First Boat Question

[Lake Ape]

I have a buddy who is buying his first boat. He wants to do all regular stuff with the boat like skiing/wakeboarding, but the main purpose of the boat will be to explore the back and isolated parts of Lake Powell. Speed isn't a big issue but would be nice. He doesn't care much about style but long range is very important. He is a little worried about the channel at Powell too. He has about $20-30K to spend, remember this is his first boat, although he has been around them alot. Any suggestions on what he should look for, outboard, I/O, V-Drive, Size, Brand, Model, Etc..
Thanks
Lake Ape

[Force26 Jr.]

I would recommend www.ch-marine.com they have a 18ft. Ski Deck Boat. It is Teal/White has a bimini top, ski ladder, Am/Fm and Casset and a full boat cover. Under seat and on floor storage. Hummingbird depth finder and a rear sun deck. Ice chest and very clean unit. NO TRAILER.
OMC 4.3 L ,V-6, I/O and a alum prop.
$5,995.00
I'd say its a great deal!!! :eek:
Pre-owned

[jdogginla]

If he's looking for a nice boat and has about 30k to spend............you should pm Kilrtoy (Miguel) on here. He has a nice boat for sale for around 30k. Really nice boat for the money. :)

[Lake Ape]

I would recommend www.ch-marine.com they have a 18ft. Ski Deck Boat. It is Teal/White has a bimini top, ski ladder, Am/Fm and Casset and a full boat cover. $5,995.00
I'd say its a great deal!!! :eek:
I think he wants something a little nicer, faster, bigger, etc. but thanks.

[a catered life]

I think he wants something a little nicer, faster, bigger, etc. but thanks.
now he's getting picky..... :squiggle: $30,000 for his first boat man where does he work and can i get a job :devil:

[Lake Ape]

Intel, ya, I think they have about 100 jobs posted on Monster.com

[jdogginla]

I just saw Kilrtoy's sig..........it's not in his sig anymore, not sure if he sold it. But def send him an email or pm him. It's a 21' skiier (Ultra or shockwave.....can't remember, but it's nice). Hey.......and if your buddy buys it, maybe you can work in a ride in his new DCB ;)

[Desert Rat]

If he wants to explore isolated areas then fuel economy might be something to think about. A 21' with a 350 I/O will be about the best in that area but of course you trade top end for MPG. A jet will need a MUCH bigger tank to get the same distance between fillups.. Just my .02

[BarryMac]

Scuba Steve has been throwing out that he is selling his Aftershock? 21' JetBoat, it is really nice with low hours and a bitchen Stereo...

[Lake Ape]

If he wants to explore isolated areas then fuel economy might be something to think about. A 21' with a 350 I/O will be about the best in that area but of course you trade top end for MPG. A jet will need a MUCH bigger tank to get the same distance between fillups.. Just my .02
I think that's what he's most worried about, fuel economy which equals range. I think he used to use his dad's Spectra 24 that had 2 50 gallon gas tanks on it and that was just about enough. I know he doesn't want a jet.

[DEEZ NUTTS]

IF he is gonna explore Powell he should get a boat he can sleep in. Tents suck in the wind storms.

[Havasu Hangin']

Powell?
I'd try to look for a 22' deep V (I/O) minimum. Powell can make any boat look (and feel) small when the wind kicks up.
There are deals out there.

[Lake Ape]

The guy just spent the last 28 months in Irag mostly sleeping in a tent or in hole in the ground he's recon specialist or something or other. I don't think he cares about where he sleeps, I think he just wants to be on the lake and stay on the lake a long time.

[riverbound]

The guy just spent the last 28 months in Irag mostly sleeping in a tent or in hole in the ground he's recon specialist or something or other. I don't think he cares about where he sleeps, I think he just wants to be on the lake and stay on the lake a long time.
Im glad he made it back. My brother in law left yesterday, :frown: and my little brother is leaving soon :frown: Tell him I said thanks for what he did over there. I dont think these guys get enough thanks.

[shueman]

I'd go with a nice Tri-Toon with canvas option and a Zodiac for running up the narrow channels.

[Lake Ape]

What is everyone's opinion on Baja, say a 22' - 24'? Are they junk like a bayliner or what? I know they must make like million of them. Is the money better spent on something else, $20-30k? How will they be on fuel?
Thanks,
Kyle, not Lake Ape

[RiverDave]

I'm not sure what the best boat to buy is.. but I'd damn sure have some sort of gas powered trolling motor to get me back if something went a miss.
To be honest for that application I'd probably look into an outboard powered dealio..
RD

[Mandelon]

Outboard power will provide great mileage, but you have to look at it. :rolleyes: A 350 Mag and Bravo 1 combo is pretty bullet proof and also makes a good compromise between speed, mid 50's, and economy....cost and mileage. A deeper V hull will handle the bigger water better.....stay away from the flatter bottoms and it will handle the chop better. I think there are a bunch of boats available that will fit his price range.

[Tom Brown]

To be honest for that application I'd probably look into an outboard powered dealio..
Dave? :confused:

[Lake Ape]

Anyone have any first hand suggestions on this? I have never driven or even know anyone who has an outboard but I always see them at the lake with the covers off. Are they reliable? What is a good hull/brand/model that would fit my needs with an outboard? This is the only outboard boat that I have ever liked:
http://images.traderonline.com/img/6/dealer/749656/74302983_1thumb.jpg
http://images.traderonline.com/img/6/dealer/749656/74302983_2thumb.jpg
I have to buy the boat within three weeks so I can spend the next two months on powell before I have to back to work. Thanks for all your help, it's greatly appreciated!
Kyle Perkins

[Tom Brown]

Outboards can be reliable or they can be dogs... just like stern drives.
I have a Merc. 150, 175, XR-4/150, and 260. All have been reliable, although the 260 doesn't have a lot of time while in my possession and it took a little sorting out due to the frankenstein nature of the origin of it's components.
I've been real happy with outboard power but if RiverDave is going to start being open minded about outboards, I think I'll get rid of all of these outboards and get a v-drive.
One thing I prefer about I/O power is the lower noise level. Engine noise is OK on a speedboat but not so great on a cruiser, IMO. :cool:

[Mandelon]

The newer outboards are way more reliable than the old ones...my Chrysler triple always ran, as long as you didn't mind the smoke... :p
You get more room inside the boat, that's a plus. Get a popular brand like Merc, Yamaha, a brand you can get new parts for....Personally I'd try to find a newer model boat. Lots of rubber parts get old and tired. The middle of Powell is not the place you want to find that out....
I think Kilr's boat would be fine for your needs, maybe a bit shallow on the vee, but he's kept it pretty nice. I know it can haul glass.....LOL :crossx:

[Lake Ape]

Any suggestions on models, brands of hulls?

[Mandelon]

Oy, there are so many. If you want a custom as opposed to a production, which you should......in no particular order.....
20-21 footers are pretty commonly for sale nowadays. Many people are moving up to 24-26 and 29 even....
Ultra, Shockwave, Commander, Caliber1, Aftershock, Laveycraft makes a 21 that handles well, ( I have one) most of these should be in your price range, not too old, 1999- 2000 and newer and available in the trader. There are many others as well.

[shadow]

I know this is not the site for this but there is alot to be said for those Chapparel 22' & 24' deckboats.Plenty of room for the family and all the gear for a day or weekend of adventures,turn key,probablly runs about 50mph,family friendly,i would guess in the price range your friend is looking for.For something smaller and more along the performance line I'd agree contact Kilrtoy or Scuba.

[mondorally]

Mike at RexMarine has this posted on his website
Hallett Vector (http://rexmar.com/boat/boat.html)
Its definately built to handle the rough stuff! Not sure if its still available but definately worth checking out.
Justin

[AquaBoogie]

Your buddy may want to take a look at this one. Slightly over 30k, but worth it.
http://www.boattraderonline.com/addetail.html?77945894

[Jordy]

I know I wouldn't buy a blown Schiada v-drive for that. Even with 90 gallons worth of fuel and a 3 speed transmission. :D

[SCUBA STEVE]

gottajetboat & Shadow, thanks for the plugs. :D
How much are those 24 Chapparal decks going for with decent power?
Maybe not the perfect hot boat, but that might be a good choice for all around reliability, space, $ and insurance. ;)

[Red Eye]

I have a buddy who is buying his first boat. He wants to do all regular stuff with the boat like skiing/wakeboarding, but the main purpose of the boat will be to explore the back and isolated parts of Lake Powell. Speed isn't a big issue but would be nice. He doesn't care much about style but long range is very important. He is a little worried about the channel at Powell too. He has about $20-30K to spend, remember this is his first boat, although he has been around them alot. Any suggestions on what he should look for, outboard, I/O, V-Drive, Size, Brand, Model, Etc..
Thanks
Lake Ape
If your friend lives in AZ there's a boat show from the 16th to the 20th of this month. Maybe he can get some better ideas from seeing them. It's in Phoenix at the Civic Plaza.

[Lake Ape]

I know I wouldn't buy a blown Schiada v-drive for that. Even with 90 gallons worth of fuel and a 3 speed transmission. :D
You would or wouldn't? :D

[Jordy]

You would or wouldn't? :D
Sorry, I was trying out some reverse psychology. Didn't want to seem like I was spamming everywhere. :idea: :D

[cc322]

IMHO..... I hate to say it but with the max dollar amount to spend being around 30.000.00 that wont get you much custom boat, maybe a lower 21 ft not that great for the big lakes I for one am not into production boat's BUT my brother in law just bought a Wellcraft excaliber for 25,000.00 22 TO 23 feet long with a full cuddy and a deep v. He use's it in Newport and the river his first boat as well and he likes it, most of all it's what he could afford. good luck.

[shadow]

gottajetboat & Shadow, thanks for the plugs. :D
How much are those 24 Chapparal decks going for with decent power?
Maybe not the perfect hot boat, but that might be a good choice for all around reliability, space, $ and insurance. ;)
Scuba,A friend of mine had one he bought new a few years ago and i want to say he paid like 35k for it.I may be mistaken but i belive thats the $$ range.It had a 350 & Bravo3 drive.the boat was actually pretty cool,you could load about 10 people comfortablly,planed out nice with the bravo 3,ran about 50mph and was a turn key reliable family boat.room for toys,blender,bbq.big swimstep,ladder for climbing in on front and rear.Definately not a "***boat" but was alot of dependable,user friendly boat for the money.

[DEEZ NUTTS]

I have to buy the boat within three weeks so I can spend the next two months on powell before I have to back to work. Thanks for all your help, it's greatly appreciated!
Kyle Perkins
2 months!! your the man! If the right storm rolls through it will be snowing on you and we absolutely have to see some pics of that.
Get something with a depth finder or install one. Eases my mind when going way back in.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/830102_0226_Small_-med.JPG
A friend used to have an '94 22' Scarab with a 350 in it and seemed like he always passed on by the fuel dock as the rest of us filled up.

[Squirtin Thunder]

If your friend lives in AZ there's a boat show from the 16th to the 20th of this month. Maybe he can get some better ideas from seeing them. It's in Phoenix at the Civic Plaza.
Lake Ape if you pay for my ticket I will come down for the show !!!

[NuckinFutz]

Brand of boat is like brand of truck-everyone has their opinion and only the owners opinion matters. Your friend needs to look at as many boats as possible and see what he likes best. Sleepy in tents isn't bad 99% of the time at Powell. Things I'd suggest is, stay with an engine that will run on 87 octane-thats all Dangling Rope and Bullfrog have if he ventures that far. Outboards don't get bad mileage nowadays, but remember the extra cost of oil will ad up. I've seen some of the production brand deck boats and haven't paid them alot of notice, but some do not ride well in the rough, kind of like the old tri-hulls of the early 70's-look for a deep vee. The thing he'll want for extended Powell trips are plenty of cooler room, a swim platform to tie extra gas cans on, a bimini top if he doesn't like a good burn, and for sure a depth finder with alarm for exploring canyons.

[DEEZ NUTTS]

Powell wont start to get rough till summer. Nothing but glass for the next 3-4 months but its going to be cold.

[Cat Skinner]

check your pm
91 Nordic For Salehttp://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/522/2282nordicsale.JPG