Used Honda Civic on water?

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bonbuttercup

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Joined
Apr 10, 2005
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21
I'm a soon-to-be first-time boat owner and need some advice. I'm getting pulled in all directions as to what's good and what isn't. After some soul-searching, I've decided what I want: I'm looking for a 21-24' open bow I/O with enough room for, say, 10 people, that's high enough out of the water that I won't get beaten to a pulp on a busy weekend at Parker on the river. This boat will be manned by girls only, so we need something we can handle. <br /><br />I've decided against a tournament boat because I don't ski. My boat mechanic friend wants to see me in an Eliminator or Hallet, but I don't want something that nice and that expensive for my first boat. <br /><br />What I really want is a used Honda Civic on water - something reliable but inexpensive. A boat that wouldn't draw any attention when pulling up to a dock, other than it will be loaded full of girls. Something that isn't perfect, maybe has it's first "door ding". Looks are not nearly as important as reliability as I don't want to break down on the river.<br /><br />Some names have caught my attention: Chaparral, Maxum, Reinell, but I can't seem to find any straight comparison or reviews on various boats. I want something for river floats and maybe an occasional quick ski for a few of my ski-friends before the river gets choppy. <br /><br />I'm moving to Parker in May permanently and I'd really love a good river boat. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
T

TexomaAv8r

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 15, 2004
Messages
329
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

My thoughts: shop<br />You have your criteria and it sounds has if you have a friend who can speak to the mechanical soundness of whatever you consider so start shopping...classifieds, ebay, local area, everywhere..you wil get sharper with practice and begin to narrow your choices as you refine your desires.<br />There are lots of boats out there
 
N

NMplayer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 29, 2002
Messages
170
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

I understand what your wanting, but in the boating world it doesn't quite work like that. The honda civic is the boat that has been meticulously maintained and kept under cover. Most manufacturers will fit the bill as long as the above is true.<br /><br />What you want to do is look at a lot of boats on the internet and in person. Find out what you like and how you want it to be situated. Then you can try to find it. You really do want to have anything your looking at buying checked out and that goes for the motor as well as the boat.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

Honda Civic=canoe.<br /><br />10-12 people? You're looking at a BIG boat. 22-26' minimum. My 26' (Crownline) bowrider is only rated for 10 people-max, without gear (stuff).<br /><br />I'm thinking-PONTOON! A BIG one at that-24'-plus.
 
S

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

Can you rent boats in the area that you are interested in boating - or do you have any friends who have something close? That is the best way for a 1st timer to get some hands-on before putting out big bucks.
 
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dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> Honda Civic=canoe.<br /><br />10-12 people? You're looking at a BIG boat. 22-26' minimum. My 26' (Crownline) bowrider is only rated for 10 people-max, without gear (stuff).<br /><br />I'm thinking-PONTOON! A BIG one at that-24'-plus.
Click to expand...
My 21 foot river boat (aluminum, "runabout" style) has a 10 person rated capacity. I only have seating for 8 (2 benches (3 ea) and 2 pedestals), but if I wanted I could easily add a couple more seats. I can't remember the weight capacity off hand, but it's plenty for 10 average people, the motor, fuel and day gear. It handles just fine with that load, not exactly head snapping, but gets up on plane just fine. Couldn't put 10 people and camping gear in it though! It's pretty wide with a 7 foot beam.
 
Boomyal

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

Ahem?? If you don't ski, what are all you girls gonna be doin out on the river?? Fishin?? ;)
 
rogerwa

rogerwa

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Nov 29, 2000
Messages
2,339
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

We would need pictures of the crew in order to make a more accurate recommendation.. However,something like this may be the ticket. An aluminum hulled deckboat with outboard. See the link..<br /><br /> http://www.sundownermarine.com/tahiti.html
 
roscoe

roscoe

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Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,753
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

notinbig, :) <br /><br />I think rogerwa is on the right track.<br />These big aluminum deck boats are great for floating and cruising, and should offer a weight advantage over a glass bow rider.
 
rogerwa

rogerwa

Commander
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Messages
2,339
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

I thought the outboard version would be less complex from a maintenance and operation standpoint, but she stated an I/O. <br /><br />YOU can find these Aluminum deckboats used occasionally, and also may be able to find a Hurricane fiberglass tri-hull type model. Some these older Hurricanes you can find, while not being pretty, can be had for a reasonable price.<br /><br />I think it would be worthwhile looking at the outboard models from a complexity perspective. I find my I/O quite a bit more cumbersome when beaching and in low water areas. Also, the outboard will have less winterizing needs than an I/O. I do love the quiet and smoothness of my I/O however..
 
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bonbuttercup

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Apr 10, 2005
Messages
21
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

Another friend suggested Sundowner, but in reading other posts, seems that the boat isn't that great. Thoughts? <br /><br />I was thinking more on the lines of a 22' Chaparral or Maxum open bow...I don't think the Sundowner will fit in my garage at the river. It's too tall, pontoon boats sit pretty high on the trailer...<br /><br />My boat mechanic refuses to work on outboards - and as far as winterizing...it's Parker. It's 70 degrees in the middle of winter.<br /><br />And for those stating they need to see the occupants before commenting, trust me, we're cute.
 
Boomyal

Boomyal

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Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

Originally posted by bonbuttercup:<br />And for those stating they need to see the occupants before commenting, trust me, we're cute.
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Sorry, we're a very visual group here on iboats. Nothing less than pictures will do the job. ;) <br />They definitely help us give more accurate information and advice. :D <br /><br />maybe one of these would do?<br /><br />
055382.jpg
 
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bonbuttercup

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Apr 10, 2005
Messages
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Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

You guys are total dogs....OK, but now you have to seriously help me :) Memorial Day weekend is approaching fast and I want a boat in my garage by the time I move to Parker.<br /><br />The Captain (me)is on the left, and my two co-captains are with me. I figure if V (the dark one) can fly a plane, she can drive a boat (and she does already), and she's the sober one in the family.<br /><br />Another thing that's important to me is image. My ex boyfriend lives up there and I don't want my first boat to be something stupid-looking. We'll be on the river at the same time and I'd like to be a little more stylin' than being in a Pontoon boat.<br /><br />So, will you guys PLEASE help me narrow down my options with your wealth of boat knowledge? <br /><br />I'd definitely be OK with a deck boat. I did just run across a 1998 21' Chaparral Sunesta in Peoria, AZ for $22,000...THAT I'd feel good about.<br /><br />www.bonbutter.com/us.jpg
 
Boomyal

Boomyal

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Aug 16, 2003
Messages
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Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

Ah! That's better. Forget the bowrider. I think what you really need is a boat with a large enough foredeck that you all can take turns cruising down the river, lounging, langorously, on the foredeck like Lauren Bacall did in her famous pose. :D <br /><br />Furthermore, I think you should consider relocating to the Columbia River area in Oregon or Washington. We desperately need boatloads of pretty girls cruising on the water. It's totally depressing here seeing boat after boat go by with few girls in them. And when they are they don't even wear bathing suits, just T-shirts and shorts. :mad: (actually, the truth be known, we are glad that most of them don't wear bathing suits :eek: )
 
R

RatFish

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 29, 2003
Messages
647
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

bonbuttercup,<br /><br />I have a 20' bowrider with an 8' beam. I've found 6-7 people to be acceptable although a bit crowded. I wouldn't consider my boat adequate for 8-9 people (plus gear) on a regular basis. Not even close. People would be packed in like sardines. Moving around would be next to impossible and forget about lying down to tan. IMHO, I'd look for something in the 24'-26' range at a minimum.<br /><br />EDIT: Oh Yea... Hubba, Hubba... ;)
 
B

bonbuttercup

Cadet
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Messages
21
Re: Used Honda Civic on water?

I can't have anything that won't fit in my garage (29'). Can anyone tell me about Larson? I only ask because I ran across this boat:<br /><br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/0/75851190.htm <br /><br />and I especially like the seating layout. It's about what I'm looking for, and it's in my price range. It's from a dealer and I know the guy over there. I haven't given Larson a thought but now...
 
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