What do I buy?

K

KIWI MERCMAN

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Looking for a new or very late model 21 to 23 bowrider but don’t know which one to go for.<br /><br />I live in New Zealand a want to import a good boat from the USA as the $ is good at the moment and there is a lack of bowriders here.<br /><br />I have had a lot to do with boats over the years but want some of your opinions on the present range of bowriders on the market in the USA.<br /><br />I have been looking at the Baja 202,212 islander, I hear that the hull is good and performs very well with the hp in it. <br />Its important that this boat looks even better than it goes and it has to go really well. Handling and comfort is very important as our lake can get very rough.<br />Must be Stern Drive and prefer small block. <br />It can’t be any wider than 8’6” on the trailer and a tandem custom trailer is a must.<br />But the Baja looks short on stowage, which I need, but hard to tell from photos.<br />Is there anything else that’s on the market that looks and goes as good?, and is about the same value for money.<br /><br />And if anyone wants to talk to me about a sale, please feel free to let me know.<br /><br /><br />KIWI <br />Downunder <br />MY SUMMERS JUST STARTING :cool:
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

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Re: What do I buy?

Kiwi, just to give you some more options - <br /><br />In Albury (Australia) they build the Malibu under license from the U.S. parent company. All U.S. conponents and build quality (including a chev speedo in MPH). Best looking bowrider I've ever seen. Lots of different options but you'll need deep pockets. Very popular over here with the wakeboarders.<br /><br />The only reason I mention the Malibu from Aus is that the shipping costs would be a far less than from the U.S.<br /><br />Aldo
 
K

KCook

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Re: What do I buy?

Baja does have a reputation for speed. As you already noted, storage is less than optimum. Don't really see all that many here as most shoppers prefer to spend the same $$ on more luxurious brands.<br /><br />Malibu is an outstanding V-drive. Will not have the speed of a sterndrive.<br /><br />For an all-around 21 footer I like the Chaparral 210. But there are plenty of other nice choices. Here is a good thread on another site on US bowriders in this size -<br /><br /> Trailer Boats Boards » ... » Help! Cobalt vs Chap vs Larson vs Bryant vs Crownline <br /><br />Kelly Cook
 
K

KIWI MERCMAN

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Re: What do I buy?

Thanks Aldo, Malibu from Aus is a great boat but I dont live on the Murray River, have spent alot of time there back when Flightcraft were in Melb.I built the first Moomba boats with Fightcraft and Regal Marine.<br /><br />Kelly thanks, you hit it on the head, you dont seem to get much in the Baja, so I'll check out your link.
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

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Re: What do I buy?

Originally posted by KIWI MERCMAN:<br /> have spent alot of time there back when Flightcraft were in Melb.I built the first Moomba boats with Fightcraft and Regal Marine.<br />
Click to expand...
Ain't this a small world! I'm about 10 minutes from regal marine - who now happen to be a Malibu dealer. If my memory serves right the flightcraft factory was in Croydon but they disappeared, did Malibu swallow up flightcraft?<br /><br />BTW - there is a Malibu dealer in Christchurch.<br /><br />Aldo
 
K

KIWI MERCMAN

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Re: What do I buy?

LOL , Yea I used to work at Regal when they were in Dandy, then went to Mercury for 15 years. Regal are back in Forest Hills now I think, David Telling used to own Flightcraft, dont know what really happened to them, but he spent alot on getting the 18XLT through AWSA spec's as a tow boat and forgot about his core bus while he was doing it. <br />If I remember, Malibu does still build a outboard model, our lakes here not to suitable for v drives, and Malibu are shallow in free board.
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

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Re: What do I buy?

Yeah regal have been in Forest Hill for a long time now.<br /><br />With flightcraft, rumors were that quality dropped dramatically and he retired up to the murray - couldn't compete with all the new players on the market. He's got a cabin on the river in Marool caravan park - I think. <br /><br />Correctcraft is the official towboat at the moment, I think its got more to do with whos' palm get greased as opposed to the best boat.<br /><br />Aldo
 
K

KCook

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Re: What do I buy?

There are a few US built V-drives that are not so low profile. Example the Calabria -<br />
cal_air_pv_lg.jpg
<br />I have run one of these on a rough lake and there was little risk of water getting inside. However like all V-drives they are quite a bit slower than a sterndrive.<br /><br />Kelly
 
sangerwaker

sangerwaker

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Re: What do I buy?

The Flightcraft (Malibu's) is no longer approved for barefoot here in the States. They stopped making them in 2001 I believe.<br /><br />Have you looked at Custom Ski Boats ? They are the current approved towboat down under. Not sure if they offer a bowrider, but their outboard model is quite roomy and is a nice rig. More speed than a typical inboard or v drive ski boat.
 
K

KIWI MERCMAN

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Re: What do I buy?

Thanks guys, but not really looking for a specialist ski boat, want somthing more sporty and bigger.<br /> <br />V drives would be less than .005% of the NZ market,people are just not into them.<br /><br />Kiwi
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

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Re: What do I buy?

Originally posted by sangerwaker:<br /> Have you looked at Custom Ski Boats ? They are the current approved towboat down under.
Click to expand...
Barefooting titles only yeah, but for the Moomba Masters (skiing/wakeboarding/ jumping/tricks/exhibition & barefooting) they use correctcraft ski nautique.<br /><br />Aldo
 
S

SteveRay

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Oct 20, 2004
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Re: What do I buy?

SEA RAY............or if you have $$$$$ go Cobalt.<br />Its all about resale
 
K

KIWI MERCMAN

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Re: What do I buy?

Thanks again guys, quintrex is not my thing, and they are alloy.<br /><br />Sea ray are here but there just a boat.<br />I'll just keep looking<br /><br />Kiwi
 
Kiwi Phil

Kiwi Phil

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Re: What do I buy?

Have you checked out your shipping options yet.<br />I have, and from what I can gather Wallenius Wilhelmsen Line is pretty good option.<br />It is Roll On/Roll Off, from States to Auckland then Aust.<br />Apparantly chock a block every trip, and they are putting on extra ships to catch up on back load.<br />Told their ships are full of Farm Machinery, Weenie Bagos, Pick-Up Trucks and <br />Boats etc, most 2nd hand.<br />I have the calculations for a quote if you want them.<br />If that $ goes much higher, I am just going to have to get one myself.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip
 
Kiwi Phil

Kiwi Phil

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Re: What do I buy?

Have you checked out your shipping options yet.<br />I have, and from what I can gather Wallenius Wilhelmsen Line is pretty good option.<br />It is Roll On/Roll Off, from States to Auckland then Aust.<br />Apparantly chock a block every trip, and they are putting on extra ships to catch up on back load.<br />Told their ships are full of Farm Machinery, Weenie Bagos, Pick-Up Trucks and <br />Boats etc, most 2nd hand.<br />I have the calculations for a quote if you want them.<br />If that $ goes much higher, I am just going to have to get one myself.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip
 
K

KCook

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Re: What do I buy?

If Sea Ray is "just a boat" for you then try Cobalt, Eliminator, and Hallett.
 
K

KIWI MERCMAN

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Re: What do I buy?

Hey Kiwi Phil, your right wilhlemsen is the way to go, would love those calc's.<br /><br />I'll take a look at the others thanks guys.<br />Kiwi
 
Kiwi Phil

Kiwi Phil

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Re: What do I buy?

K.M.<br />Probably little point in me giving you the formula to calculate rates as we are probably 2,500km further down the track from you. (their Ship goes to Auckland before Brisbane).<br />I delt with this chap at this e-mail address john.maltby@2wglobal.com and their web page is www.2wglobal.com so if you have problems locating the NZ Office address, ask this guy to supply it to you.<br />I think my quote worked out under Aud$10,000 for a 23' Bayliner 2355.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip
 
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