Who's still making Outboard Boats?

[hibbert6]

I've checked a few likely websites, but haven't found any manufacturers of outboard bowriders in the 18-20' category. Anybody know who's still making them?

Dave

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

Sea ray.. Saw it at the boat show

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

I share your concern. I searched low and high to find my 2004. I really like outboards.

There are a few new ones coming out and a few that have been on the market for a while.

Four Winns has an 18' model coming out for 2011:

Bayliner reintroduced their outboard model.

Glastron has been building outboard models all along.

Sea Ray has a model on the market.

Larson has a 17' model that was introduced for 2010.

That covers the mainstream builders. There are actually several niche market builders out there also.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

sea hunt "escape" series.
http://seahuntboats.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=21&Itemid=70

Grady white "freedom" series

although these are "dual consoles" there is no real difference IMO in these and a "bow rider"

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

Not a true bowrider, but have you looked at fish and ski's? Nitro, Procraft, Triton, Skeeter, etc all make a fish and ski that can somewhat get by as a bow rider and pass for a decent bass fishing boat.

Another angle, similar to Home Cookin's suggestions would be Triumph. My parrents have a 215 DC and are very happy with it.

 

[boatfish]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

I saw checkmate powerboats has been doing it for a while and have some new models out.. pretty reasonable. I have a 07 model and love it.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

Another option is to look at some of the deck boats like Hurricane and Nauticstar. They have some nice sized OB powered boats with layouts similar to bowriders.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

I saw checkmate powerboats has been doing it for a while and have some new models out.. pretty reasonable. I have a 07 model and love it.

Ditto that.

http://checkmatepowerboats.net/

Checkmate has been in business since 1963 and is one of the best quality boats you'll find. For you're requirements of an 18 to 20 foot bowrider they have the 1850BR and 2000BR.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

Also look at the lay-out of most center consoles, with seating in the bow, stern and amidships. Sea Hunt Ultra, for example. Once you get away from the lakes, they are very popular general use/recreational boats, especially among experienced boating families. For many good reasons. But you asked about bow riders....

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

sea hunt "escape" series.
http://seahuntboats.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=21&Itemid=70

I think that the Sea Hunt Escape 188 is a fantastic looking boat. In general, I like the dual console salt water class of boats.

What I find interesting is the 188 is only rated for 6 passengers. That just isn't going to cut it for most families. That in addition to the premium you pay for a "salt water fishing boat" over a bowrider makes it hard to justify for the average family. It may be a better, more durable boat, however, it needs to meet the needs of the user.

Honestly, I'm seeing a trend in what would typically be considered the "bowrider" market. The boats are becoming more and more like the lower maintenance salt water type boats for less money and with better comfort. As more bowrider builders get back into outboards the gap is even narrower...albiet there is still a gap, and a salt water boat will still provide a lower maintenance more durable alternative.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

You are not looking very hard. Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Carolina Skiff, and Cobia are the first four I looked at and all four have various OB powered bow riders.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

What I find interesting is the 188 is only rated for 6 passengers. That just isn't going to cut it for most families.

Six people on an 18' boat? Good lord. I'd rather ride a crowded elevator.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

I have 3 kids. With my 18' boat I frequently have 7 people aboard. My boat is rated for 8. It seems comfortable enough for us.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

If you are going to carry the max capacity, you want the more open design, liek a CC, than cramped and closed in, like a BR. But capacity doesn't always determine comfort. Carolina Skiffs are rated to carry a mob but they'd still be crowded (10 on a 19' for example).

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

THANK YOU!
You have informed me of many brands I had never heard of! I'll have to look around and see if there are any Checkmates or Carolina Skiffs for sale in California.

Deck boats are few and far between out here. Bummer.

When I went to the Sea Ray website, it kept diverting me away from the OB boat in my size range - really weird. I figured they had discontinued it.

So, my search continues. I'll definitely be checking out the Four Winns and Bayliners. Fortunately, I have several months to find just the right boat at - hopefully - just the right price!

Dave

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

THANK YOU!
You have informed me of many brands I had never heard of! I'll have to look around and see if there are any Checkmates or Carolina Skiffs for sale in California.

Deck boats are few and far between out here. Bummer.

When I went to the Sea Ray website, it kept diverting me away from the OB boat in my size range - really weird. I figured they had discontinued it.

So, my search continues. I'll definitely be checking out the Four Winns and Bayliners. Fortunately, I have several months to find just the right boat at - hopefully - just the right price!

Dave

Good luck with your search. Be patient and the right boat may just find you!!! Don't settle for something that's not really what you want. Again, good luck.

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Who's still making Outboard Boats?

Deck boats are few and far between out here. Bummer.

Deck boats have great carrying capacity, my Hurricane 195 (OB) is rated for 10. If your not going to encounter any high seas the shallow deadrise actually makes for a great performing boat. As has been mentioned earlier, both Hurricane and Nauticstar have OB options.