Buying a boat

I'm in the market for buying a ski boat sometime here in the next 6 months and I'm wondering if anyone on here has any advice on what type of boat to get and when the best time to buy would be? I'm willing to spend about 20k on a nice boat but don't want to go overboard on things I won't need so if I can get one for my needs cheaper that would be great. Mainly taking the kids and lady out and doing some skiing, kneeboarding, and pulling a tube.

 

Are you buying new or used? If new look for boat shows in the area. We have one in Atlanta every year in the winter. Great place to see, touch, & climb on board all different boats. This way you can see the different brands & find the ones you like. Also they usually discount the boats more at the boat show.

http://www.boatshows.com/

http://www.boatshows.com/calendar.aspx

Good info for new boat owners:
http://www.discoverboating.com/beginner/default.aspx


Another place to look is boat trader.com for new & used boats.


Good luck,
Sean

 

Also where are you planning on keeping your boat?

Does your neighborhood have covenants against keeping it outside. Mine does. If you plan on keeping outside in the yard, You MUST GET a COVER. Keeps your boat nice & new.

I keep my 18' bass boat in my garage. My garage is 19' & I have to angle my boat. It takes up the whole garage. I did store it by the lake at a storage facility. Covered boat slip was $90 a month. At a marina forget it. Around my area at the marina in the water was $300 a month.

You will love owning a boat! In the summer I use mine for playing at the lake with a towable (too hot to fish). Good time to buy equipment for your fun is in the fall.Bass Pro or Cabelas have there stuff on sale. I picked up some new life vests(O'Brien) at bass pro for $29 normally $50.
You may also get good deals on skis,knee boards on ebay.
I would buy your accessories from bass pro, cabelas, boaters world. Or somewhere on the web. It will be much cheaper than the dealer.

 

Don't skimp on HP. At least a 150HP. Anything less and you won't be happy. I have a 175HP outboard motor. Ski boats are going to be inboard motors.

 

Inboard Outdrive is the way to go for a boat to tow with. Safer and better wake response.
Normal pull speeds on skis (about the hardest tow) can be any where from like 24 to 35 knots- You want enough power to get to that without any hesitation.

Good luck shopping!!