Which bowrider...

[Mhorn0817]

Me and the Wife are finally looking to buy a boat. We have narrowed it down to a bowrider, there could be others but think the bowrider is the best fit for us. Anyway i'm thinking 19-22ft, i/o motor, atleast a v6. like to stay around 10k and below. I know the name brands but are slowly learning some other brands as well...this bioat will be used in lakes, river and occasional bay use. Will be a pleasure boat and need to pull tubers and skiers as well as carry a few people. i know i shouldnt even worry about this but a decent GPH would be nice as well. What are your suggestions?

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Which bowrider...

I would go with a V6 MPI but a carb. is not bad. I like Sea Ray, Larson, Starcraft, and Tahoe. Crownline and Cobalt are good but cost more. My other boat was a Starcraft and it had a Mercruiser carbed V6 and it was good on gas and had plenty of power. My friend has a 21' Four Winn with a carbed V6 and it performs great.

 

[Mhorn0817]

Re: Which bowrider...

Thanks for the reply, which year range do you prefer? I found a 02 caravelle 209 in my area at the top of my price range but seemed really nice, but if I can find an equivilent for cheaper I would go with something else. We go on a family vacation every year and always rent a boat for the week. Always wind up with a newer Bayliner 180 with the 4.3 which is nice. But as far as Bowriders thats the only type ive been on.

 

[jkust]

Re: Which bowrider...

Brownskull has mentioned the most disperate bunch of bowrider's I think I've seen in the same sentence. A late 1990's Sea Ray or very early 2000's Sea Ray would be ok (the small ones got crappy after that but the prices didn't reflect it properly) and likely at the top of your range. Starcraft are mostly aluminum with a few glass bowriders around here and there that I see in the early to mid 2000's. With a low budget, I wouldn't shun a glass Starcraft. They have some nice features but some not so nice things about them. Tahoe is an ultra entry level boat especially in the price range you are thinking. They've improved a lot since they started making the Tahoe line but still budget but with a fishing heritage. (you can just compare prices new to see where these brands fall) Maybe a possibility there since you get a lot for the money with a Tahoe. A Crownline would have to be a bit older and Cobalt would have to be really old. Cobalt quit making a sub 20 foot boat in 03 with the 02 model year as the last. Lot's of Larsons around and they are a solid boat given your $.
Caravelle is actually a pretty decent boat and an 02, 209 for your price range sounds like a good bargain presuming a lot of things however. I don't see that many in MN. Which engine is in the Caravelle? As the boats you look at either get longer or more upscale, they will naturally be heavier and performance will be less with a 4.3. If I were to look at a 20 foot boat, I'd be more apt to seek out a v8. Don't forget that it was carb or EFI prior to 2002 and then it was MPI or Carbs onward. Point being MPI isn't that old, harder to find on smaller boats and likely going to be more popular in the used market. Oddly enough I see more small Crownlines with MPI in the early days of MPI than any other brand. Even more strange is none have snap out carpet. (MPI is now EPA mandated on new boats I/O engines until the current stock of carbs runs out as the short story)

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Which bowrider...

An 02 Caravelle is a good bargain at under 10k. You will be fine with a 4.3. With a good prop it will pull a tube, skier, run nearly 50mph and is good on fuel. We love ours. Its a little older, but very similar.

Caravelle didn't go wood free until 2004, so check for soft floors and transom. Have a someone who knows boats look it over.

 

[Downforce6]

Re: Which bowrider...

Me and the Wife are finally looking to buy a boat. We have narrowed it down to a bowrider, there could be others but think the bowrider is the best fit for us. Anyway i'm thinking 19-22ft, i/o motor, atleast a v6. like to stay around 10k and below. I know the name brands but are slowly learning some other brands as well...this bioat will be used in lakes, river and occasional bay use. Will be a pleasure boat and need to pull tubers and skiers as well as carry a few people. i know i shouldnt even worry about this but a decent GPH would be nice as well. What are your suggestions?

Exactly how many people/kids? I'd stay with the 19-20' and a 6. Assuming most of the time we are talking 2-3 adults and some kids. Occasionally 4 adults okay. You'll have adequate power and room to do what you want, and it wont break the bank to do it. U didnt comment on your boating experience but this would be a good size for learning as well.

If money is not an option, then by all means, get the bigger boat and the bigger motor, but if it is then the aforementioned I think you will be happy with.

 

[Mhorn0817]

Re: Which bowrider...

Thank you for all the tips and info, the Caravelle I seen for sale has a 5.0 merc http://easternshore.craigslist.org/boa/3157758963.html

I guess the normal amount of people would be 4, but when out with family could be 6-8 people. I have minimul boating expierence so im not looking for a huge boat at first. Are there certain motors,outdirves,models to steer away from?

 

[Mhorn0817]

Re: Which bowrider...

i also keep searching thru forums, boattrader, craigslist, ebay at all the different boats out there to get a generalation of what i want/need as well as see what everything is going for and see what to lean towards and stay away from.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Which bowrider...

Nice looking boat and a new engine with a warranty to boot. Seems really cheap to me at 12K. 40MPH seems really slow for that motor - might want to see how it is propped.
Main thing to take a look at is any water damage.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Which bowrider...

Mercruiser drives are much cheaper to work on compared to V/P.

I would steer clear of boats used in salt water if possible. Salt corrodes everything. That's not to say someone didn't take good care of it but the same age boat used in fresh water would be a better gamble... hard on the trailer too. That's just been my experience, others may disagree.

 

[jkust]

Re: Which bowrider...

Nice looking boat and a new engine with a warranty to boot. Seems really cheap to me at 12K. 40MPH seems really slow for that motor - might want to see how it is propped.
Main thing to take a look at is any water damage.

Ok take this chart of the 02 209 with a grain of salt and I've a few doubts given some of the engine choices.
209 Performance Chart


Engine HP Max RPM Range Standard Prop Est. top speed
Mercury 4.3L 190 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 44-48 MPH
Volvo 4.3GL 190 4200 - 4600 14 1/2 x 19 alum 44-48 MPH
Mercury 4.3efi 210 4400-4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 45-49 MPH
Volvo 4.3Gi 205 4400 - 4800 14 1/2 x 19 alum 45-49 MPH
Mercury 5.0L 220 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 47-51 MPH
Volvo 5.0GL 220 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 47-51 MPH
Mercury 5.0 efi 240 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 49-53 MPH
Volvo 5.0Gi 250 4600 - 5000 14 1/4 x 21 alum 51-54 MPH
Mercury 5.7L 250 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 53-56 MPH
Volvo 5.7GS 250 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 53-56 MPH
Mercury 5.7efi 260 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 54-57 MPH
Volvo 5.7GSi 280 4600 - 5000 14 1/4 x 23 alum 55-58 MPH
Mercury 350Mag 300 4600 - 5000 13 1/2 x 23 SS 58-61 MPH
Volvo GXi 315 4600 - 5000 14 3/4 x 21 SS 59-62 MPH
Mercury 6.2L 320 4800 - 5200 13 1/2 x 23 SS 59-62 MPH

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Which bowrider...

Ok take this chart of the 02 209 with a grain of salt and I've a few doubts given some of the engine choices.
209 Performance Chart


Engine HP Max RPM Range Standard Prop Est. top speed
Mercury 4.3L 190 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 44-48 MPH
Volvo 4.3GL 190 4200 - 4600 14 1/2 x 19 alum 44-48 MPH
Mercury 4.3efi 210 4400-4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 45-49 MPH
Volvo 4.3Gi 205 4400 - 4800 14 1/2 x 19 alum 45-49 MPH
Mercury 5.0L 220 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 47-51 MPH
Volvo 5.0GL 220 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 47-51 MPH
Mercury 5.0 efi 240 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 49-53 MPH
Volvo 5.0Gi 250 4600 - 5000 14 1/4 x 21 alum 51-54 MPH
Mercury 5.7L 250 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 53-56 MPH
Volvo 5.7GS 250 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 53-56 MPH
Mercury 5.7efi 260 4400 - 4800 14 1/4 x 21 alum 54-57 MPH
Volvo 5.7GSi 280 4600 - 5000 14 1/4 x 23 alum 55-58 MPH
Mercury 350Mag 300 4600 - 5000 13 1/2 x 23 SS 58-61 MPH
Volvo GXi 315 4600 - 5000 14 3/4 x 21 SS 59-62 MPH
Mercury 6.2L 320 4800 - 5200 13 1/2 x 23 SS 59-62 MPH

That chart is accurate based on my experience.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Which bowrider...

Ok, you are shopping used and are wanting a boat that is the only sellers market in the boating market right now. ($10,000 Bow rider) All I can say is, FORGET name brands and shop based on condition. When it come to a used boat I'll take the cheapest boat built that has been well cared for over a Royals Royce that has been beat on and neglected.

Because you are trying to buy in the only real sellers market at the moment be ready to kick a lot of props to find the boat you want.

Bubba is spot on... condition is everything!

If you wait until October it will be a buyers market. In my region boat prices drop by at least 30%. Folks want to dump them before paying for winter service.

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: Which bowrider...

Bubba is spot on... condition is everything!

If you wait until October it will be a buyers market. In my region boat prices drop by at least 30%. Folks want to dump them before paying for winter service.

Bingo!!!! I looked at my newer boat starting in August last year. They wouldn't even talk price. They called me in September, I declined, then they called me again in October. I went and bought it on MY terms. And I bout it for 25% off what they wanted in August.

 

[Mhorn0817]

Re: Which bowrider...

Yes I thoughtt it was a decent deal considering the newer motor and warrenty...the 40 mph did seem a little low to me but im still researching. what and where can I check for any and all water damage? I would love to find a Fresh Water only boat but within my price range I know I cant be extremely picky. So I will be looking for a well-cared for boat. Thank you for the chart, I will be doing some comparisions with that chart. Brand names are not a concern of mine, I just really only know the brand names since im new, so I dont care what it is as long as its something im looking for, in my price range, and in good condition. I have been thinking about waiting until end of season to buy a boat, although id love to get out on the water now. But I want to do my research and find the right boat for me before making a somewhat big purchase...i appreachiate all the info, any more just keep it coming, thank!

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Which bowrider...

Back in 1995 I bought a used 21 ft Arriva bow rider. It's made by US Marine it had a 230 hp chevy. Alpha 1 out drive. It was very fast ,quick to make easy turns ,very good on gas. I sold it in 2007 and it was still running strong but I wasn't.I paid $9,000 For it and sold it for $4,000. I see it every weekend down at the beach pulling girls on water ski's

 

[jkust]

Re: Which bowrider...

That chart is accurate based on my experience.

The to things I don't know about are a 6.2liter engine on an under 3000lb boat sounds fishy and when did the 6.2 even start being used? I wouldn't have expected to see over 280hp available.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Which bowrider...

The to things I don't know about are a 6.2liter engine on an under 3000lb boat sounds fishy and when did the 6.2 even start being used? I wouldn't have expected to see over 280hp available.

6.2 mercruiser has been around since 2001/2002

 

[Mhorn0817]

Re: Which bowrider...

what year boat was the Arriva? i was looking at boats from 2000+, but i guess if i found what i wanted and the right deal on a older boat i would take that as well