Help with a boat purchase

[Black968]

Looking for a good used boat under 4 years old. Have been looking at sport boats and deck style boats. Have a family of four and will be doing some water sports and cruising. Trying to keep the price under 20 G and in the 21-23 ft range. Any suggestions or tips and what to look out for would be appreciated.

Cheers

[dennis in se pa]

Do not get a bow rider.

[ramonesfreak]

by water sports i assume you mean tubing? that size your thinking about is not really great for water skiing, although its doable

an 18ft bow rider would be perfect for a family of 4 that intends on doing some skiing and not just tubing

if sleeping over night or want private toilet, get a cabin cruiser in the size range you mentioned

what body of water? im on Lake Ontario. It can get very violent in a hurry and a single engine can make you nervous when you are out with your family and it breaks down...

as for brands...there are many. do some on line searches regarding what brands are favored over others, hull styles that are best for the body of water you will be on etc... and then look for one in that price range

will you be docking it in a slip all summer or towing it to a launch?

[ramonesfreak]

i worked at a Celebrity boat dealer all through high school and college. They were great boats. Probably still are


here is one that would work, but as you can see...its 23K and 11 years old. I think you will have trouble finding a quality, safe for family boat in the price range, size and age you are considering

2001 20' Celebrity Bowrider offered for US $23,000.

[shinrai]

Yes depending on what body of water and what you'll be doing.

If your kids will be doing tubing and eventually wake boarding/skiing you cannot beat an older mastercraft for the price. There's a bunch out there. Perfect for a first boat.

Other than that always remember the two best days of boat ownership are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. IGood luck with the search.

[JeremyD]

2012 Chaparral 226 SSi WT Sport Boat

or mastercraft or ski natique

[drcoastline]

Black 968,

Where will you be using the boat? Lake, river, ocean, bay? Do you anticipate taking guests as well as your family? Boys or girls how old? Will you be taking the wife? Are there facilities near by t pull into?

[Black968]

Sorry for the delayed response on this. But I think I found a decent boat. It is a Cobalt BR 23 ft, a little bit older than I wanted but it seems to be in good shape and a quality boat. I will be using it a bit in Lake Ontario so I thought I go on the big side. I will follow up when I get it in the water and test drive it.

Cheers