What kind of boat should I buy for a lake?

Question

I have never owned a boat before, therefore I have no idea whatsoever about what kind of boat I need. Since I recently purchased a house on a fairly large lake, I was hoping for just a simple boat that has enough power to tow people on tubes/skis, and that can reach fairly high speeds. It also needs to be able to hold approximately 6 people and a large dog, so it doesn't need to be giant, but it can't be really tiny- I should add that I will not be using the boat for fishing. I do not have a large budget, I'm thinking my max. will be around $13,000, if that's possible ( as I said before, I have absolutely no knowledge of boats xD) . Any help please?

Answer 1

one that has no holes in it.

Answer 2

A small house/party boat.

Answer 3

I was not going to answer this question, as 9 people already did... Instead, I was just going to vote for Joe - as he suggested a pontoon boat... but then he went on to say get one that has "air filled" pontoons and not foam...

He was doing good - up to there...

For one, not suggesting foam is crazy - there is no reason "not" to suggest it... as it adds virtually no weight, and it will keep you from sinking if by chance they are punctured, torn, or ripped open.

In fact, now... all manufacturers of all boats, (including pontoon boats) are required by Coast Guard standards to add floatation foam... It only makes sense.  I can't even imagine why anyone would suggest other wise.

$13,000 will buy you a really nice, well kept pontoon boat... I would strongly suggest this for several reasons:

1. they require very minimal maintanence...

2. the 24 foot (and longer) pontoon boats maintain a great resale ie: the 24 foot pontoons alone (even if the boat, deck, and seats are rotten, and the motor is gone)  24 foot pontoons all by themselves have an easy $4,000 to $5,000 resale value "each".

3. they are easy to handle - almost anyone can do it - they are speedy enough

4. According to Coast Guard statistics - they are the safest recreational vessels on inland lakes...  ie: high profile - other boaters see you easily.

5. they give you nice room to move about... they stay basically flat and don't roll from side to side with each shift of weight as an open bow would do...

6. For money spent... it is the roomiest vessel you can buy... Six people and a dog... can enjoy a 22 or 24 foot pontoon with room for ice chests, personal effects, life vests, towels, etc... and not have to worry about stepping on each others feet or seating in the wrong persons lap.

7. They are fun, safe, relatively quite running, and economical, plus (just in case) they are the greatest with kids of all ages...

Been there, done that, loved it!

Happy & Safe Boating!

http://boatwrights.org/

Answer 4

Alicia,

First off, don't buy a new boat. All boats have an instant depreciation of 15-20% once they leave the lot (or dock). It's also a myth that new boats are not without problems. Because boats have much smaller production runs and involve the integration of systems from several manufacturers, new boats are just as prone to problems as used boats. Statistically speaking, new boat owners report just as many issues as used boat owners. All boats require ongoing maintenance and repairs. It's just a part of boat ownership.

Since you're just starting out, I'd recommend getting a stable and forgiving boat. A pontoon boat does fit that bill, but it won't tow tubes or skis very well. A power catamaran such as a Twin Vee would be perfect but I'm not sure it fits within your budget (although I always recommend checking Ebay or boat trader for deals). An alternative would be bow-rider design from mid to higher end manufacturer such as Sea Boss or Grady White. Avoid Bayliners as they tend to wear easily.

My last piece of advice is to save yourself some future headaches by getting a good outboard brand such as Yamaha or Johnson. You'll find a lot of Mercury's at attractive prices but you'll end up putting a lot of money into it.

Dom

www.rhapado.com

Answer 5

BAYLINER 17 FOOT BOWRIDER,

yOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY THIS NEW IN YOUR BUDGET. I AM NOT ONE TO EVER BUY A USED BOAT, YOUR WILL ONLY BUY SOMEONE ELSES PROBLEMS. THIS IS NOT THE HIGHEST QUALITY BOAT, BUT SHOULD SERVE YOUR NEEDS WELL. BUYING NEW SHOULD GIVE YOU MANY YEARS OF ROUBLE FREE BOATING

Answer 6

18 foot aluminum with a 100 hp ob duel console

Answer 7

You need a pontoon boat. I'd recommend a Party Barge from Sun Tracker. You can get an 18 ft. or a 21 ft., but it sounds like and 18 would work for you. You'd have 2 swivel seats on the front, and 2 more in the back, plus wrap-around seats in the middle and a bench seat that doubles as a live well for fishing (if you were ever to use it). Anything between a 75 or 120 Horsepower would be good, and you definitely want one with aluminum floors, not wood. Also, look for air filled pontoons, not foam.

Try looking at Sun Tracker's website!

Answer 8

In your question you mentioned that you live on a lake. I'm going to assume it's not one of the great Lakes. If you want a nice boat to motor around a lake and do some occasional tubing, but also have your dog on the boat, I would recommend that you get a pontoon boat. This type of boat would fit your budget and then some. They are reasonably inexpensive to run, and have a ton of deck space. I don't know what part of the country you live in but try to stay away from salt water boats.  I sell boats on the Great Lakes so these boats are completely different from what you're looking for. Hopefully this will help you decide on what kind of boat to get.

Answer 9

you want a bowrider, 19 to 22 feet.  Deep-V or Semi-V hull.  Cathedral hull or tri-hull, are fine, but they'll pound you to death in rough water.  At that price, it'll be 10 years old or more, but don't let that scare you - boats last a long long time with a little bit of care - mine is going on 30 years.

You want 150 horsepower, at least, not less than 100.  I can vouch for the reliability of johnson/evinrude outboards, just stay away from the 1996 to 1998 fuel injected models.  Others will tell you to get a stern drive - it's a matter of personal preference, but here's ten reasons why I prefer outboards:

10. Engine doesn't take up valuable space better utilized for livewell/baitwell/fishing gear/beer.

9. Doesn't require a contortionist to work on the engine.

8. High power-to-weight ratio.

7. Repower? Easy.

6. Winterize? No need.

5. Trim meter broke? Who cares!

4. Park on the beach? Spur of the moment prop change? Shallow water or stumpfield? No problem - engine tilts completely out of the water.

3. No bellows.

2. Dead battery? You did save that little rope with the handle that comes with all outboards, right?

And the number one reason why outboards are better:

1. Everyone can see how big it is.

Answer 10

Here's a crazy suggestion since every answer received so far has personal bias and one is a stock answer I have seen several times before: don't do anything the first year.

Rent, borrow, steal, or smuggle yourself onto a boat this summer. You need to figure out for yourself how you are going to use your boat.

I know exactly the boat you need and will be happy with, but you have to figure that out for yourself to some degree.

Best of luck.

Here's a hint: Jim S. is the closest to the answer.

Answer 11

A little boat is all you need with a little outboard motor anything bigger and your going to get in trouble on low water spots

Answer 12

First you definitely need to do your research on what your "NEEDS" are for buying a boat.  Then from there see how your wants fit in line with that.

Bayliner manufacturers poor quality c**p, do not buy these boats.  Four Winns, Sea Ray, and Glastron are a few reputable brands worth seeking out.

If 70% of your boating time will be having 6 or more people on a boat just going around the lake and swimming, then you probably will prefer just a pontoon boat.

However if you plan on doing at least 40 to 50% of the time boating pulling tubes,skis, kneeboard, or wakeboard, then you need a V hulled ski boat, probably in the 18 to 19 ft sized range.  This will limit you to about 5 to 7 people on the boat, depending on the capacity limit plate on your boat.

An outboard ski boat versus an inboard/outboard ski boat will revolve around two major choices.  That is whether you wish to have a smaller drive system (outboard) and use up more fuel as a result. The other is you use a larger drive system (inboard/outboard) that is a little bit larger and requires winterization, but gives significant fuel economy savings versus 2 stroke outboards.

I also like inboard/outboards because some of the work I can do myself (starter, water pump, altenator, etc.) without having to be a certified marine tech to install it right.

The next part is getting into the dirty details of knowing how to properly inspect, check, and verify the condition and value of a boat.  If you can't or don't learn how to do this, you better have someone you can 100% trust to assist you.  

Don't trust any boat dealers, shop around and explore private owners advertising their boats as well.  Be VERY strict on the condition of what boats you look it, restoring worn parts, upholstery, and carpet can easily add up in the thousands of dollars if you are not careful.  So avoid boats that need significant fixing up (more than $400), they are a money hole for the casual or novice boater.

Finally, two things you ALWAYS demand before buying any boat.

First, you must do a test drive of the boat.  If you do not know how or what to look at or for during the test drive, ask someone you are certain with experienced boat buying advice that you know personally.  Avoid asking dealership about this, they give advice that SELLS products from them.

Second, IF the test drive goes well, then its time to take the boat in and have it inspected by a certified marine mechanic for that brand (Merc, OMC, etc.) BEFORE you buy it at your expense if for sale by private owner (not dealership).

I'm not sure what legal requirements boat dealers are under for most states in verifying the condition of the boat being for sale, so grill them hard on requiring proof of condition before buying from a dealer.  If they refuse, walk away.

If you are going to buy from an individual (private sale), most state laws in the US require that the BUYER is legally obligated at their own expense to verify the condition of the vehicle/boat/PWC before purchase.  If you do not do this and it turns out to be a lemon, your stuck with it unless you can prove fraud.

Don't forget to read and follow all laws and regulations for the state you live in regarding boating.  Law enforcement on the water does not give any consideration or warnings when you violate boating laws, they give tickets, can seize boats, or arrest you (DWI/DUI).

To avoid repairs that mount in the thousands of dollars, you need to get completely informed on the required handling and maintenance for your boat and follow it rigorously.  Ask a dealer on average how much a blown engine costs to fix or replace for a boat usually.  The price they give you will definitely be an eye opener.

Answer 13

one that floats....duh!

Answer 14

Talk to your new neighbors, and if they are boaters ask for their advice .  Get them to show you around the lake, and look at what others are using.  My advice is a small(18-21') semi-vee hull bowrider, sterndrive power. A 4.3L V6 would be appropriate. Sterndrives will give you better fuel economy, smoother and quieter power, and more longevity than an outboard. You should have no problem finding a mid-line boat such as a montery or chapparal in your price range.  Stay away from the cheapies like Bayliner , and whatever you look at have it inspected by an marine technician before you buy.