Boat shopping sucks!! UPDATE: i got one!

[PocketThunder]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

[A383Wing]

buying the boat is the first step...then there is maintenance, license, trailer license, mooring & storage if needed...

I worked on pleasure boats for 10 years....they are expensive to keep

sorry to be the first "negative" post.....but you asked

[greenpigs]

We looked for a bit but the wife decided she would rather have 2 jet ski's. but that hasn't happened yet.

[doctor4766]

Yep, all the upkeep and other costs associated with boats has left me thinking I'll just jump onto other people's boats instead. Be nice to have one for sure but I couldn't be farked with all the side issues.

[Shakey]

Yeah, it sure sounds painful deciding on how to spend disposable cash on a boat!   

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Seriously, with all the lakes to choose from in MN and the fact that your are buying it with the kids in mind and entertainment for them, I think they'll really appreciate it.  Stick to your budget knowing that they/you may become bored with it after a few years.

Perhaps Ron will chime in as I believe it was not too long ago that he purchased his first boat.

[Richard Cranium]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

I bought a new Malibu Response LXI 3 years ago. In my mind, you just can't go wrong with a Malibu. You can option it however you want, it's extremely well built, comfortable, and priced better than a comparable Master Craft. I opted for a tour of the plant in TN while mine was on the assembly line and I found that VERY interesting. If you're serious about a new Malibu, perhaps I can offer some guidance. Of course, there's plenty of 2-3 year old boats out there that have low hours, and in this economy, you probably can score a deal.

This one's painted somewhat like mine....

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2009-MALIBU-Response-LXI-96820789

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Owning a 21' ski boat, 16' aluminum boat, jet ski, 16' catamaran sailboat, sunfish, and three kayaks, that doesn't hold true for me. 

[Domino]

I like work boats...for me here in MD it's all about catching crabs/rockfish and killing ducks/geese!


My previous boat:

[skip68]

I say there are boat people and then there land lovers.  We have had several boats and jet skis over the years and only had a few small issues.  A 17 to 22 ft openbow makes for a good family boat.  I allllllways tell anybody thinking about a boat to start with a used cheaper boat for a season.  Make sure its for before you spend big money on a toy that gets parked.

[BigBlackDodge]

There are two great days in a boat owners life.....

The day you buy it and the day you sell it.



BBD

[PocketThunder]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

I bought a new Malibu Response LXI 3 years ago. In my mind, you just can't go wrong with a Malibu. You can option it however you want, it's extremely well built, comfortable, and priced better than a comparable Master Craft. I opted for a tour of the plant in TN while mine was on the assembly line and I found that VERY interesting. If you're serious about a new Malibu, perhaps I can offer some guidance. Of course, there's plenty of 2-3 year old boats out there that have low hours, and in this economy, you probably can score a deal.

This one's painted somewhat like mine....

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2009-MALIBU-Response-LXI-96820789

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Owning a 21' ski boat, 16' aluminum boat, jet ski, 16' catamaran sailboat, sunfish, and three kayaks, that doesn't hold true for me. 

Thanks, and i'd love to have that boat but its just a few dollars out of my price range of $15,000 or less.  thats why i'm shopping in the late 1990's category.  Maybe when i'm in Vegas for the weekend next month i can win some boat money.  Or i can just fold what i have in half and put it back in my pocket..  hahaha

[Shakey]

That's right - we may be able to get together for a cocktail or three in Vegas next month.  I still have yet to book my flight and at this moment, not even sure what the date I am arriving is but I think it is the Saturday that you are there.

Let's touch base closer to that date.  I'm buyin' - 

[Roger 68 charger]

I say there are boat people and then there land lovers.  We have had several boats and jet skis over the years and only had a few small issues.  A 17 to 22 ft openbow makes for a good family boat.  I allllllways tell anybody thinking about a boat to start with a used cheaper boat for a season.  Make sure its for before you spend big money on a toy that gets parked.

I would have to agree--Best to buy a good used boat first. My first boat was a older used boat,which was good because i managed to chew up a couple props.....Man what a blast.   Boating sure takes up alot of your time.

[Brock Samson]

I spent a few days sailing out on the Bay, here in 28' and 30' sailing boats and the amount of prep. and cleanup (even with a crew of 6 or so) afterward is a real drag... especially after being out on the Bay all day after getting up at 5:00 AM... Not my idea of fun. 

[PocketThunder]

That's right - we may be able to get together for a cocktail or three in Vegas next month.  I still have yet to book my flight and at this moment, not even sure what the date I am arriving is but I think it is the Saturday that you are there.

Let's touch base closer to that date.  I'm buyin' - 

clean out your PM inbox. 

Paul

[uud looz]

I bought this 27 foot Sea Ray in 2004, it was great at first, but as others have said, marina fees, winter storage, general upkeep, replacing one motor that went and then rebuilding the other, I think I've had enough. Not to mention the fuel prices on the water suck and with twin 350 engines we are at the gas dock alot.

[firefighter3931]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,75013.msg841525/topicseen.html#msg841525

[twodko]

What Doc said.

[skip68]

Paul, for $10k-12k you can get a very nice 2000-2005 first boat that will only need gas and a nice sunny day on the lake.  Try to steer clear of any boats that have been in salt water.  FRESH WATER BOATS ONLY.  3.0 ltr 4cly 16'-18' are good on gas but lack power with a full boat.  4.3 ltr v6 is a good middle of the road motor for 17'-19'.  A 5.0 ltr v8 is a great all around motor for 19'-21' or 5.7 ltr.   Check for soft spots in the floor, mostly in the back and transom.  If a transom is weak, you can see it flex by lifting up on the outdrive.  It should be rock solid.  Check the hull for bad deep scrapes.  It will have them from normal beaching so don't worry if you see scratches as long as they are not bad.  Make sure the blower works and check for gas leaks. Look at the skag (bottom finn on outdrive) for aany bad damage.  Lake test and put a full throttle load from a stop until max speed is reached.  This will let you know if there is any slipping or vibration.  It should have a power trim so have the owner show you how to trim it out once you are on a plane. If you have a buddy that knows boats, take him with you.  BE SURE TO GET A SPARE PROP AND PROP TOOL.  TRUST ME.  If the trailer has guide poles that's great.  If not, get some.  Last, when you get the boat pick me up so I can check it out for a few days. Hehehe.  Good luck....  Chuck   

[68blue]

Years ago I bought a 60 Century Resorter. 327 Gray marine inboard with a ski ring. It looked great and sounded even better with the dual exaust rumbling inside all the mahogany and chrome. Wood boats require more upkeep but WEST bottoms eliminate most of the soak up leaks and make for a lighter running hull. No trim on the old hull designs so until they get up on plane it's like a plow running through the water. Everybody did like to wake board behind it though.

[PocketThunder]

Years ago I bought a 60 Century Resorter. 327 Gray marine inboard with a ski ring. It looked great and sounded even better with the dual exaust rumbling inside all the mahogany and chrome. Wood boats require more upkeep but WEST bottoms eliminate most of the soak up leaks and make for a lighter running hull. No trim on the old hull designs so until they get up on plane it's like a plow running through the water. Everybody did like to wake board behind it though.

I found this 1969 Correct Craft mopar powered boat near me in Minneapolis.  I could put a trailer hitch on my Charger and be in business!

http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forsale/details.asp?ID=5572&sort=&pagenum=1

[Richard Cranium]

So my spouse and I are ready to buy our first boat and take the kids out tubing and skiing and all that fun stuff.  Our budget and our wants are $10k apart, sound familiar?  Kind of like Charger shopping!  

Anyone into ski boats?  I joined themalibucrew and mastercraft/teamtalk sites, i put up pictures of my Charger right away ofcourse...  

Paul

I bought a new Malibu Response LXI 3 years ago. In my mind, you just can't go wrong with a Malibu. You can option it however you want, it's extremely well built, comfortable, and priced better than a comparable Master Craft. I opted for a tour of the plant in TN while mine was on the assembly line and I found that VERY interesting. If you're serious about a new Malibu, perhaps I can offer some guidance. Of course, there's plenty of 2-3 year old boats out there that have low hours, and in this economy, you probably can score a deal.

This one's painted somewhat like mine....

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2009-MALIBU-Response-LXI-96820789

Personally, I've never owned a boat but recall a saying that there are two great days in a boat owners life - the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it!

Owning a 21' ski boat, 16' aluminum boat, jet ski, 16' catamaran sailboat, sunfish, and three kayaks, that doesn't hold true for me.  

Thanks, and i'd love to have that boat but its just a few dollars out of my price range of $15,000 or less.  thats why i'm shopping in the late 1990's category.  Maybe when i'm in Vegas for the weekend next month i can win some boat money.  Or i can just fold what i have in half and put it back in my pocket..  hahaha

The 10-15K range will get you a lmid-ate 1990's Malibu Flightcraft Barefoot. These boats will do 65 mph, will tow anything, & handles like a slot car on water.  

[Domino]

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/boa/2219609753.html

For reference, this is a friend's ski boat just listed for 15.5k.  I've been out on it several times a year.  It's very very nice, well cared for 100%. Fresh water up this far north in MD.
EFI and straight inboard are nice low maintenance features.

He and his wife are moving, well that is to say they're setting sail for blue water and white beaches.

[gtx6970]

good friend of mine just bought his 1st boat . and I would have bet my life this guy would have ever owned a boat
It's a 1974 Chrysler, in Hemi orange and white with a pearl white interior.

He absolutly loves it.

[nvrbdn]

i just figured how much use it would get and when it all ironed out i went to the bass boat. we use the heck out of it living on a lake, but can also inner tube or ski behind it. but me and the wife would rather fish than ski or swim. we also take it on vacation with us when we go to kentucky lake or branson mo.

[Supercharged Riot]

my dad used to own one.
me & my brother werernt old enough to appreciate it at the time so he sold it.

[Iceyone]

I saw a boat in a boating magazine several years ago, that was actually powered by two detachable jet skis. Thought that was a pretty cool idea.

[jb666]

There are two great days in a boat owners life.....

The day you buy it and the day you sell it.



BBD

Exactly what I was going to post... I bought mine, used it twice.. Didn't feel like getting into another fight at the launch so I dumped it.. Never looked back.

Being out on the water on a 100 degree day, pulling up to a sand dune in the middle of the ocean and hanging out for 2 hours? Now THAT is a small slice of Heaven. It's just GETTING THERE that sucked.

In my area, it costs almost $2k to rent a slip FOR A WEEK in the summer time... So docking wasn't an option.

[A383Wing]

Old Saying --> "A boat is nothing but a hole in the water surrounded by wood or fiberglass into which one pours money"

[General_01]

Here is one up here in Blaine.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/2200896321.html

[Daytona R/T SE]

Hey Paul!  

Don't forget...  

You still need to come down here and pick up THIS boat.

[PocketThunder]

Hey Paul!  

Don't forget...  

You still need to come down here and pick up THIS boat.

Ya ya ya, i know, thanks for reminding me...         

[jeryst]

First of all, you are paying WAY TOO MUCH, for a 20 year old boat.

You dont need a professional ski boat to take the family out for skiing and tubing.

There are plenty of nice brand new 17-19 foot boats in the $15k category that you are better off buying.
If you have small kids, a cuddy cabin is great because they can rest in there, and you can actualyl stay overnight
on the boat.

When we bought our first boat, we bought a 19.5 foot deep-V cuddy cabin from a small manufacturer. All hand made,
but still much cheaper in price than many of the more established brands. We used that boat for 20 years and it never let
us down. Although the cuddy cabin was basically just a small enclosed place where we could lay down, it proved its
weight in gold on every family outing if the kids were tired, someone wanted out of the sun, changing clothes, etc.
We did plenty of skiing and tubing, and because of the cuddy, we had the option of camping on the boat overnight
which was great.

I would also offer one bit of wisdom. A boat is useless unless you live very close to a body of water. Otherwise, it either becomes
a day long affair, or you dont use it very often. When we bought our boat, the closest body of water was over an hour away.
So, you plan the day, get everything ready, load the boat, load the vehicle, get everyone in the car, drive to the boat launch, wait
in line, put the boat in the water, have someone park your vehicle and trailer, wait in line for a dock, load up the boat, go boating,
then do everything in reverse when you are done.

Compare that to my friend who lives on a river and keeps his boat at a dock. Any time he want to go boating, he grabs a cooler,
walks down to his boat, jumps in, goes boating.

My boating was always a day long adventure. His is a relaxing activity after work. Big difference.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

Hey Paul!  

Don't forget...  

You still need to come down here and pick up THIS boat.

Ya ya ya, i know, thanks for reminding me...         

Did you buy that car?

[stripedelete]

First of all, you are paying WAY TOO MUCH, for a 20 year old boat.

You dont need a professional ski boat to take the family out for skiing and tubing.

There are plenty of nice brand new 17-19 foot boats in the $15k category that you are better off buying.
If you have small kids, a cuddy cabin is great because they can rest in there, and you can actualyl stay overnight
on the boat.

When we bought our first boat, we bought a 19.5 foot deep-V cuddy cabin from a small manufacturer. All hand made,
but still much cheaper in price than many of the more established brands. We used that boat for 20 years and it never let
us down. Although the cuddy cabin was basically just a small enclosed place where we could lay down, it proved its
weight in gold on every family outing if the kids were tired, someone wanted out of the sun, changing clothes, etc.
We did plenty of skiing and tubing, and because of the cuddy, we had the option of camping on the boat overnight
which was great.

I would also offer one bit of wisdom. A boat is useless unless you live very close to a body of water. Otherwise, it either becomes
a day long affair, or you dont use it very often. When we bought our boat, the closest body of water was over an hour away.
So, you plan the day, get everything ready, load the boat, load the vehicle, get everyone in the car, drive to the boat launch, wait
in line, put the boat in the water, have someone park your vehicle and trailer, wait in line for a dock, load up the boat, go boating,
then do everything in reverse when you are done.

Compare that to my friend who lives on a river and keeps his boat at a dock. Any time he want to go boating, he grabs a cooler,
walks down to his boat, jumps in, goes boating.

My boating was always a day long adventure. His is a relaxing activity after work. Big difference.

Jeryst offers up some very good advice.  I would only add 1) that if you are going to trailer a boat, regardless of proximity to water, you pretty much have to make a day out - and that's OK.  2) You have to use it.  If you don't the enjoyment:expense ratio gets out of whack and boating ends bad.  3) If you get one, you AND your wife, take the power squadron's boating class. 'Cuz you don't want to be THAT guy.
 

[The70RT]

Had lots of boats & had a lot of fun ....and plenty of headaches. Blew lots of motors, tore transoms out and put holes in the hull. Had plenty gear and a motor stolen, and I still want to get another one  Good luck and be carefull.

[Bob T]

Expense ratio to time on the water is always in play.
I had a 17'6'' flatbottom with a twin tunnel ram 355, it would do 70 but only on flat water, it gets real interestin real quick when it chops up. Flipped it once and it hurt .
Sold it to buy the 1st house as part of a deposit but apart from  the running/maint costs I would like to have another one some day.
Talk to one of your friends with a similar boat if you can and hear him out  .just my 

[PocketThunder]

Hey Paul!  

Don't forget...  

You still need to come down here and pick up THIS boat.

Ya ya ya, i know, thanks for reminding me...         

Did you buy that car?

No not yet.  I have an outstanding offer of $800 on it and he wants $4000.  I'm waiting for him to come down in price...     

[PocketThunder]

First of all, you are paying WAY TOO MUCH, for a 20 year old boat.

You dont need a professional ski boat to take the family out for skiing and tubing.

There are plenty of nice brand new 17-19 foot boats in the $15k category that you are better off buying.
If you have small kids, a cuddy cabin is great because they can rest in there, and you can actualyl stay overnight
on the boat.

When we bought our first boat, we bought a 19.5 foot deep-V cuddy cabin from a small manufacturer. All hand made,
but still much cheaper in price than many of the more established brands. We used that boat for 20 years and it never let
us down. Although the cuddy cabin was basically just a small enclosed place where we could lay down, it proved its
weight in gold on every family outing if the kids were tired, someone wanted out of the sun, changing clothes, etc.
We did plenty of skiing and tubing, and because of the cuddy, we had the option of camping on the boat overnight
which was great.

I would also offer one bit of wisdom. A boat is useless unless you live very close to a body of water. Otherwise, it either becomes
a day long affair, or you dont use it very often. When we bought our boat, the closest body of water was over an hour away.
So, you plan the day, get everything ready, load the boat, load the vehicle, get everyone in the car, drive to the boat launch, wait
in line, put the boat in the water, have someone park your vehicle and trailer, wait in line for a dock, load up the boat, go boating,
then do everything in reverse when you are done.

Compare that to my friend who lives on a river and keeps his boat at a dock. Any time he want to go boating, he grabs a cooler,
walks down to his boat, jumps in, goes boating.

My boating was always a day long adventure. His is a relaxing activity after work. Big difference.

Jeryst offers up some very good advice.  I would only add 1) that if you are going to trailer a boat, regardless of proximity to water, you pretty much have to make a day out - and that's OK.  2) You have to use it.  If you don't the enjoyment:expense ratio gets out of whack and boating ends bad.  3) If you get one, you AND your wife, take the power squadron's boating class. 'Cuz you don't want to be THAT guy.
 

We have Lake Minnetonka 2 miles from my house.  Along with three other large lakes within 20 miles, so water is not a problem here in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes.  My spouses parents have a cabin on a lake in Northern Wisconsin that we go to 6 weekends in the summer.   So the boat will get used. 

I know how much of a money pit my Charger is, and from what i'm told about boats its probably worse.  But teaching our kids how to water ski will be priceless.

Paul

[skip68]

Boats are not that bad of a money pit if it's in good shape and you can park it at your house. A day on the lake for us would be about $150.  On days I took the boat to work with me it only cost the gas I burned (less than $20) in the boat for a couple hours. I would hit the lake 2-3 times a week.  If you boat alot, you'll get your money's worth out of it.  It's like any hobby.  If you love it and do it all the time it's what I feel is cheap family fun.  Every person I've ever met that calls them money pits either had a boat that ws cheap and needed work or only went boating 1- 2 times a month or even less.  IF YOU DON'T USE IT MUCH, THEN YES IT IS A MONEY PIT.  I have a feeling you will use the hell out of it with a lake 2 miles away and kids wanting to go.     

[jeryst]

We have Lake Minnetonka 2 miles from my house.  Along with three other large lakes within 20 miles, so water is not a problem here in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes.  My spouses parents have a cabin on a lake in Northern Wisconsin that we go to 6 weekends in the summer.   So the boat will get used. 

I know how much of a money pit my Charger is, and from what i'm told about boats its probably worse.  But teaching our kids how to water ski will be priceless.

Paul

Older/used boats are a money pit, which is why I suggested you stay away from them. Like I said, you can find a new boat in your price range, and it will provide you
with maintenance free fun for many years. Depending on the boat, expect to spend a couple hundred dollars for fuel on a weekend. You will have to pay for
winterization each fall. Also, boats use special parts and special tools, and if you take it to get it fixed, the hourly rates are 2 to 4 times what an automotive
mechanic charges. The new ones are very reliable, but most expense comes from operator error (hitting something, beaching, etc).
Plus, they degrade by not being used, more so than an automobile. That's why they can be money pits.

Professional ski boats are for professional skiiers, or people who have more money than they know what to do with, so dont get caught up in that.
It's like buying a top fuel dragster because you want to go to the local drag strip to make a couple of passes once a month.

Jan and Feb are the best times to buy new, because the boats are made to order and you can get a really good price on them
if you shop around. Once they are on the showroom floor, they need to add overhead to them, just like in a car dealership.

[skip68]

Well said Jeryst.  There are entry level family fish&ski boats in your range.  The dealer will take you out and demo the boat.  Also, dealers take trades.  This may be an option in getting a lttle more boat in like new condition.  Jery sounds like a life long boat guy like me.  If Jery is close to you Paul, take him with you.   Then you guys come and get me.  I think my ski vest still fits me.  Hahaha. 

[PocketThunder]

Well said Jeryst.  There are entry level family fish&ski boats in your range.  The dealer will take you out and demo the boat.  Also, dealers take trades.  This may be an option in getting a lttle more boat in like new condition.  Jery sounds like a life long boat guy like me.  If Jery is close to you Paul, take him with you.   Then you guys come and get me.  I think my ski vest still fits me.  Hahaha. 

Or you can just snap the top buckle..   

[Bob T]

Wetsuits shrink if you dont use em - everybody knows it    , go to put it on next year and noooo way 

[The70RT]

I disagree...just like anything else, you use it a lot it wears out faster. You hit things in the water you can't see. If you go out on the water a few hours a week out in the middle of the lake and pull a tube around your ok.... most of the time especially around Vegas...one big deep clearwater lake that never seen a tree stump. Being a hardcore fisherman is a different deal, out all night on rough waves, Rivers and creeks with swift currents & lots of unforeseen objects tear things up. I Worked on my own boat motors and parts are higher than car parts special tools and some of it is a pita. Like Jeyrst said older boats are money pits....but like an old car if you can work on it your ok. If you can't work on a boat then spend 10 grand on a slightly used. Tear a new boat up and you go get another loan so get insurance and read the fine print. So it's a catch 22 deal, insurance is more and so are taxes on a big ticket item. If you spend 2K every year and rent one it is the same as a 20K boat in 10 years except the boat may be worth 5K then...but you had to store it  and deal with maintenance and equipment etc. if you didn't have any unexpected expenditures in that time you broke about even.

[Orange_Crush]

I owned boats from the time I was 18 until about 4 years ago.

Here are a few rules of thumb. 

SKI BOAT--Most expensive, best resale, least convenient to own and GOD FORBID that prop hits a rock...big money.  Also...maintenance on a ski boat...big money.  Ski boats are ONLY good for one thing...skiing.

Ownership and operating cost goes up by foot and engine size...EXPONENTIALLY...

Mercruiser has the best service (something you ALWAYS want to consider).

[Orange_Crush]

Incidentally...any used boat that you are considering MUST be inspected by an independent boat mechanic...whether or not a reputable dealer is selling it.  A lot of nasty stuff can be going on in a boat that you can't see.  Bad stringers, rotting floor, cracked hull, etc.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would consider something that is a good all around boat.  A V-6 bowrider runabout.  Fiberglass floor and removable carpets are a must. Sea Ray is always a good choice.

[stripedelete]

Incidentally...any used boat that you are considering MUST be inspected by an independent boat mechanic...whether or not a reputable dealer is selling it.  A lot of nasty stuff can be going on in a boat that you can't see.  Bad stringers, rotting floor, cracked hull, etc.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would consider something that is a good all around boat.  A V-6 bowrider runabout.  Fiberglass floor and removable carpets are a must. Sea Ray is always a good choice.

Right - except for the Sea Ray part.  After they were purchased by Bayliner all bets are off.

Spot on with the rot. Getting a moisture meter on any prospect is a must - no matter what it looks like.   

[Orange_Crush]

Incidentally...any used boat that you are considering MUST be inspected by an independent boat mechanic...whether or not a reputable dealer is selling it.  A lot of nasty stuff can be going on in a boat that you can't see.  Bad stringers, rotting floor, cracked hull, etc.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would consider something that is a good all around boat.  A V-6 bowrider runabout.  Fiberglass floor and removable carpets are a must. Sea Ray is always a good choice.

Right - except for the Sea Ray part.  After they were purchased by Bayliner all bets are off.

Spot on with the rot. Getting a moisture meter on any prospect is a must - no matter what it looks like.   

Might want to research that a little more.  Bayliner never bought Sea Ray.  Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Mercury engines, Cabo Yachts, Triton, Lowe, and several others are all owned by one GIGANTIC company called Brunswick Marine, but all operate independently, have independent manufacturing facilities, and use different construction materials and methods.

[Orange_Crush]

Also, Bayliner's reputation is all that's bad now.  Since about 1995, their boats have greatly improved in quality.  Yes, their resale sucks and they have some rough edges...but they are price-point boats.

To use a car analogy, a Corolla will essentially perform the same function as a Lexus LS460, but you aren't gonna get the luxury.

[stripedelete]

Incidentally...any used boat that you are considering MUST be inspected by an independent boat mechanic...whether or not a reputable dealer is selling it.  A lot of nasty stuff can be going on in a boat that you can't see.  Bad stringers, rotting floor, cracked hull, etc.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would consider something that is a good all around boat.  A V-6 bowrider runabout.  Fiberglass floor and removable carpets are a must. Sea Ray is always a good choice.

Right - except for the Sea Ray part.  After they were purchased by Bayliner all bets are off.

Spot on with the rot. Getting a moisture meter on any prospect is a must - no matter what it looks like.   

Might want to research that a little more.  Bayliner never bought Sea Ray.  Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Mercury engines, Cabo Yachts, Triton, Lowe, and several others are all owned by one GIGANTIC company called Brunswick Marine, but all operate independently, have independent manufacturing facilities, and use different construction materials and methods.

Good to know.    I stand corrected.  But somewhere under that umbrella they are sharing molds or at least some construction techniques.  My statement should read:  "be carefull, Sea Ray ain't a no no-brainer, no more"

Either way, where you are located you should have some good surveyors around.  Spend the $200.00.
I see allot more people get screwed with glass than I do with wood.

[stripedelete]

Also, Bayliner's reputation is all that's bad now.  Since about 1995, their boats have greatly improved in quality.  Yes, their resale sucks and they have some rough edges...but they are price-point boats.

To use a car analogy, a Corolla will essentially perform the same function as a Lexus LS460, but you aren't gonna get the luxury.

I'm going straight from memory, but wasn't it about that time Bayliner hull's started to look remarkably like late 80's Sea-Ray hulls?  Not statement of fact, and memory is cloudy, but I do remember having a coupe conversations about it over the years..........

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I see allot more people get screwed with glass than I do with wood.

Say that again.  Slowly. 

[stripedelete]

I see allot more people get screwed with glass than I do with wood.

Say that again.  Slowly. 

  ....so to speak.....

[The70RT]

My youngest sons father in law and I went to an outdoor show awhile back and he then was thinking about getting a boat to do some fishing. He wasn't sure about getting one till I went over and showed him some pics of some of the fish I caught. He got one a few days ago...so it looks like I will be back on the water with little expense  I did loan him and mounted my trolling motor on it last night to feel I contributed 

[PocketThunder]

I got a line on a boat just an hour away from my inlaws cabin with low hours on it.  So come Memorial Day weekend i'll take a drive over and see how it goes. 
Paul

[4cruzin]

Having a ski boat is not as expensive as has been stated above.  I own this Supra that I bought brand new and it has been the best boat for my needs.  I did ski in tournaments for a few years and definitely needed this style boat for pratice.  Maintenance is not that expensive but I did most of it myself.  Pretty much the same as a car . . . . change the oil, plugs, filters and simple maintenance.  It is a car engine that is in it . . . 351 ferd.    But if you are looking for a boat just to take the family out for the afternoon . . . this might not be what you are looking for.  

I like the inboard setup and the drag is not very deep.   Inboard/outboard setups have depth issue and when I owned one . . . hit a few things under water and ended up with a spare prop.  Outboards aren't bad but you have to mix the gas and they are not enviromentally friendly IMO.  

I currently have a pontoon boat, 2 1500cc waverunners and this ski boat.  Love everyone of them.   Good luck with your search!

[451-74Charger]

Checkout the local Craigslist ads. Her in Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington and Indy, there are tons of reasonably priced boats, some even with trailers.
Look for listings in or around river towns with Marinas, sometimes you can get great deals from them when they have an owner who doesnt pay his storage or dock fees and has to sell to cover the costs.

Above all, Look, Look, and dont rush in, look again and if the wife likes it, your 1/2 way there

[Richard Cranium]

I got a line on a boat just an hour away from my inlaws cabin with low hours on it.  So come Memorial Day weekend i'll take a drive over and see how it goes. 
Paul

If it's that good of a deal, it might not last that long.

[PocketThunder]

I got a line on a boat just an hour away from my inlaws cabin with low hours on it.  So come Memorial Day weekend i'll take a drive over and see how it goes. 
Paul

If it's that good of a deal, it might not last that long.

Its currently not for sale and i'm the only one that has talked to the owner.

Here is a nice one on ebay i'd like to have.  http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mastercraft-Prostar-205-/230596794449?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item35b0a3d851

[PocketThunder]

Ok everybody following along at home, i bougth a boat 2 weeks ago and we love it.  Its a 1992 Mastercraft Prostar 205 and it has 352 hours on it and its in pretty much mint condition for being 19 years old.  It has a carbed 351 ford and this sucker hauls ass!!  How did i do? 

[PocketThunder]

 

[PocketThunder]

 

[General_01]

Very nice! 

[A383Wing]

Lookie!!!! it's got  holders!

[FlatbackFanatic]

Looks Great, Paul!!!!You'll have to bring it up to our Picnic, there's a public landing on the other side of the lake.

[PocketThunder]

Looks Great, Paul!!!!You'll have to bring it up to our Picnic, there's a public landing on the other side of the lake.

I just need a trailer hitch for the Charger... 

[Richard Cranium]

Looks good. Enjoy! 

[The70RT]

WOW....looks like new. Im sure it was stored inside all its life as well. I seen 5 year old boats look like crap after sitting out in the sun. I didn't think i was ever gonna get another one but I broke down and got this little fishing boat a couple months ago. It is a 1984 all original with the same seats and carpet. It is small enough that it fits in one of my garages with no problem. This is why I havent been on here much lately....but my car is off for paint tomorrow, then i will be back on the car    If you dont mine me hi-jacking your thread here is some I took for my insurance company.

[The70RT]

This was my first time on the boat. I went to our local lake for just a couple hours and caught these two trout 

[PocketThunder]

That thing is awesome..  i like the screen door chain tie down in the back.   

[nvrbdn]

hey  70rt i just bought an ozark monday from the neighbors house he is moving and sold it to me for 400.00 i will post a pic later.         POCKETTHUNDER, that boat is sweet. cant find a better ski boat. they use them on our lake for the compition team. nice pick-up. and the spring tie downs are good on the trailer as long as the boat is far enough forward or they will scratch the fiberglass. 

[The70RT]

hey  70rt i just bought an ozark monday from the neighbors house he is moving and sold it to me for 400.00 i will post a pic later.         POCKETTHUNDER, that boat is sweet. cant find a better ski boat. they use them on our lake for the compition team. nice pick-up. and the spring tie downs are good on the trailer as long as the boat is far enough forward or they will scratch the fiberglass. 

Cool....there are more Ozark boats out there than I thought. They were made in MO. What are your plans for the boat? Yeah the springs don't touch. I think they are the originals.

[FlatbackFanatic]

Looks Great, Paul!!!!You'll have to bring it up to our Picnic, there's a public landing on the other side of the lake.

I just need a trailer hitch for the Charger...    


We could just weld one to the bumper...j/k..