Guys,

Well, it's time to put the L to work. I finally convinced my wife to purchase a boat. I've got 8 and 6 year old "Daddy's girls" that want to go fishing and tubing and hit the lakes and Ohio River. I found a nice, older 18' AMF Crestliner today at a great price ($2,400) with a nice looking, clean Ford 302 V8 and OMC outdrive and my wife frowned on it. Much to my surprise, she said she'd rather get a brand-new one because she'd feel safer in it. (She's a little scared of the open water) Well, that's fine by me - I'd rather have a new one too so I can take care of it from day one, but like I said, I was surprised to find out she'd think a new one was the way to go.

So, I'm looking for an 18'- 20' inboard/outboard that can be trailered easily to one of many lakes around here and towed home and be put in the garage. I know the L is up to the task, but I've been out of boating for about 13 years so I don't know which manufacturers to look out for in the quality control dept. I know who used to be good, but that was nearly 15 years ago and a lot changes with time. I figured you guys would be the ones to ask about quality, features, value etc. since many of you do have boats.

What I want is an open-bow runabout that runs 45-55 mph, holds 7-8 people, is good for waterskiing, fishing and just having fun. I'd prefer not breaking the bank either.

Anybody have suggestions on makes and models, dealers or pricing? Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

Jim,
Im a newbee to this forum, but I do know quite alot about boats. Been driving them longer than I have cars, and Im an old fart.. I have owned quite a few different models. I would say the best one I have ever owned is a 20foot ASTRO fish and ski (still have it).. It is made by Brunswick Inc, so the only motor you can get is a Merc. (brunwick owns Mercury.) I would recommed an outboard instead of an inboard, they are simpler and cheaper to fix when they break.. and yea they will break.. It's the nature of the beast. (a hole in the water that you pump money into).. My 20foot has a 200 and runs about 65 give or take.. you can also get that size boat with a 150 I think runs about 45. My Astro has a "hand layed" hull, im not sure what the equalivent is today. My boat is a 93.., (Then Handlayed was the best kind, you dont want machine blown..) Machine blown hull are generally weaker. My boat can handle 7 NP.. but 8 gets a little crowded because no seat available. Astros are heavy boats and can take rough water very well.

Also you may want to consider a Pontoon boat, I love mine for just crusin around, if you get enough motor you can ski behind it. ( Mine is a 24foot with a 90hp Evanrude (sp)) runs about 35/40 and can pull a skier NP.. But not so good for bass fishing.. but any other kind of fishing is fine. Pontoons are low maintenance.. BTW.. I would buy used if u get a pontoon, Mine is an 82 model still running strong. Sorry so winded.. my email is jlw30c@sc.rr.com (that is JLW) email me if you want to chat some more.. I can give you some other insite.. if you want it..
Here is a link i found to see the Astro Line..
http://www.themarinegroup.com/tmg2001/index.cfm
I dont know anything about this group.. but the boats are there for viewing..
Good Luck.. and HAPPI BOATIN>> My motto Life is a Game, Boating is Serious.

Wolf

 

Check out the Champion fish and skis. I have owned nothing but Champion boats since the mid 80's. They have great bass boats, but they also make a fish and ski. They also have a hand layed hull and my 19' boat has a 200 merc and runs 74 mph.

 

high torque marine!

http://www.hightorquemarine.com/sr-24ob.htm



ok ok i ignored the 'i don't want to break the bank' comment

 

Don't forget to use the proper engine for the boat.

 

check out this link
http://www.trailerboats.com/

 

Check out Crownline, they make nice boats in the size range. The fish & ski are really popular, but it will be hard to get 7-8 people in a 19-21 foot f&s. Your wife will be more comfy in a ski boat style than a f&s. I have a 24' Baja that handles the open water pretty good.

Mike

 

For trailer boats Baja or SeaRay would be my choices. In the 20ft range I prefer the I/O over an out board. Mercruiser bravo series drives with a 5.7 GM V-8. If you want an outboard Yamaha is the way to go. Everything else is second best. Just sold my 33' Donzi with twin 502's.

With the terrible economy and year end rapidly approaching you should be able to beat a very good deal out of a dealer. If they won't deal walk. Boat dealer hate this time of year. You have all the cards. Play them to your advantage.

 

i boat on michigans lakes, mostly st clair which is just a big pond, very shallow in most places, i have gone from two jet skis to a 22 footer to now a 26..i dont know if u would consider this option but ski-doo makes a 20' jet bow rider , its the speedster, ive seen this boat pull two skiers, and has room for, i belive 6-8, whats really nice is, its jet, dont have to worry about shallow water, thats what i loved about having my jet skis, just pretty much go anywhere and your fine, there easier to launch and retreire, its got twin mercs for a total of, i think 230 or 260, hp, no problem to get that boat to 60.

 

Thanks for the replys guys. I'm glad to hear Road Rash and Silver-Bolt like the Baja's because I think they look awesome. I'm not a serious fisherman, so I think a ski-type boat would be better after thinking about it. Check out what I found yesterday on Boat Trader Online. These are only slightly used, but look great and are $15k or under!! I'm so excited I can't stand it. Imagine how this will look behind the L!!

 

Baja is one of the few divisions that Brunswick has left alone. Let them continue to build quality instead of quantity.

Looks like a nice boat. Islander? I see the Mercruiser, is it a 5.7 or 4.3?

 

Doug,

You know your boats, don't you? Yep, the one above is an Islander with a 5.7 and Alpha 1 outdrive. That's why I asked this question here. I knew some of you guys are serious boaters who know thier stuff.

The one below is an Islander too, with the 4.3 engine. I'm as excited about this as I was getting the L. Maybe even a little more since I've got a super-nice tow vehicle now.



Jim

 

Nothing wrong with the Alpha series of drives. Just a lighter duty version of the Bravo series. Pick yourself up a nice stainless prop and pull the factory aluminum to keep onboard as a spare. If you are new to boating do yourself a big favor and look into a boating safety class. Your local Coastgaurd auxillary or Power Squadron should be able to help. Learn the basic "rules of the road". You will be surprised at how much you need to know just to be safe.

We sold the Donzi and are now looking more into an express cruiser style of boat. Really like the 40' Tiara.

Have fun and happy boating.

 

Jim
The boat in the first picture looks sweet. Is it a 272 islander J/k
maybe a 232? The second picture looks like a 93, 94? I like the lines of the newer ones better(1st pic). I'm saving for the 272 w/boss package. It's gonna be awhile cause I keep spending on mods for the L

Mike

PS It's hard to go wrong with a company whose motto is

"Speed changes you"

kinda like the Lightning.

 

Does anyone know how to get invoice prices on boats such as KBB does for cars?