Advice for first time boat purchase

My boat is rated for 8 people , taco has zero issues towing it, and it's not elbow to elbow as there are 8 freestanding seats. The catch is that if all 8 are adults that means that two have to sit in the bow (we have a 19' bowrider). Which is perhaps more comfortable but can get chilly if we're out on a lukewarm day. We will store our boat in the garage in the summer and indoor paid storage in the winter, and will use it to explore all the lakes and rivers the fantastic state of Oregon and Washington have to offer. We ended up buying a sea-ray which i believe has an hours meter standard on all boats.

EDIT: we also purchased a boat with an upgraded 4.3L engine (200hp) rather than the standard 3.0 130hp engine, for many of the reasons you all list above.

 

Following this thread, OP. Let me know which direction you're going. The wife approved of a boat purchase for our family, too. Leaning towards an old-school '70s Trihull Bowrider. We have a fam of 4 (two kids). Trying to consider space needs for us, a big cooler, swim/fish gear, etc. Looking towards a 17' boat. I don't want to go bigger than that pulling behind a 2nd Gen Taco. Our budget is <$5,000, which is the going rate for these types of boats. My hope is to find one in decent shape (good hull, good floor, good seats & upholstery) for a decent price with a running motor that has tilt/trim. if we decide to keep it longterm, I'll put $ aside to upgrade to a newer motor down the line.

 

If you are planning on used, 99% of people are taking their boats to a shop for maintenance. They put the engine hours on the paperwork, so i would ask for that. The motors can last many hours if they are well taken care of. I'm pulling a 19'6 bass boat with a 200hp merc and the total weight with gear is between 3500-4k lbs. My Tacoma pulls it just fine even up hills, although I wouldn't pull to much more that 4500 lbs as it would probably struggle. And definitely look under the hull and transom for any cracking/ visible signs of damage as these would be the most common areas. My $.02.

 

Yes. Boats are like tents lol My 17' has open bow (2 seats.... 3 technically) 2 against the stern and 2 for the spotter/pass seat and capt seat. Filling every seat means no one has any room to move about, and the boat runs like a slug in the water.

 

Add me to the club. What it need to know is realistically what size boat can my 3rd gen tow with the V6?

 

Its more about weight than size , but my 3G tows our 3500 lbs (boat + trailer) 19 foot bowrider with no problems whatsoever.

 

I’ve pulled my 18’ Pioneer from Charleston, SC down to Venice, Florida and back. Got about 9 miles per gallon.
I’ve seen bigger boats pulled by a Tacoma.

 

The real issue is either "what do YOU feel comfortable towing" or "what is legal to tow".

For example.. most guys that're used to towing with a diesel truck will think the Tacoma is a pig and can only tow a canoe comfortably. I have a friend like this.. they can't seem to stomach having the truck feel differently or adjust to varying terrain/power demands.

 

Once you understand the costs involved and have decided to go ahead, follow the advice of Roy Scheider. Get a bigger boat. While they look plenty big enough on dry land once they get wet they shrink dramatically.

 

i only know the 4500lbs of sailboat is attached to my diesel because the suspension rides nicer haha. Much better than a 1st gen tacoma!

Haha thats pretty good. Boats tend to shrink in the water.

 

Buy the newest boat you can afford

 

If it's fiberglass, check for bubbles on the hull. its called osmosis it's like a cancer eating the hull.

 

Get a survey if it’s a private party.

 

In my limited experience (of about 5 boat purchases) the majority of marine surveyors contributed nothing but the legal document needed for insurance/dockage.

Try to ask around for a highly recommended surveyor or marine mechanic from a location different than the yard/location/dealer where the vessel is being purchased.

 

LOL. That's some quality sage advice right there.. TW style.


Hopefully everyone here can draw parallels with someone telling them to buy the most expensive pickup truck they can afford. It makes just as much sense.