Family Boat Buying Guide

Ah... you have convinced your wife or yourself that a boat is in the midst. As a 1st time prospective boat owner, you can use this guide to answer a few of your questions andwhich features are important. I trust that this guide will help you appear experienced when setting out to purchase a boat as well as give you confidence that you made a good choice for the moneyQ1:Which brand to Purchase? (Top of the line, Good, Repair)
Top of line: Mastercraft, Sea Ray
Nice: Baja, Crownline, FourWinns, Rinker
Not regemended: Maxxum, Bayliner, Starcraft
There are more than 150 brands of boats. Make sure the manufacturer is still building boats (parts availability) by checking the NADA website
Q2: How much should I pay?
A2: Go to the NADA website and choose used boat values, note if the value includes the trailer or not. Expect to pay $8K for a 10 year old boat in the "Nice" category. Stay 7-10 years for a value boat; do not buy anything over 10 years old.Q3: What size do I buy for general waterskiing/pull behinds/etc?
A3: 16-17' = pretty small for waterskiing, 18' (good) 20' starting to get large for a beginner, 22 is now a double axle trailer and larger than your garage/shed by far. 24 ' for Great Lakes (e.g. Lake Michigan, etc)

Q4: What size engine do I need?
A4: For an 18 or 20' boat, go witha Mercury 4.3L(190HP) or the 4.3LMPI (220HP) with a Mercruiser out drive.
Not as well thought of are theOMC or Volvo Penta outdrives
You can pull a skier with a 3.0L V6 (120HP) but it will not be the same experience.
Boats with a 4.3L will sell well when you go to upgrade.

Q5: How do I know how to judge the condition of the boat?
A5: Find one that was stored on a covered lift, on a trailer in a building, or on a rack at a marina. There are hundreds of boats with less than 40 hours per model year. There are many 8 year old boats with less than 200 hrs, without any damage. Upholstery repair will cost about $200/seat if it is cracked from use. Weather cracking is an indication the boat was not covered and you should pass and go to the next boat. Inspect the hull for chips or scratches.
Test drive the boat and listen for clunking when put in reverse or forward (loose shifter cable). See how well the engine starts, inspect the oil, and look for fluid leaks. Every boat will have a paint worn off the prop, possibly a bent prop blade, and nicks on the transom (blade below the prop). If you get a chance to put a white cloth in front of the engine exhaust.... it should not have oil stains on it.
Inspect the lights (trailer