Boat Questions

[Cool Texan]

Ok, suffice it to say that i have figured out that I need 2 boats...a drift boat and a real boat. That said, I need some info to share with the wife regarding real boats (meaning something like a NorthRiver, etc).

1) What is the expected price of a boat (new and used...though I'd need financing, so I dont know if used is an option)?
2) Inboard versus outboard?
3) Prop versus jet?
4) Can you ski behind a boat like this?
5) Any boats out there work well as fishing, skiing, and have a sleeping area in them?
6) Padded seats in the real boats? Do they recline if someone wants to lay down without laying in guts/blood?
7) Permanent hard top versus soft top?
8) Costs to store the boat somewhere?
9) Any good dealers in the Portland area for both new and used?

I have a green light for a DB from the wife....as soon as I get a raise that is 6 months past due and retroactive (it is the retro part that will put a boat in my garage). However, my wife doesnt really get excited about the idea of a DB, as she sees them as boring (she doesnt fish). However, a REAL boat could be used by me for fishing, and by us both for camping on the islands in the Columbia, skiing, etc. Thanks for the help!!

[TheRogue]

YIKES!!! this could be another one!!

Try this button above:

http://www.ifish.net/ubb/JCImages/gold_search.gif

and type in keywords. Should get 3-4000 posts, to go along with the replies you get here!

[Lipripper]

http://www.ifish.net/uploads/433309273.bmp

[ampersat]

the infamous north river thread rides again!! spend some time culling over the archives. over the years, we've accumulated a lot of opinions on the real boat subject. search, search some more, and if you still have questions, search again.

[jet]

I might be able to help you. I/We have had 3 fiberglass boats from 17’-18’ open bow /21’ cuddy. I/we have had 2 drift boats and 2 inboard welded jet boats. I guess you can say I have been search of the perfect boat as well. My wife actually helped in making this choice.

All the needs that you listed are the same needs of most people that need one powerboat to do it all. All the powerboats that are listed were open with soft tops. In Oregon they just don’t cut it. They are too hot in the summer and cold in the winter. What I can say is I think I found the perfect type of boat. I am not going to name a brand as we are talking specific types of needs and the manufacturer does not come into play at this point.

What I came up with is a 21’ hardtop aluminum onboard jet. The boat has sleeping accommodations and has tons of room. Tubing and wakeboarding is no problem, the kids love the jet wake on a long rope.Of course this will be my last boat…. Maybe.

Jet~~~

[Small Fry]

First off I have to agree with Jet. Get something with a windshield and a top. Your wife will love you for it! :wink:

I have owned both fiberglass and Aluminum.
I will never buy fiberglass again. :mad:

Now all you need to do is decide how flat of a boat you want / need, And if you want inboard or outboard. :whazzup: I looked at allot of different boats and decided that anything under 20 foot with an inboard' the motor housing took up to much room. Other than the sport jet. So I went with an outboard. The only thing I would do different if I were to buy another boat is go a bit more vee on the bottom. I have a 11 degree sled now.

Don't be afraid to look at used boats, They don't loose value and if there taken care of they don't wear out.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

[TundraIII]

If youve got the cash to blow 35-40 grand on a 21 ft hard top go for it, that's a real impressive boat. That being said, I have a soft top (black) and have yet to get hot sitting under it. I've run this boat for 4 summers and heat has never been an issue. With the side windows on and the rear drop curtain down, my little propane heater does an excellent job of keeping the ladies comfortable in the fall. My boat is an 18 footer with the 175 Sport Jet and I can do all the water sport activities that I used to do in my 17 ft bayliner capri prop. I am very happy with my boat and I bought it new, well sort of, it was a MM demo with 25 hrs on it. I have the sleeper bench and have spent many nights on it comfortably. There are alot of great used boats out there, and I seriously doubt that I will buy "new" again. I pay less than 250 bucks a month for my boat, but will be paying on it for the next 7 yrs...yikes. Thats why its so important to find the right boat that you can afford and will continue to like till your contract is over. My boat sits in the driveway approx 4-5 months of the year, so monthly cost was a serious consideration.

[fishing is life]

cool texan , i bought a Rogue marine 19' with a 175 hp sportjet with soft top for 18k at Siglers on Sandy blvd. i would look at these boats as they are well made and priced fairly. the resale may not be great but if you are going to keep it for a while then i would check them out.

[jet]

In this economy there are lots of people needing to sell their dream boats for lots less than new cost. Help somebody out and shop used and get a deal.

There is no reason to spend 40-50 grand I didn't. My boat had 114 hours on it and was half. The best part is you get the used boat wth electronics and the first scratch.

Jet~~~

[dogrobber]

Cool Tex.,
I had the same dilema, and I bought a new 20' w?OB. At the time 07/01 all the dealers had 19' boats in stock (Alum.) but a 20' had to be ordered. It would seem from the way boats are selling that we would reach the saturation point soon. Add the fact that some of us raisins won't be around forever & it would seem some boats would be for sale from the little woman. Good luck on your decision, & have you ever thought about a psychic?

[Deleted User]

******, he said "REAL" boat :grin:

Fool :cool:

[Nanook]

[ 11-25-2002, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: ****** ]