Which boat?

[Renny_D]

Hi I'm new to the forum and I did search before asking. I just would like to hear your advice.

We are looking at getting our first power boat. Been a sailor for years but moved to Oregon and here in Oregon it seams like this is powerboat territory. We have a 2000 Pontiac Montana with a 3.4l six and the sport package with load leveling rear end. I'll be adding a class 2 hitch and as big of a tranny cooler as I can fit on this thing. I read through the many posts on Towing with Front wheel drive and it seems the general consesus is yes if I stay away from really steep ramps and stay on concrete ramps. The van is rated for 3500 but I don't want to get to close to that limit. We have been looking at two kinds of boats - 14 ft run abouts with 50 - 65 hp OBs or 15 to 17 ft boats with 80 to 115 hp OB or 120 to 140 hp I/Os. We want the boat mainly to have fun with the kids - we have a 12 yr old and 5 and 3 yr old. We want to mostly tow them on tubes and go exploring on the lakes. We're also on a budget so mileage is an issue with the boats. We've been looking at the little run abouts primarily because we were concerned with the weight and pulling them out of the water. We'd love to hear your opinions on the boats we are looking at. Right now we are down to a 1962 14' glastron with a 50 hp ob, a 1973 larson 16' trihull with a 140 hp gmc IO or a 1973 16 ft bayliner with a 130 volvo I/o and possibly another 1968 16' aristocrat (unknown mfg) with a 90 mercruiser.

So knowing our rig and it's towing capacity please give us feedback.

Thanks
Renny

 

[Renny_D]

Re: Which boat?

Bump for some feedback. Lots of views but no opinions? Please let us know what you think about the boats we are looking at.

Thanks
Renny

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Which boat?

Just my opinion here since I live on the East coast, but IHMO those little boats are going to get real crowded real fast. Also that size boat is best suited to calm sheltered waters, ie. smaller lakes. If you are concerned about fuel consumption, those old outboards will be the cause of much consternation. It's been my experience that old outboards love gas, and with the age and hours on those motors, reliability will also be an issue. Another option would be to go with a newer stern-drive in the 17-18' range with a four cylinder engine. This might be getting close to your weight limit, but boats tend to shrink when there are children on board. Additionally, the four cylinder (usually a GM 3.0 l) will give you better fuel usage that those old two strokes. One last thing, check out the review of the 175 Bayliner. I know it's a review of a new boat, but I think the review would also apply to older 175's as well.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Which boat?

Hey Renny,

There are a couple of thoughts that come to my mind concerning your impending purchase. If you are good with a wrench then by all means stick with an I / O. At least you'll be able to work on the engine. Stay away from any tri hull boat - they will beat you to death. Great thought at the time but actually stupid in the long run.
I don't foresee any boat you have in your sights exceeding the weight limit of your tow vehicle but after you get this narrowed down a bit more do as much research into each. The trailer will be a very important issue so make sure it is also roadworthy.
Since the 'newest' boat you are looking at is 35 years old there just might be a whole lot of things wrong that you can't see or don't know about. Now you're talking about the kids here - they need to be safe. If I thought you'd be inclined to do so I would recommend a marine survey on the boat. But in all actuality I don't think that will happen. At least find someone who has some boating experience to take a look at the boat before you give up your hard earned money. And yes, a pre purchase ride is almost necessary. If the owner says no then simply walk away.
Too many boats out there right now for sale - it is indeed a buyer's market. Keep looking if none of these are acceptable to you.
I also strongly recommend that if you are new to boating you and your family should look into taking a safe boating course. They are offered by the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary for a very small fee. It will also reduce your insurance rates in certain instances.
Good luck in your search - .

 

[Renny_D]

Re: Which boat?

Hey Renny,

There are a couple of thoughts that come to my mind concerning your impending purchase. If you are good with a wrench then by all means stick with an I / O. At least you'll be able to work on the engine. Stay away from any tri hull boat - they will beat you to death. Great thought at the time but actually stupid in the long run.
I don't foresee any boat you have in your sights exceeding the weight limit of your tow vehicle but after you get this narrowed down a bit more do as much research into each. The trailer will be a very important issue so make sure it is also roadworthy.
Since the 'newest' boat you are looking at is 35 years old there just might be a whole lot of things wrong that you can't see or don't know about. Now you're talking about the kids here - they need to be safe. If I thought you'd be inclined to do so I would recommend a marine survey on the boat. But in all actuality I don't think that will happen. At least find someone who has some boating experience to take a look at the boat before you give up your hard earned money. And yes, a pre purchase ride is almost necessary. If the owner says no then simply walk away.
Too many boats out there right now for sale - it is indeed a buyer's market. Keep looking if none of these are acceptable to you.
I also strongly recommend that if you are new to boating you and your family should look into taking a safe boating course. They are offered by the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary for a very small fee. It will also reduce your insurance rates in certain instances.
Good luck in your search - .

Hi thanks for your feed back. I do plan on asking for a ride and I am leaning toward the bayliner. Thanks for the tip on the safe boating stuff. I'm actually an instructor on sail and power boats just my experience has been instructor,captain and crew on 36 and 40 footers or inflatables and not much in between in the way of power boats. Only boats I've owned have been sail boats big and little and nothing in the way of small powerboats other than inflatables which seem to be a much different animal. That's why I turned to you good folks. I always prefer to ask folks who have experience. I am a good wrench so I think the I/O might be preferable. I would love to have a surveyer, I did for all my big boat purchases but this is just a small boat and the surveyer could end up being a big percentage of the price. I do plan on bringing my rubber mallet to look for delamination and I'll crawl around in and under the boats as much as I can. Any red flags that you folks could suggest would be great. I'll check the oil in the out drive the oil in the engine. Look as closely as I can at the wiring. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for all the feed back so far.

Renny