[615124]

Ok, my wife finally gave me permission to buy my first boat. Well I / we came up with a 21' - 25' walkaround. I know there are many different makes with all the bells and whistles, but here is my question...

Has anyone ever put together there own package? Have you ordered the boat from one dealer, either in New York or another state, and bought the engines from somewhere else? Once I decide on the make and model, is it worht it to check out other states and go and get the boat and trailer it back here?

With the money I plan on spending, any money I can save would be worth it.

Thanks for any and all help. With any luck I might see the water by the end of October. And if not, look out 2003 !!!

"Remember the Heroes"

 

[615342]

Beachnit

From my experience you should try and get factory installed motor(s). Much cleaner job, then dealer install(s). Not sure if the headache of shopping around for a hull, then shopping for motors are actually going to pay off.

I'm sure you may/maynot know about the Tobay boat show this weekend, You may want to start there. Also over the winter you will have the Javits boat show.

It may seem over whelming but you are going to have to start finding a few makes you like or dislike and eliminate a few.

You are alos going to see some major price flucuation's between the sizes you have mentioned 21'-25', not to mention thousands of models. You may want to average out and start looking at 23's. Also try making a list of wants and needs.

 

[boatnblues]

If I were in the market for a new w/a boat in the size range you mention I would be on my way to ed's marine superstore in virgina. I'd be paying special attention to the seapro ... best bang for your buck if you ask me. good quality entry level rig. http://www.edsmarinesuperstore.com/seapro.htm

 

[leakyrivot]

boats

Congrats on getting that by your better half . If that was your second boat, she'd probably think twice; I've got a girlfriend who'd sink mine if she got the chance - fishing/the boat are what I call "non-negotiable issues", not up for discussion - ever .

Anyway, so, a new walkaround.. It's really personal preference as far as what boat/brand. Depends on what it's for and where it's going to be used etc.. My brother and recently have been discussing which boat we'll be into next.. this could take years to afford, but it's sorta a debate about the security/seaworthness of a closed bow (I love the Parkers) and all the other CC's and walkarounds, which are probably a little more fishable, with a little less security.

Anyway, decide what boat you want for sure first. Next, decide what options you want and determine what out of those is not easily added. Things like pole holders, electronics, railings and little bolt on options etc.. are all easily added later. Things like large flow-through livewells, 100 gallon below deck fuel tanks, toilets, self bailing ****pits, swim platforms, a tuna door, a cabin, space for a kicker, below deck storage and the seating setup you'd like etc.. are not so easily retro-fitted.

Also, determine whether you actually have a preference in engine and setup; I'm assuming you are talking outboards. It's definitly going to be less hassle to just buy something that's allready been fitted; and may even save you a buck or two. A factory install might also be a little cleaner. On the other side, if I was buying new, it'd probably be OMC (Johnson/Evinrude/Bombardier) or Honda and I'm a big fan of jack plates. So, of the shop that had the boat I wanted only dealt in Mercury or had outragous prices, I'd go elsewhere for an engine. Mabye you would prefer twins to a single or vice versa..? A bit to think about.

Also, $$ is allways an issue.. and the boat's never big enough after long . I prefer getting into the project myself.. and probably would be more inclined to buy a sound used boat and re-power/re-furbish new.. not sure if I could handle the stress of fishing (never mind docking) in a spotless rig. If you go the route of seperate purchases, there are almost allways deals on leftover outboards w/ warranties kicking around if ya look hard enough; still 2001 OMC's up my end at great prices, bought a smaller one (25 HP) for 35% below retail - in the crate w/ warranty. Good luck,

Jon

 

[GoodnightMoon]

Here's another thread that addresses the questions surrounding a new boat purchase

Here's a thread that may be of interest to you as well:it was started about a week or two ago. It's entitled
Boat Quality?. Just click on the link to read it.

In response to your immediate question - I think it would be difficult and expensive to shop separately for a boat and a motor.
I can understand why you would want to do so - freedom of choice! What a concept! Unfortunately for consumers, the industry generally doesn't work this way. For example, the Brunswick Corporation, which owns Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Maxum, Bayliner, Trophy, Baja, and Hatteras ALSO owns Mercury Marine and Mariner Outboard Engines. I guess they aren't going to want anything BUT Mercury engines on the backs of their boats. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Except consumers don't get choices.

The other big production boat manufacturer is Genmar. THey own
Aquasport, Carver, Champion, Crestliner, Four Winns, Glastron, Hydrasports, Javelin, Larson, Lowe,
Lund, Ranger, Seaswirl, Stratos, Trojan and Wellcraft. At this time, Genmar doesn't own any particular marine engine manufacturer, so they offer more of a range of options for powering. For example, you can get a Four Winns Vista with either a Volvo I/O or a Mercury I/O. And you can get a Hydrasports Vector with a Yamaha or a Mercury Outboard. But they don't offer Honda or Suzuki as a powering option - at least they didn't on their website.

As the marine industry increasingly becomes dominated by large corporations, one downside for consumers is less freedom of choice.

 

[baywatch]

Search

Hi Guy... I hope this helps. Look at the top of this page for the search button. After you get to search type in Boat Recommondations. It will bring you to the General Fishing Forun Where this question has been asked often.
Look at those post and there are a lot of good ideas and plots for you to follow.
I used to sell boats part time at the boat shows and have a good idea what you are going threw.
Any other questions just ask, glad to help.

Bill
Baywatch

 

[baywatch]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price VS Quality

1- detrermine what you are going to do with the boat, fish, cruise etc.
2-what kind of water are you going to be doing most of your boating in.
3-decied if you want a Deep V or Modified v hull, for the sound I would use a deep V with at least a 19-20 degree deadrise. It cuts the water better.
4- price, new, used. If used got to the NADA Guides page and see what the boat is worht compared to the asking price.

If you are looking for a new boat go to the Tobay in water Boat show which is coming up.

Hope this helped.

Bill