[onewhippedpuppy]

Yeah yeah, I know all the jabs that will come my way......2nd best day of boat ownership, etc.

I'm considering buying a used boat, probably a 16-20 ft outboard or I/O. My wife and kids really enjoy the lake and boating, and I think it will be a fantastic family activity that they will enjoy through their teen years. There's currently 5 of us, the boat would be used for tubing and beginning skiing, floating around, and maybe a little fishing. As with the cars I plan to do my own maintenance. I'm currently wanting to spend $7k or less, which would appear to return a decent serviceable boat after doing a little Craigslist shopping. Something like this: 1995 Glastron

So, what are some good boat resources? What are good brands and bad? Any tips for buying or the kind of boat? I did a lot of boating as a kid and teen, I know just enough to be dangerous. I tend to prefer the idea of an outboard, just because they are simple and access for service is easy.