Who's got boats?!
 

Just seeing who all on here has boats, and if you have pictures of them!!! I have the itch to go buy something like a 17'-19' ski boat. What do you do for storage? Do these fit in those storage garages that people store their cars in during the winter? Also anyone know any good places to look for a used boat for decent prices? Or know any specific brand of boats that are decently priced? I've noticed some of the brands that seem to be on the cheaper side are Bayliner, Stingray, Sunbird, Glastron... Trying to get the best for my money since I don't have a huge abondunce to spend.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

I'm not a boat guy but if for some reason I don't get the Stealth at least 1 jet ski is in order for the summer and I'd be up for hitting the lakes next to the boat :D

Whoops, this was Allan, no fucking way Jana would say that at this point in time http://dsmstyle.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gifhttp://dsmstyle.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Ya I'd be down Allan. I just think it'd be pretty cool to go land it on Lake Minnetonka, and scoot around and park some restaurants and then go back out on the water, or shit just any lake wherever. Gull lake is pretty nice too, but kind of far since it's in Brainerd. But ya, just skoot around, maybe get a wake board or some big innertubes to tow people around on, and bring a cooler with some beers and just kick it and get a tan!

What'd be perfect is if some of my close friends would quit being so damn cheap and go half and half on a boat with me so we could get something a little nicer. But I just love to be outside, and playing out in the water with a couple people would be kick ass. I think Hughes has a jetski too!

Something kinda like this is what I'd be looking to get...
http://www.iboats.com/used_boats/boa...004/77253.html
http://www.iboats.com/sites/leadersm...l_100_0013.jpg

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

You are going to have to find a deeper storage shed to accomodate the boat and trailor most likely but in Minnesota there are plenty of boat storage facilities.

I have a 02 Sylvan 17 ft with a 90hp Johnson. It isnt too fancy and looks like a fishing boat but it can pull 2 skiers up with absolutely no problems. It isnt nearly as heavy as the Bayliners or Glastrons so it doesnt need as big of an engine.

I dont have a pic of mine but it looks like this.
http://www.sylvanmarine.com/images/idx_explorer.jpg

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

I have a Polaris PWC (jet-ski)....had 2 until 1 had a piston melt last summer. You probably should stay away from Bayliner and Excel boats, they are among the cheaper brands and are known to fall apart fairly early on. Also, stay away from Mercury outboards and Mercruiser I/O's....they love to not start. Lots of I/O's use a Chevy 350 engine which is good and so are the Volvos. As for outboards there are lots of good brands: Johnson, Honda, Yamaha, Evinrude, blah blah blah. For long-term reliability/durability just stay away from anything Mercury, Force, or Chrysler (only found on very old boats). Not sure what exactly you are considering, but have you looked at jet-boats at all?

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Jet boats look fun, but I don't know if they are as big as I want. I want one that could fit a few people. That's why I like the openbow models, get 4 people on there pretty comfortably, and prolly squeeze 8 on if we're feeling froggy!

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

we have an inboard stingray 4.3L v6

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Larson Lxi190 here. 4.3L in-board/volvo out drive.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

We have a 19" Lund Tyee or something like that with a 250 horse motor. Its a big boat, it needs that much engine to get it to move decently. Its still pretty quick and we can pull skiers n' shit.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

You need a damn Plontoon now that I think about it. :D

http://www.prairieoutdoors.com/delar...party_boat.jpg

When you get serious about looking get out of the cities. There are dealers around resorts and lakes in WI and IA that will have the same boat for a little less due to the market. My best friend from high school's dad also works are the boat shop in my hometown and I could alwasy swing in since it's near my parents place and ask around on some models.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Pontoons are definitely a good time. The neighbors at my grand parents lake home have a pontoon outfitted with the same engine as Mike's Lxi190. That damn thing really scoots for how big it is. They pull tubes and skiis but it doesnt look like much fun cause it doesnt have much wake. The thing isnt very nimble either.

Brandon, have you looked into deck boats? The ex's uncle had one and that thing was bad ass. You could do anything on it. Nice flat bottom with plenty of room.
http://www.godfreymarine.com/Graphic...fdgs_200IO.jpg

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

^^ Deck boats are bomb, you can fish off them and party like no other. Once I get my own place Ill be looking to get a nice 16ft fishing/bass boat, something that will pull a skier if needed but mainly to go fishing around here, as I love to fish.

As for watercraft we have:

1962 restored aluminum runabout w/65hp- will be for sale soon
14ft fishing boat w/15hp
Paddleboat
Home built hydroplane w/15hp- for sale
1994 Kawasaki 750SS PWC

These are all at the cabin....

Kracka- we have 2 mercury motors, one 65hp from 1976 and one 15hp from 2000 and they are both pretty good motors, start right up. Any motor can have its issues, but as long as you take care of it and clean it they are all pretty good. Im sure some are better than others, if I had a brand to pick it would be yamaha or suzuki or evinrude.

Also look into 4stroke motors, if you have a little extra they are well worth the noise and gas factor.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Unless you have a lot of friends with jetskis, don't get one. They are fun once or twice by yourself, after that, they suck. A good cheap speedboat is perfect since you can take your buddies out for some beers and chicks can actually jump in with you. My in-laws had a cheap Bayliner and it was fine for what it was. They're kind of like a Chevy Impala, not too exciting and build quality is so-so, but it gets you around and looks decent. Plus an almost new one can be had for under $10K. If you want to pull any skiers, don't get anything less than a 4.3, the four-cylinders are kinda doggy if you've got an 18-19 footer with a few people in it.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

I have a 2003 Bayliner 205XT. With new motor going in here in about 2 weeks we should be getting close to the 300HP limit of the Outdrive.

Here is what it looks like (not actual pictures of my boat)
http://www.waterlinemarine.com/new_boats/id/12/

Dan

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

I love deckboats, but my problem is that I am a 24 year old with house payments. So I don't think a deck boat is in the cards for me. I'm liking some of the cheaper bayliners I'm seeing. I guess we'll see.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Hey, you have to start somewhere. My ex's uncle that has one is a business owner in Sioux Falls and also owns a multi milllion dollar house. The only reason I have the 02 Sylvan is because my stepdad will never be able to use it again and my mom doesnt have a vehicle to tow it.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

i guy i work with here offered to sell me his little Hydrostream pocket rocket boat, but too small. Damn damn

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Theres nothing wrong with bayliners, just make sure its in good condition and has lower hours, look for any cracks in the fiberglass, etc.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

Uhh I have a 99 Searay 185 Bow rider. It's fun.

Re: Who's got boats?!
 

OLD alumacraft Kingfisher. I fished in it when it was used when i was 4 years old, one uncle sold it to a friend of his, who sold it to a different uncle, who sold it to his brother, then sold it to us.

It's been around the block more then once... :cool: