I’ve got a buddy that wants to buy a used runabout strictly for recreational boating. He doesn’t plan to fish out of it except for throwing the occasional bobber out.
What are some good option for under 10 grand? He mentioned wanting an open bow with seating and wasn’t particular to either i/o or outboard. We were looking through Craigslist a bit over lunch and he showed interest in the ski doo type jet boats as well.
Any suggestions on models/years to look at are appreciated. Thanks!!
Maybe a deck boat, it’s like a pontoon floor-plan on a regular boat hull.
I’d stay away from Bayliner, but other than that, there are a lot of nice options.
I/O is going to be you most costly with yearly maintenance/ winterizing. Even doing things yourself. However, Im not sure if the upfront cost is cheaper on I/O vs. outboard.
I have learned that I’m not a big fan of crawling around in an engine compartment each spring, fall and for repairs… But I won’t pay someone to do it. Im getting quicker though!
I’d stay away from Bayliner, but other than that, there are a lot of nice options.
x2.
Regardless of brand, make sure it was winterized properly! The last thing he wants is a great deal with a cracked block due to water from last fall.
Will he be tubing, skiing, ect behind it?
IMO, jet boats don’t handle as well in rough water.
FDR
At that price point I would be caring more about condition and how well it was maintained. Brand would be secondary.
Am I a Bayliner fan, definitely not. However at that price point it might have to be on the list. Sure, the fit and finish isn’t up to Cobalt but you can get one a lot newer with lower hours for $10k. That means less time in the shop and less maintenance $.
quick search: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/6012638228.html
This would be on my short list to look at: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/boa/6010906762.html
Also, I wouldn’t look at any I/Os smaller than the 4.3 L. Those 3.0 L motors are dogs.
Here’s another one: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/6010237344.html
Looks to be that 4.3L Mercruiser. We have that in our 20′ 2003 Chaparral. Great motor.
Thanks for all the info! I’ll be seeing him again tomorrow to flip through craigslist a bit.
Any difference between a merc and volvo 3.0, are they both lacking equally? I’ve read the volvos are harder to find parts and more expensive to work on.
I sent him 6 links yesterday, including this one – 2007 180 Four Winns Horizon:
That’s exactly the type of boat in the links I pasted.
Assuming the motors lack equally for power. One thing to consider when it comes to power. Enough means different things to different people.
Wiggum and myself often show up on these threads and have exchanged a few PMs. We’re both slalom water skiers who have a pet peeve about underpowered boats. Just for sun tanning, beer drinking, and tubing doesn’t require as much hp.
My aunt and uncle had a 18′ mid 90’s Sea Ray with the 3.0L. Could I slalom behind it, yes but I wouldn’t recommend it. Got tougher when we had 4-5 people weighing it down. Now that I’m older, fatter, and out of practice it would be that much harder. Still works great for a booze cruise at sunset 
Though its better to have an hour meter than not… Don’t be fooled by a ski boat with “low hours”.
You have to be able to know how the boat was used. An engine is only going to have so many Revs till it dies. You can go fast everywhere and the motor won’t last long or go slow everywhere and that thing will last forever. Some of the trollers on Superior have 3000 hours on original engines.
Just something to add to the confusion of picking a boat.
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