I know the general concensus of boats is that they are a pain in the ass. I’m okay with that. I’m looking for something newer or brand new. I’d like to stay under $30,000…obviously the better the value, the better the deal.
I know NOTHING about them, but they interest me. I’m looking for a powerboat, with an open bow. Nothing too big/pontoonish.
Thoughts on jet boats? A little smaller, but seem like they would be fun.
General insurance costs? I don’t need specifics, but rather your personal experience…is it $700 a year or $2000 a year?
First off, I wouldn’t suggest buying new especially around here. We’ve got freshwater (compared to salt that is really hard on boats) and a very limited season so there are great buys on barely used 1-5 year old boats.
A dedicated policy on my 18’ 135hp bowrider runs me around $200 a year. I keep the coverage on it 12 months out of the year so I’m covered on theft, trees falling on it etc. I pay another $36/year to BoatUS for $150 on water towing coverage as well as trailer breakdown coverage. Membership gets me 10% off at BoatUS/WestMarine stores. I’ve been towed in twice since I bought the boat in 2000 and both times it was by good samaritans. I still keep the coverage for peace of mind.
I’m not a fan of jetboats at all. They’re horrible on gas compared to a similar power traditional drive. Best way I can explain it is if you’re the personality type who only wants to do burnouts in your car and race light to light in traffic you’d probably like a jetboat.
For a good starter boat I’d suggest going well under $30k. Look for a 19-20’ bowrider with 4.3 V6 or the 5.0 V8. Buy it used, take care of it, and if you decide you want something bigger/faster/newer you can sell it for about what you paid a year later. I’m not a fan of Bayliner. They are the Ryan Homes of the boating world… lots of features for the money but they cut corners everywhere to do it. In that size more people trailer and launch than store in the water so the boats are usually pristine. In fact, I wouldn’t touch one that has been stored in the water because the interior will be all faded and the bottom will be stained and good trailer stored boats are so easy to find.
my dad just dropped his off at the dock a couple weeks ago why dont you come out one day with us and get a feel for your self and ask him what his normal costs are??
I am going to guarantee that he doesn’t want a fishing boat. He wants something that can have people and room to hang out. Although I will vouch for the grady white, I took one out on the lake in rough water and it was great.
I have been looking a lot lately and you can get a good used boat well under your budget. If I have a few minutes I will post up a few suggestions that may shift your interest a bit.
^^ They are good for there intended purpose but that is not what he is looking for. This is what he is looking for and this is top notch in that segment. I mean fuck, it even says SEX on thee side of it. there is absolutely no beating that.
What size are you looking for? Desired Top Speed? Usage? Party sizes? Tow Vehicle? All these things would be great to know. A 2012 19’ Regal Sport can be had for under 24,000. They are great leisure cruising boats.
But for something fun as hell and well bellow your price range:
Its about 20 miles south of Cleveland. Fuel here is $3.69 a gallon for 87 and 3.96 for diesel. Its a damn shame that diesel here is cheaper than unleaded in Buffalo.
There are sooo many options. But it all depends on what you want to do.
I picked up a wake boarding boat recently. I can help you with them if that’s what you’re interested in. At $30k you can get a great used wake machine. I also know a lot about outboard fishing boats.
I also don’t like the idea of a jet boat. Not only do they suck down gas but they do not have the longevity of traditional engines. You won’t need the speed either. Jet boats are fun when you’re looking to get beat up and wet, but when you bring friends out you will be more concerned with giving them a comfortable ride rather than spilling their drinks all over them.
It’s hard to beat the enjoyment of a ski/wakeboard boat. These are like the M series/AMG series of the boat world…fast, agile, comfortable, fantastic stereos, etc. Pretty versatile boats too, you can casually cruise around or when you’re looking for some thrills mash the throttle. Your price range would allow you to find a really nice example.
