Tips needed on buying a ski / fish / sport boat

[DT4K]

I've never owned a boat but I've been thinking about buying one. I started trying to do some research on the web and I'm a little overwhelmed. There are so many categories that I'm not sure what the differences are. Basically I am clueless so I'm looking for some advice.

I want something that will be good for waterskiing, tubing, kneeboarding, etc. and also good for fishing or just crusing around the lake and hanging out in the sun.

What should I be looking for?

What's the difference between runabouts, ski boats, fish n ski, deck boats, etc.?

What's the difference between inboard, outboard, stern drive, etc.?

What price ranges for a new boat?
I've seen them anywhere from $10000 to $30000 and more.
I'll probably be looking for something on the low end. Probably no more than $15,000 or so.
Am I better off buying new in that range or looking for something used?

Thanks.

 

[DT4K]

Come on guys, I posted this like 20 minutes ago, which is an eternity in ATOT.
Someone educate me.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Buy a Fish-n-Ski, used, but one that still has a warranty on the engine.

Minimum size is 20'

Boat Trader

 

[DT4K]

Any tips on good manufacturers?
There are so many.
And outboard vs. inboard?
I don't have a clue.

Around here (Oregon), it seems like there are more Bayliner's than anything else.

 

[DT4K]

bump for any other advice / tips

 

[NorthRiver]

If you have never had a boat before, I would try to find a nice used boat. Get at least a 19 footer. You can buy a really nice fishin, jet boat for around 18 to 25 grand. They are aluminum, and will last you a lifetime. Jets have no props to break, and can run in 6 inches of water. You can ski, crab, fish, cruise, do whatever you want. The ride in a fiberglass boat is a little nicer because of the flex. You can buy air ride seats for these boats also.

I bought a used boat 2 years ago. I had never owned a boat before. They are great, but when they break, they cost mucho mullah to fix. I am glad that I didn't buy new. It's nice to already have a few scratches, can't tell witch are mine


My boat is a 19.5 Bayliner Capri. It is older, and I am gonna buy new next year.

Good luck!

 

[desertdweller]

Stay away from Bayliner. Period. I don't care how cheap you can get it for.
Other than that, you really need to go out and look, cause you need to
have an Idea of what you want. You can fish off anything that floats. Just
about anything that floats with a motor you can pull a tube on.

Outboard will be less maintenance, you wont have worry about winterizing
it.

I/O has whats basically a car motor in it and requires more maintenance and
you will have to winterize it or it will cost you alot of money come spring time.

What are you boating on? a river? a lake? big lake? The bigger the water, the
bigger the boat you'll want. You want alot of people on it?

If you want performance, Offshoreonly.com


You need to decide on what you want, then talk about the other details.

DD

 

[NorthRiver]

Oh yeah, do not buy a boat with wood flooring! And if you do, make sure that it has no flex!!! Also, if you buy a ski boat, make everyone take their shoes off before boarding. Shoes really tear up the carpet!

 

[Ronstang]

I've had boats all my life and have yet to come by a decent all around boat. Most boats are either good for fishing from or are good for recreation like skiing/tubing/and kneeboarding although I know many who think a platform boat can do it all. I persoanlly feel you need to set your priority use and buy a boat that fits those needs because an all around boat won't be great at anything.

My ski boat is 19'3" has a fuel injected inboard 235HP Ford 302. It handles like no other boat I have ever driven and has more power than needed for skiing/tubing etc. but you CANNOT fish from this boat no matter how hard you try. I used to have a very fast Bass boat also that was great for fishing but it was almost impossible to ski behind.

Set your priorities, and those of your family, and buy a used boat that will give the most pleasure to everyone. If all like to fish then get a fishing boat. If everyone tends to like water sports more then buy a ski boat and go fishing with your buddy that has the fishing boat.....that is what I do.

 

[PTCvette]

My dad just got a really nice Astro ski/fish type boat... really nice one. It's 19' I think, and has a 200HP Mercury V6 outboard. Perfect for skiing and tubing etc, and GREAT for fishing. On smooth water with me and my dad and a full tank of gas, the boat will do between 60-70MPH, which is plenty fast. I'm very pleased with Astro too. The boat looks very good and is comfortable with plenty of room for about 6 or 7 people.

The ski/fish configuration is nice too. 2 of the back seats pop out of their places and you just stick rods in the front and back decks, then drop the seats on the rods, and you're fishing! His has a really nice trolling motor on the front too, but I can't think of the manufacturer off the top of my head... Lots of storage room under the deck for fishing poles, skis, kneeboards, etc. All in all, Astro is a fun boat, and we've enjoyed the crap out of it!

jeff

 

[DT4K]

I guess the primary purpose would be skiing / tubing on lakes.
I'm the only one in the family really into fishing and I prefer rivers anyway. So I'll probably be looking for a driftboat for fishing.

Seems like outboard wouldn't be as good for skiing as an inboard. I've also heard outboards guzzle more gas. Is this true?

So assuming I want something that is primarily for skiing/tubing, what are some good manufacturers to look at?

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: desertdweller
Stay away from Bayliner. Period. I don't care how cheap you can get it for.

Actually, I think Bayliner has cleaned up its act in the last few years.

Shanti -
Probably one of the reasons that you see a lot of Bayliners is because they are built in Washington.
Even if you have no intention of buying one, go to their website and look at the different models to get an idea of the size, layout and features that you like. Request brochures for any models that you like, so you can further compare things.

If there are any boat dealers near you, go take a look, get brochures and compare prices, options, etc.
From personal experience, I would suggest that you go one size larger in length and power than what you think you want. That spacious 17' runabout will shrink considerably when you load it with 4 or 5 people, skis, tubes coolers and picnic baskets. The same is usually true in the power department. It is best to not have to run the engine at full throttle all day.
If you will be out all day with a wife and/or kids you may want to consider something with an enclosed head.

I have this boat - which for me was the best compromise for cruising, skiing, fishing, convenience, size and price.
It sleeps two, has an enclosed head, and a small table in the cabin for a sandwich and a cup of coffee if the weather turns sour.