Power Boat Question

jabb · 07-26-2007, 06:51 PM

Anyone have any input in regards to used power boats. There are so many makes on the market. Some brands I was looking at were

Sea Ray
Maxum
Larson

Looking for a 24 ft boat that would be good in Long Island Sound.

The Sea Ray 240 Sundancer has caught my eye. I am looking for a used boat.
1998 - 2000 . Any other brands I should look at.

legion · 07-26-2007, 07:02 PM

My experience with boats is it seems like most people selling them didn't quite realize how much work they are to own--and are trying to dump them fast before their lack of maintenance catches up with them.

Your results may vary.

dennis in se pa · dennis in se pa's Garage

Sea Ray is a good choice. A good boat at a good price. You can go Boston Whaler or Grady White for more money and a better build, But unless you expect alot of rough stuff the Sea Rays, Wellcrafts, Chaparrals, Four Winns genre of boats will do. Just bought a '73 13 Boston Whaler project boat a few weeks ago. Just something to get me out on the water.

RoninLB · 07:20 PM

i like 2 nice bulkheads and trim tabs w/a 350 350-370hp for a solid quick ride. The heavier the better imo.

ps: buy a light color instead of a dark one. Black is the worst for weakening the glass.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

Look into Shamrock boats as well.

Bill

MRM · 07-26-2007, 10:11 PM

The three you name are excellent. Sea Ray and Maxum are maybe a bit higher than Larson. Hard to beat Sea Rays. They're great boats. They keep their value - for a boat.

Drive a hard bargain for whatever you get. My wife works for a manufacturing company that provides parts to boat makers (among other things, but that's one of the lines she's working on now) and she says the boat manufacturers are telling her the market for anything below 35 feet is dead. Above 35 feet the cost is so great that those people aren't affected by real world conditions like real estate devaluation or a credit crunch. But the ordinary people wh used to buy boats are sitting on the sidelines right now. So you should be able to pick up a good buy.

dennis in se pa · dennis in se pa's Garage

One more thing - do not buy new. Boats are like motorcycles in that alot of people buy them not knowing what they are getting into. I bought an '87 Wellcraft in 1990, with only 50 hours on the motors, in September, that the owner let go at a bargain price just to get rid of it. He did not know how to dock it!

billyboy · 07-27-2007, 04:18 AM

I have my 5th Boston Whaler. Can't imagine why anybody would own something else. I like the solid build and and the utilitarian aspect, not all the fluff of many other boats which are like cars on water. I have a friend in Santa Barbara who has been using a whaler as a commercial fishing boat for over 30 years. He has gone through half a dozen motors all on the same hull.

VINMAN · 07-27-2007, 04:24 AM

First of all the most important question and deciding factor is, how do you plan on using it??
Just cruising around? Fishing? Family outings. The type of boat will help with the brand choice.

If you have a diposable fuel income, I have a nice 95mph Velocity I'll sell you real cheap!

charleskieffner · 04:48 AM

i'd look at a 36ft formula w/twin 525injected mercs w/air con and heat. that will fer sure trip yer trigger. second home right off.

in the ocean.......or lake powell.............BIG IS BETTER!

never buy a FORE SKIN(four winns) ask me how i know???? had a 265 vista w/460 king cobra! HUGE PIECE O CRAP!

if it aint a MERC........yer a jerk!

MRM · 07-27-2007, 04:58 AM

I completely agree with the suggestion to buy used. I guess I hadn't even considered that you might be looking at new boats. Look at Boats.com and you will see the stuff that dreams are made of.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Im with vinman on this - really depends on what you are looking for -

if it's just cruising - sleep overs with the family - then a nice sea ray or chapparrel.

if you want dual purpose - fish and maybe the occasional overnight - family cruising - then I'd look at something like a pursuit or grady white.

If you are thinking fishing first - no overnighters - the family occasionally - then I would recommend a center console - boston whaler makes a few nice ones - pursuit, grady white, edgewater.

With all that said - long island sound is known for it's chop - make sure when you are shopping you get a boat with a decent entry (sharp V at the bow) and a fairly high deadrise (above 20 degrees at the stern) or you'll beat your poor family to death.

Whatever boat you decide - do a on the water you plan on using it for sea trial - don't write the check until you are comfortable with it.

charleskieffner · 07-27-2007, 05:11 AM

offshoreonly.com fast is good..........pointier is better! just think penis boat! LOL!

have been looking at formulas and fountains for quite awhile now. bottomline.......fountain is racier and faster/lighter. formula built like brick poop house. heavier and more user friendly goodies.

there are tons of them..........look for the old standby (DIVORCE FORCES SALE) ads!

you cannot go wrong w/a MERC! OMC.........pffffft!

i have doolie(duallie) from hell K-3500 tow rig. have property to dry dock it on.

(2) huge considerations to think about.

here in az. any lake leaving boat in water will be a giant PITA cleaning hull from algae buildup. after 3 months drives will look like creature from the green lagoon. cant see one inch of beautiful black mercruiser paint. TOTALLY GREEN! along w/yer porous fiberglass hull. major pain to clean.

only place here you have to drain drives is powell in winter to avoid cracking drives and engine blocks due to hard freeze.

mine MUST HAVE A/C BLOWING ICE CUBES!

figure 2 hours a day sucking hi buck fuel running around looking cool.........and the rest of the day drinking mega muy cervezas and playing HIDE THE WEENIE!

thats what boats are FOR!

daepp · 07-27-2007, 09:58 AM

Go with Hallett!!!!!!!

scottmandue · 07-27-2007, 10:09 AM

My brother had a 18' Searay that we would take day runs over to Catalina in. We beat the crap out of that boat (24 miles one way - lots of chop and big swell but it never let us down). Had a chevy four banger with a Merc I/O... the Merc was a royal PITA to work on (this was 30 years ago).

VINMAN · 07-27-2007, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charleskieffner

offshoreonly.com fast is good..........pointier is better! just think penis boat! LOL!

have been looking at formulas and fountains for quite awhile now. bottomline.......fountain is racier and faster/lighter. formula built like brick poop house. heavier and more user friendly goodies.

mine MUST HAVE A/C BLOWING ICE CUBES!

figure 2 hours a day sucking hi buck fuel running around looking cool.........and the rest of the day drinking mega muy cervezas and playing HIDE THE WEENIE!

thats what boats are FOR!

Formula?? Big ole resin bucket!

A/C?? youre not going fast enough!!

I agree with the rest!

VINMAN · 07-27-2007, 10:35 AM

Just remember one thing. If you get a boat, friends will come to visit you more often!

sammyg2 · 07-27-2007, 10:43 AM

LOL, saying that I'm looking for a powerboat is the same as saying that i have too darn much money and need a quick and easy way to spend it all

Mo_Gearhead · 07-27-2007, 11:15 AM

We've had two Regals (made in Florida). Very well made boats, thoughtfully layed out, quality construction. My next one will most likely be the same brand.

rfuerst911sc · 07-27-2007, 12:31 PM

A glass liner/floor is preferred over a carpeted floor as it is much easier to clean. With any boat that has wood stringers vs. composite you should make sure the wood stringers are not rotted, if they are you're in for $$$$$ repairs. I like a modern outboard over a I/O but that's a personal preference. Try to get a galavanized or aluminum trailer over a painted steel one.Make sure you have a tow vehicle that can handle the load. Take a boating safety course and make sure you know how to run all the items on board. Good luck.