Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Hey All,

I'm new to the offshore scene, know nothing about offshores, but grew up on an Island in Michigan (Grosse Ile), so I know a good deal about boating, just not offshores. I have a dock and hoist and a shop I can use, and am looking at getting into a offshore boat. I've always wanted one since I was a kid, but unfortunately don't know anything about them, and don't have any friends that have them to ask for advice. Any input is greatly appreciated. Nice forums you have here.

tony

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Welcome!

What size range are you looking?
If you're new to Offshore, I'd start on the smaller end, single engine, and work your way up - I think that is how most have done it.
Get into something below your budget, and learn how YOU like to boat.
Some guy's are hardcore HP, some guy's like to entertain and have quick speed run's, some guy's just love the water, some guy's like to hit the party spot's.
It depends on how you like to boat.
I'd just get into it cheap, and see what works for you, and then search for the right boat.
Good Luck - Now the fun begins!!

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

It sounds like a 386 Sonic would be the right boat for you. :D

If your interested, I could help you out.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Prepare yourself for the monetary impact and the joy of nights in the bilge :D Dont get me wrong , its worth it :D :D

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

what size? how much are you spending? how fast you want to go? where you going to use it? do you need cabin space? you really need to ask yourself these and a few others questions. :rolleyes:

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

This is a good starter. I has been good to me. For this price you might be able to sell it for what you pay in thee years.

1998 22 scarab in mint condition.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-9614.html

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

I don't know what size boat you are looking for & what price range but Take a look @ Ironmans red & white 24 Pantera in the classifieds for $ 12,000. It is alot of boat for the $$ & he will treat you right.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

I'm looking to push over eighty and close in on ninety speed wise. I'd like something low maintenance. Money isn't a problem. All my toys are payed off. This'll be the only one. Cabin space doesn't matter either, I hear you can write off if the boat has a bathroom and a sink so I'd like one with the two if that is true.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Go stop by the Sunsation Factory


http://www.sunsationboats.com/index.asp

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

grosse ile eh,,,,,,,,,,i grew up there, if you want to talk boats and your serius about buying, give me a call 734 231 5070.........otherwise welcome to the site the info you will get here will blow you away awsome site and good people..............heres a pic of mine

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Hay Tony Welcome To The Board. My Shop Is In Redford I Can Help You Pick A Starter Boat. Know Of A Few For Sale I Do Hi Performance Rigging And Work On The Professonal Marine Race Boat A Supercat Light Skater. Call Me On Sunday At 248 909 0240. I Run The Same Waters You Will Be Playing On Can Recomend A Good Size Boat For You Jim

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

How about a nice Hustler!!!

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-9404.html

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

wheres your shop

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

here is a low maintenance boat that runs 80

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-12328.html

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Doesn't run 80 (yet) but I have a '01 Sunsation 25 for sale!!!! I'm about 30 minutes away from you..........................

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Hay Cig My Shop Is On Capitol Plymoth And Telegraph Area Jimkid Motorsports 313 533 3395 Jim Who Else

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Brand new to offshore boats and you want to run 90? Please let me know when you're on the lake, so I can stay at the dock.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

I agree with dockrocker :eek: maybe you should get some seat time in something a little slower to start or find some friends to ride with a bit, please don't just jump in some hot rod and try to go out wave CRASHING!!! the water is very unforgiveing :(

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

either of these should do 90 if you put the right power in them!

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

"Brand new to offshore boats and you want to run 90? Please let me know when you're on the lake, so I can stay at the dock"


I was thinking the same thing. Someone said it already but a 24 Pantera is a good starter boat. 60-70 is a good starter speed NOT 80-90. Good luck PLEASE be safe.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Buy whatever you want, Just drive it safely and SOBER

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

I always drive sober. Like I said before I've been on boats since I was a kid. I didn't think 80-90 was too big of a deal. My trackbike sees 160+ every summer, I didn't think 80 was a big deal. Going 80 is like going for a jog to me. I've put my trackbike down well over a hundred several times unfortunately I know about keeping things safe all too well. The boat I have now pushes 50, I was hoping to go for 80-90. If everybody here is advising against it, maybe I'll stick in the 70 range. Thanks for all the advice so far, keep it coming.

tony

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Yep. Keep your learner boat under 75mph for sure.

Unlike a Gixxer, there are no brakes on a fast boat. Trouble closes in quickly.

Good luck. D911

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

I agree,water is not as predictable as a road/track!!

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Where is Sunsation out of?

I looked at the Pantera and the Scarab in the classifieds, both look like nice boats, but I was hoping to get in the high 20- 30' range.

Thanks for all the advice everybody. I will keep reading along whatever is posted.

tony

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

keep in mind what it will take to tow what you buy

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Welcome Tony. I don't think buying a twin engine boat with stock or moderate HP for the frist time vs a single engine boat would be too bad of an idea...I have seen people do it many times with these kinds of boats, but I understand what the others are telling you....i. e. the problem is that new/inexperienced owners get a little too confident or cocky with the power/speed and that's when mistakes are made and accidents happen.

Manuvering a dual engine boat will be much easier than a single engine boat especially around other traffic, docking. If money isn't a problem then perhaps a offshore boat driving course would be a good idea. There is a driver's course advertised and offered right here on OSO by Tres Martin that I think would be a wise investment for someone who's just beginning----this is especially true if you're buying a boat with a ventilated hull. And the lessons you get from a saleman are usually not adequate enough with the time that is required to learn properly. There are a lot of boats out there for sale---find a good one! Have fun and be safe! :)

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

I think you should get ahold of the Powerquest owners. The 28 and 29 models may be what you are looking for. I know some go over 80 with decent 540's and you could start with a 65 to 70 with stock 502's. There are several around MI for sale, but I don't know the years that were built the best or handled the best. I also don't know how their step handled vs their non-step.
With the factory leaving us, the prices I've seen have been very decent on what I consider an above average offshore runner.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

I have a 28 Active Thunder in the classifieds. check it out. It is a true 28 that handles more like a 32. runs in the 70s with a stock 525 but can handle way more power when you are ready and want it. very deep freeboard/ large cabin and has all the bells and whistles. and it is very towable with 1/2 ton truck. good luck. The hunt is 1/2 the fun :cool:

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

The other thing everyone wants to know is your experience. How many years, what model boats, what speeds (I saw the 50), what water conditions, etc. When growing up, I raced bikes (motocross and desert), cars, and "knee-banger" hydros. 70 to 80 offshore in 4 to 6's is totally different. In my 24 it's probably nuts (ask my wife), in the 39 you can still get into a mess in a hurry, and haven't run the 43 step bottom yet but will find out next year.

One friend has a 28 Saber he stuffed and put himself in the hospital with a broken back. After that he bought a 41 Saber, stuffed it and put his co-pilot in for repair when the windscreen broke and hit him in the face. Be careful and read some of the advice on old links about technique and some of the schools. Welcome from all! :D

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Sunsation is located in Algonac MI about an hour north of you..........www.sunsationboats.com

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

90 in a boat is smokin. If you hit a large wake or a bad set of wakes at 90 youll think your bike was a joke. Unless your in an Apache :D
Also refrain from trying to make any deepV epecialy a step bottom do a powerslide type turn :drink:

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Bigger is Better in the rough stuff you will be running.
I have one that might work,
36 Vee (no step)
1998 model w/ nice Custom Paint
Fresh Non Blower 700hp w/ bullet proof number five drives staggard setup w/ boxes and hydraulic steering
Race Fairing/ Bolster seating/GPS/Upgraded Instrumentation/TripleAxle Trailer with Gate to protect the drives. Hull has special lay-up from the factory with extra bulk heads for added strength.

85 plus+++ mph on GPS
OWNER READY TO DEAL
comes with a coleman stove, pottie and sleeping bag for tax write off.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

This boat comes equipped with throttles so that IF you want get some seat time at 50 60 or 70 mph you can.
Gets very expensive to upgrade the speed later.
No substitute for seat time and experience.
I always spend time teaching the boat, the systems and making sure the new owner is comfortable and safe before letting them loose.
Thanks,
VeeCat

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Yeah, DockRocker is right.
Get into a 80-90mph boat, with NO Offshore experience - not a good move.
I've only run boat's into the mid 70's.
If I got into something capable of mid 80's to 90, It would take me a long time to feel that I was ready to take the boat to it's full speed.
And yes, a 24 or 28 Pantera would be a good choice, I'd also look at a Saber.

Re: Help Me Pick a Starter Boat
 

Powerplays are great rides. Classic offshore lines and superb rigging.