[Alexhifi]

Looking for a boat under 20'. I've been looking into Yamaha Exciters, Yamaha XR1800s, Sea Ray FX16s, or any other well known boats.

Does anyone have any advice for a completely novice boater? I am mechanically inclined from my automotive hobby. I do not have a truck to tow it though (and don't intend to buy one). I don't care if it is a jet or a prop boat .

Oh, I live around the DC area if that helps.

-Alex

 

[rickcr42]

go for a real boat

http://www.chriscraft.com/main.aspx?id=230

full teak dressing is a must

If for pulling skiers go for the Ski Nautique line

 

[viator122]

How about a Boston Whaler?

 

[Alexhifi]

I assume you are kidding??

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickcr42 go for a real boat http://www.chriscraft.com/main.aspx?id=230 full teak dressing is a must If for pulling skiers go for the Ski Nautique line

 

[Alexhifi]

Do you have any info on this boat?

Quote:

Originally Posted by viator122 How about a Boston Whaler?

 

[viator122]

http://www.bostonwhaler.com/Rec/defa...p?content=home

Take a look at the link on the website where they cut one in half and then drive it around.

I believe Boston Whaler is best known for the smaller boats in their lineup.

 

[Alexhifi]

Interesting. Besides them being insanely ugly, they look to be a quality boat!

I'm not sure they are popular around me as I've not seen one for sale. Whole bunch of Bayliner's for sale.

Do you own a Boston Whaler?

-Alex

 

[viator122]

No, sorry I don't. I've been on them and driven them and IMO they are nice, quality, simple boats that will last a long time. Don't know much about the Bayliner.

 

[KYTGuy]

Have worked around/in boats and ships since I was in High school - now retired, I offer this Golden Nugget of Wisdom, with a full, double your money back guarantee, "the best way to enjoy boats and boating, is to enjoy someone else's boat".

If you must have your own, I have used Boston Whalers in rough seas, commercial duty, and have used them after they have been used to train hundreds of Midshipmen how to land (Dock) a craft...they are like Timexes...they can really take full-on professional beatings and still keep you safe, year after year.

 

[KenW]

Well, my two cents for what it's worth.

Living on the lake, I guess I've had a bit of time with various boats. Some good names dropped so far but IMO, if you want tremendous quality, durability and service like few others, consider Cobalt. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for. My current runabout is the 226 with a duo prop.

Cobalt 226

I know you want to stay under 20' but they do have a 20 footer and again, the quality is superb. Check the site and take a look at the build quality.

 

[Tech2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KYTGuy Have worked around/in boats and ships since I was in High school - now retired, I offer this Golden Nugget of Wisdom, with a full, double your money back guarantee, "the best way to enjoy boats and boating, is to enjoy someone else's boat". If you must have your own, I have used Boston Whalers in rough seas, commercial duty, and have used them after they have been used to train hundreds of Midshipmen how to land (Dock) a craft...they are like Timexes...they can really take full-on professional beatings and still keep you safe, year after year.

Not only that but they sell them to the US gov't to be used on rivers by the military.

Link

 

[Alexhifi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenW Well, my two cents for what it's worth. Living on the lake, I guess I've had a bit of time with various boats. Some good names dropped so far but IMO, if you want tremendous quality, durability and service like few others, consider Cobalt. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for. My current runabout is the 226 with a duo prop. Cobalt 226 I know you want to stay under 20' but they do have a 20 footer and again, the quality is superb. Check the site and take a look at the build quality.

Hey, that IS a good looking boat!

I ended up buying a Sea Ray F-16XR. My girlfriend wanted a boat, she liked it, end of story. LOL!! Got a good deal according the BUC and NADA.

It had 11 hours on it ('99) and looked to be well maintained (garaged, etc). Bought it for $8,700...we'll see if I get burned. From what I've heard though, I can't go wrong with Sea Ray.

Thanks for all your comments.

-Alex

 

[Alexhifi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KYTGuy Have worked around/in boats and ships since I was in High school - now retired, I offer this Golden Nugget of Wisdom, with a full, double your money back guarantee, "the best way to enjoy boats and boating, is to enjoy someone else's boat".

I believe you...but I don't mind owning my own boat. I like the idea of maintaining it myself and knowing I can use it whenever I want, however I want. Just call me Skipper!

BTW, there was a service available that could use a bunch of boats...some sort of boating club. It wasn't cheap though, but you could get on some boats that I would not buy unless I was big into boating (like $60K+).

-Alex

 

[jpr703]

I dated a girl that has worked with the boating industry for about 9 years and knows all the major manufacturers very well. She says that Sea Ray is top-notch and that you should enjoy your boat.

 

[Alexhifi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpr703 I dated a girl that has worked with the boating industry for about 9 years and knows all the major manufacturers very well. She says that Sea Ray is top-notch and that you should enjoy your boat.

Excellent! Definitely helps my nervousness about it. Now I gotta find a way to get it to us (it's 150 miles away). Thankfully, her GF's dad is big into boats as well.

-Alex