Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

[butteco]

I am a college student looking for some summer fun - I don't need anything NEW, FANCY, OR EXPENSIVE ( and yes, I know boats in general are expensive to maintain)I just want something FAST(35-40mph) that I can use as a base for a large motor when I save up some $$$. <br /><br />I already decided that I would like to have an outboard because my budget only permits me to get a "used" boat, and if the motor ever goes I want to be able to upgrade it easily(once I save enough $$$ to buy a nice outboard). <br /><br />I am currently looking at the following boats and would like opinions/suggestions as to which would be the best choice? <br /><br />THANKS IN ADVANCE! <br /><br />Prospective Boats:<br /><br />1.) 1973 18.5' Sidewinder w/ "650 Four" 65HP Merc. O/B. NEEDS: a new prop and old gas/carb cleaned.<br /><br />

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<br /><br />_________________________________________________<br /><br /><br />2.) 1979 Tahiti 19' w/ Force 35hp O/B. RUNS. (and NO! the girl doesn't come with the boat.)<br />

<br />_________________________________________________<br /><br /><br /> <br />3.) 1970' Carlson 17' Mod. Tunnel w/ 68' 100HP Merc. O/B. Motor has been babied and has good compression. Boat is clean and RUNS.<br /><br />_________________________________________________<br /><br /><br />Of these 3 what would be the best choice and why? <br /><br />Again I am simply looking for something cheap to cruise around in this summer (and maybe ski or tube if the motor is strong enough) and then eventually use as a ski boat when I can afford a 80's/90's 125HP or 150HP outboard... <br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

Of the 3 number 3 is the choice.<br /><br />Number 1, even if it were running perfectly, would not give you the performance you are looking for - 65 hp on an 18.5'just ain't enough hp. Number 2 has a Force motor and enough said about that + I doubt that any 35 hp would get a 19' on plane.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

I doubt a 35 hp anything will get that boat on plane. I have to agree with him about this 1.<br />If you find a good runng Force then you can buy that as you stated you will be trading up in the future.

 

[QC]

Re: Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

If that Tahiti wasn't so underpowerd that is the way I would go. I can't beleive that somebody put that OB on it. There is no way it came like that, Force's were still Chrysler's then. I bet it originally had a 115 on it.<br /><br />The Carlson would be cool, but that is going to be interesting with more power.<br /><br />I say, keep looking.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

Ayuh,......... Gotta Agree.........<br /><br />#1 is a Dead Horse,....... You'll Already be spending More Money,+ it'll be on an Antique Motor............<br /><br />#2 Somebody just threw that ahh,.. ahhh,...motor on it to Unload the hull.....That's a Hard Sell, Even WITH the Girl........<br />It Might Float,+ Run,.....But, It's Not a Running Package........<br />That Hull Needs Atleast Twice that much Power.........<br /><br />#3 is Old,.... But, Atleast a Viable Package..........<br /><br />I'd pick #3,...... Even Without a Photo........

 

[QC]

Re: Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

If you have more time, I'd look for the 17ft. version of that Tahiti with at least 85 hp on it. They have a very nice entry and are very smooth in chop. There are some around. Easily in your speed range, and a repower later with a 135 would go real good.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

Those Carlson's are great if maintained or restored. check classicglastron.com for info on it. #2 probably won't get out of its own way with 35hp. #1 is nice, but i know little about sidewinders. You could also keep on the lookout for something like a Glastron GT-150. They are inexpensive and will fly with their full rated horsepower for a cheap ride that has tons of class.

 

[butteco]

Re: Which of these is the BEST BEGINNER BOAT? (Pictures)

Okay some good info. Thanks guys - I WILL DEFINITLEY STAY AWAY FROM THE TAHITI/FORCE package... I was wondering what the #$%( with a 35HP motor... <br /><br />The SIDEWINDER Is in REALLY GOOD condition (hull anyway) and has a good design. The actual motor has a bad prop. The guy hit a sunken bouy with it and damaged 2 out of the 3 blades and then continued to ride around the lake until "the vibration drove him nuts". Would that ruin the lower unit or motor? The oil checked out with NO metal flakes in it? <br /><br /><br />The CARLSON is a REALLY COOL HULL too, but it is such an ugly color, and the interior is falling apart. I don't know if i would be happy with it. Although it is the only READY TO RUN boat out of the two remaining choices - and it does have a 100HP motor on it... But the motor is 36+ years old maybe even 40years old. I gotta wonder how much longer it will last. Especially since it was used on a "ski boat".