First Boat Opinions
07-12-2019 | 09:23 AM
#13
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From: North Liberty
07-12-2019 | 11:10 AM
#14
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From: North Liberty
First boat and you're still young so if you enjoy it, there'll be many more.....
If you buy a modified setup with big power and lots of work done, it's gonna cost you more on time and maintenance. That's the nature of the beast. All boats cost you money but the hotter ones cost you more. Twin engines are great but once again, more money on maintenance and a touch more on fuel. Don't get burnt buying too much boat first time round.
Buy a single engine, stock power (probably 496 or 496ho) with a good history that's been cared for. Survey hull, particularly for wet transom/stringers. I reckon Baja is hard to beat, straight bottom, easy to drive and pretty good room onboard. A great boat to start with, and they look nice too. Outlaw Vs Islander....... up to you, whichever you prefer layout wise.
My 2 cents worth, happy shopping,
RR
If you buy a modified setup with big power and lots of work done, it's gonna cost you more on time and maintenance. That's the nature of the beast. All boats cost you money but the hotter ones cost you more. Twin engines are great but once again, more money on maintenance and a touch more on fuel. Don't get burnt buying too much boat first time round.
Buy a single engine, stock power (probably 496 or 496ho) with a good history that's been cared for. Survey hull, particularly for wet transom/stringers. I reckon Baja is hard to beat, straight bottom, easy to drive and pretty good room onboard. A great boat to start with, and they look nice too. Outlaw Vs Islander....... up to you, whichever you prefer layout wise.
My 2 cents worth, happy shopping,
RR
A single is the only thing I need (the reason for staying under 26') and would prefer not to pay for maintenance and fuel for two engines and drives.
I was thinking an islander just because of the added room to bring friends, but prefer the looks of the outlaws.
07-12-2019 | 11:22 AM
#15
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
An open bow is going to give you more space and room for friends and coolers. You may want to look into a Cobalt open bow. They hold their value and are well built. Usually they came with the bigger motor as well. It may be a good way to get a boat that is into the 60mph range and not lose to much money if you decide you would prefer a cuddy and performance boat. Also with a being your first boat the open bow is easier to dock and grab lines with the open front.
07-12-2019 | 11:31 AM
#16
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From: North Liberty
That is a good looking boat, might be interested in a year when I have more income to make it "seem reasonable".
07-12-2019 | 11:43 AM
#17
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From: North Liberty
I agree with the above comment about sticking with stock power. BUT with 2 496 boats I’ve been around, they had a lot of electronic issues and to diagnose, they needed a mercury scan tool that cost several hundred $. Graduated college in 2010 and bought MY first boat, a 21’ Baja Hammer. It was a good first boat but it’s not for big water IMO. Small fresh water lakes it’s perfect. Never boated on the river so I cannot comment there. Since then, I’ve had a 19’ jet boat, 27, 29, and now a 32 Fountain.
A 27’ Fountain may be a good fit for you. On an aluminum trailer, it might be within your trucks towing capacity. I believe the dry weight is 4700 lbs. I’m partial to Fountains but early to mid 90s and up, they all have hydraulic steering and K plans. Not a standard feature on a lot of Bajas. I like the 502 mag the best so far. They are fuel injected so they start a lot easier than carb motors. 27 with a 502 would probably hit high 60s mph. Have decent stock reliable power. If this is a hobby you feel you will continue, don’t start off too small, you will alway want to go bigger. After a couple years the 27 will feel small. There are a lot of other nice boats out there like Nordic, Checkmate, Sunsation, Formula, and etc. but I cannot comment on them.
A 27’ Fountain may be a good fit for you. On an aluminum trailer, it might be within your trucks towing capacity. I believe the dry weight is 4700 lbs. I’m partial to Fountains but early to mid 90s and up, they all have hydraulic steering and K plans. Not a standard feature on a lot of Bajas. I like the 502 mag the best so far. They are fuel injected so they start a lot easier than carb motors. 27 with a 502 would probably hit high 60s mph. Have decent stock reliable power. If this is a hobby you feel you will continue, don’t start off too small, you will alway want to go bigger. After a couple years the 27 will feel small. There are a lot of other nice boats out there like Nordic, Checkmate, Sunsation, Formula, and etc. but I cannot comment on them.
I would probably stay away from a hammer or a boat with a shallow deadrise because the Mississippi can get pretty rough on the weekends. A fountain 27 sounds pretty nice with trim tabs and hydraulic steering.
07-12-2019 | 12:52 PM
#18
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From: North Liberty
What exactly is your tow vehicle? I think that may be your limiting factor. Remember, that Towing Capacity number is with NOTHING else in the vehicle, just the driver. Passengers, cargo, coolers, etc. etc. all subtract from your GCWR.
I had a 26' Sonic with a 500EFI on a cheap aluminum trailer for my first boat. It was 7280 lbs. total. My Tahoe was BARELY enough truck with a 7500 lbs. rating.
I had a 26' Sonic with a 500EFI on a cheap aluminum trailer for my first boat. It was 7280 lbs. total. My Tahoe was BARELY enough truck with a 7500 lbs. rating.
07-12-2019 | 01:40 PM
#19
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From: North Liberty
I will have to keep my eye out for it, thanks.
07-12-2019 | 01:44 PM
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From: North Liberty
