Help: Bayliner 175 or Four Winns Horizon 170

[Sammy]

I'm totally new this forum and this will be my first Boat so I'd really appreciate any help/advice I can get.
I'm considering buying one of the above boats for use in the open sea. My intended use will be purely for fun. Maximum persons on board at any one time will be four adults. My main concerns are Reliability, Economics both operational and servicing and Performance. I appreciate there's a substantial difference in cost but would it be worth paying the extra bucks for the Four Winns. Both come with the Mercruiser 135hp stern drive.
Thanks for any advice in advance.

[77charger]

IMO go with the 4 winns and the biggest motor package you can afford.

[Quality Time]

Depnding on which "sea", I would consider a larger boat. 17' would be okay for harbor crusing, but thats about it.

[Kachina26]

Depnding on which "sea", I would consider a larger boat. 17' would be okay for harbor crusing, but thats about it.
That's what I was thinking, I'm skittish about taking my 26 out :squiggle: I'm also afraid of salt. Yeah I know what a wuss :notam:

[powerplay230]

I've been out in the Gulf of Mexico once in a friends 17' Formula, heck it would barely get on plane with 4 adults in it ran Ok after that but wouldn't want to get caught in any weather.. On second thought won't make a second trip on it either unless on the lake.. :cool: :devil:

[Mandelon]

Don't get a Bayliner due to the resale price drop, they depreciate quickly. They are a popular first boat but most people move up an on. Get the biggest motor you can afford, you wont' be sorry.

[Tommy1005]

in the under 20' range I would also look at the Crownline, they are a little heavier and are selling for just under 20K on a trailer with the 190hp V6 Mercruiser. Just a suggestion. it's about $1500 more for the 225hp EFI V6 which would be a better engine choice and put the boat at 50+mph