Used boat buying dilemma

[tnboater]

My family and I are new boaters and need some advice. I have the option to buy a 1996 Dynasty 18 foot ski boat with a 3.0L inboard Mercruiser. The boat/engine are in pristine condition. I know you may say the engine is too small but I am only wanting something to pull my 2 kids around the lake. Our other option is a 2005 18' Bayliner with the same size engine -but has the mfg. warranty. Any advice is welcome.

 

[tommays]

Re: Used boat buying dilemma

if you have the 1996 boat checked for problems with the drive and motor and there good you it will cost much less <br /><br />you cant tell buy looking a mech has to check them for problems<br /><br />you can not do a lot of maintance for 8 years and it catches up in a big way at some point around NOW<br /><br /><br />if you buy a new boat your going to have the fun of a new boat BUT will pay a lot of Deprecation the second it leaves the lot<br /><br />the problem is new boaters dont allways like boating or find they bought the worng boat<br /><br />tommays

 

[milkyway]

Re: Used boat buying dilemma

You are going to pull your 2 yrs old?<br /><br />My own experience tells me to buy a used boat from a dealer who has a good reputation of servicing what they sell. Since the other option is available, I'd buy the new bayliner with the warranty.

 

[johnson-liner]

Re: Used boat buying dilemma

Before 10 more people start commenting on what Milkyway said without reading the whole post and a war breaks out...If you read he said "2 kids"...nothing about a 2 year old (not that it would be any of our business). <br /><br />Anyway, my brother has what sounds like the same open-bow runabout Dynasty that you're talking about...maybe a couple years older. Same engine. It's a great starter boat and the 3.0 has plenty of power to pull a 200 pound skier up. <br /><br />I do agree that you should go the used boat route if you're new to boating. You never know if it's one of those hobbies that you'll get tired of/not have time for in a year or two. I think everyone's gone through that with a new toy/hobby at some point. Something to think about.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[tnboater]

Re: Used boat buying dilemma

I put my kids ages-the youngest which is 2years old. So I took it out to reduce confusion. He is got ready to ski yet, but maybe when he is older.<br /><br />I had a 17ft. Ebbtide for 10 years when I was in my 20's+, then sold it. I now want to get the family into learning to ski, etc. <br /><br />I was concerned about the small engine being able to pull a skier or get to a decent cruising speed.<br /><br />Glad to hear your brother has a dynasty boat and is happy with it. Not much information out there since they are no longer made.<br /><br />Thanks for everyone's info.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Used boat buying dilemma

i'd go with the used boat for the same reasons mentioned above. and as for getting the kids up skiing early, you don't have to wait long. i learned to ski on my own at age 5, my brother when he was 4 years old, no lie.