdrive. They do draw more water and winterizing is not a whole lot of fun either. I went from an I/O to an outboard and love the ease of maintenance and lack of work to winterize.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Time for NEW boat

And outboards are so much fun for the kids when they try to climb back in the boat. Who really wants a nice big swimstep anyways?