Opinions on buying first boat for family weekend use ?

Question

I want to buy a weekender boat for family use around sydney.

Its a first boat, dont want it for fishing and ski etc. Looking to keep it on trailer.

I've looked at bayliner, quintrex and sea ray.

Want to buy new and around $35k.

At the moment I prefer a cuddy (somewhere to shelter kids if need be) but it seems that bowriders are better priced and appointed by comparison.

Welcome comments ( I sound green I know)

Answer 1

Great time to buy!  You will find every major city with boat shows in Jan/Feb timeframe.  This is where you find the deals!!!!  You buy the boat then a trailer.  The trailer will be approx $2,800 to $4,000 (+/-) so consider this in your price.  I worked a lot of these shows, never buy when you first find a boat at a show, give your name and contact info to a sales rep, then wait, maybe till the next day.  If you absolutely have to have THAT boat keep coming throughout the show.  Return next day as well.  The company will discount, throw in extras, give deals on trailers, etc., etc.

You have done the very first thing many do not, knowing a price range.  Secondly, a boat in your price range with trailer and a full tank of gas will weigh around 5,000 #.  (Gas weighs approx 7# per gallon just as a round figure, actually 6.2).  When shopping the brochures, WEIGHT is for the boat with no fuel and no trailer.  You will need to insure a proper "hitch" and a proper vehicle, preferably a V-8 engine.  

I sold boats in North Atlanta to a lot of people, many first timers.  I listened to their needs and intended use determining good, safe boats.  The very first thing was to address the above mentioned.

You will find a lot of great boats in this range, all compatible.  The engine size must be addressed as well.  As far as Mercury vs. Volvo, everyone has an opinion, I prefer Mercury but both makes should give good performance if maintained.  Mercury engines may cost a little more as well.  You will find the same, exact engine selection in all makes of boats.  I have been pointing out in-board/out-board engines preferred by families.  You may want to look at outboards if "cosmetically" OK.

Look at Bayliner, Monterey (Best in your price, my opinion only w/ small V-8), Sea Ray (A very known company with great boats).  Again, I have not mentioned all makes but in price range I can assure you a good quality boat from anyone.

One important issue as well is size.  Your price range will get you very good 21'/23' boat.  Look at seating arrangements as well.  Be aware as well, many boat manufacturers will indicate, for example, a 21' boat.  At the show take a tape measure with you because some just add to the "rear" a 2' platform to a 19' boat callling it a 21'.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS when you find a boat, put down a deposit with the option of a test ride FIRST.  Insure you can EASILY get the deposit back or look at another boat.  If you find the company friendly, helpful, looking out for your needs try to work with them.

Jet boats, SeaDoo/Yamaha, etc., are a blast.  These boats have jets propelling and you can get into shallow water.  If you ski, not good, because a skiier going from side to side really "tugs" the boat and all riding can feel.  I sold a lot of these as well and, if your choice, listen to the advice of a service tech because there are things you need to know about these.

Since this is your first, your warranty is extremely important.  Jet boats, for instance, manufacturers of each put a "dye" in their oils.  A service tech can tell immediately a different oil is used and you instantly lose the warranty.

Insure the boat before you drive off from the dealer.  Your auto insurance may be able to help, if not, the dealer has many options.

Good luck!  Please call me if you want, see number below.  I am not in the business anymore but can help.

Answer 2

Have you looked into Pursuit boats?

They've some good walk arounds.

You can read more about walk arounds here http://www.yachtcouncil.com/yacht-catego...

Answer 3

I have never heard of Quintrex, but if I could I would take the Sea Ray over the Bayliner. get as much power as you can afford, later when you decide you want to ski or tube you will have the extra power you need. A bowrider is fun, make sure you at least have a bimini top to get out of the sun. If you can, get a model (either cuddy or bowrider) that has a head.

Hope this helped.

Answer 4

i suggest a mako open fisherman. they have a lots of open space to fish, dive, move around, easy to clean, lots of storage space, safer if over 23 feet for open waters,easy to add canopys to your liking and on and on. dollar for dollar a great boat. be prepared with any boat to know a good mechanic.

Answer 5

Be prepared to spend a lot more money also on maintenance and repairs.

Answer 6

Whether you are talking Sydney Austrailia or Sydney B.C., you will be in rough water.  I don't like bowriders for rough water.  Take a wave over the bow on a bowrider and it is like a shovel scooping up a big dose of water inside the boat.  That can lead to instability and a danger of swamping.  Get a boat that has a bow that will shed water.

Answer 7

I'm on my 2nd boat within two years. You need to know the most important features and make sure you get one big enough to hold your family and possibly a few other passengers. Trailering is not easy either. I considered it and after witnessing it first hand, decided to keep it in a slip. Lots of work involved w/trailering. Important features are air conditioning and a windlass(electic anchor). I use my boat on the weekends and sleep on it. A bathroom is important as well as a refrigerator. You really need to know how you plan on using it. Ask lots of questions. I have a Cruisers and had a Crownline-both a reputable. Good luck with your search.