Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
6/2/2007 8:13:07 PM EDT
Im moving into a new house right off of lake michigan. i have owned boats before but nothing that can handle lake michigan. im lookin into buying a new boat. but i dont no much about buying boats suited to handle bigger bodies of water. now i dont plane on crossing lake michigan but maybe a over night on the lake every once in awhile. i dont want to be spending more then 30,000 dollars but i am willintg to buy used the only thing i want is a inboard. were should i look for boat and what do you recomend. THX!!  
6/2/2007 8:22:12 PM EDT
[#1]
Look at a Four Winns..........helps keep the locals working here!!!!!  Good boat.

vmax84
6/2/2007 8:23:43 PM EDT
[#2]
What are your plans for the boat?  Fishing, skiing, what?
6/2/2007 8:42:52 PM EDT
[#3]
height=8
Quoted:
What are your plans for the boat?  Fishing, skiing, what?



just having a day on the boat, sking...yes, fishing...not so much, launch on the water...yes, travling from Green bay to Upper Penisula for a camping trip....maybe
6/2/2007 9:11:45 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
Im moving into a new house right off of lake michigan. i have owned boats before but nothing that can handle lake michigan. im lookin into buying a new boat. but i dont no much about buying boats suited to handle bigger bodies of water. now i dont plane on crossing lake michigan but maybe a over night on the lake every once in awhile. i dont want to be spending more then 30,000 dollars but i am willintg to buy used the only thing i want is a inboard. were should i look for boat and what do you recomend. THX!!  


Ebay?

Craigslist?

Buy used,...

Most bigger inboards run auto V8s adapted for marine use (some professionally/from-the-factory (mercruiser, etc)... Some not-so-much)...

Make sure the 'other shit' (electronics, crappers, etc) works properly - that can cost you as much as engine/hull problems - and don't buy a boat who's owner paid his mechanic with beer...

My grandfather owned a 35' chris-craft (just a tad big for a trailer, was a lake-michigan only boat) - most of his 'problems' were engine or controls related, and most of that was due to his using the good-buddy-beer-fueled-mechanic....

6/2/2007 9:51:48 PM EDT
[#5]
I'm pretty happy with the one I have.


Bentley 24 ft

I've had 10 people at one time in mine.
6/2/2007 10:47:56 PM EDT
[#6]
not really lookin for pontoons but thx anyway. i was leaning towards a power cruiser or a cuddy (edit)
6/2/2007 11:22:13 PM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
not really lookin for pontoons but thx anyway. i was leaning towards a power cruiser


Good choice for a camping trip.

6/3/2007 12:49:42 AM EDT
[#8]
height=8
Quoted:
You know what BOAT stands for don't you?






Bankruptcy

On

A

Trailer

hock.gif




Good luck.
6/3/2007 1:25:05 AM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:
You know what BOAT stands for don't you?

Bankruptcy
On
A
Trailer



Good luck.


Break
Out
Another
Thousand

Additionally:  Engines are for pussies.

ETA:  A boat-owner's two happiest days:  The day he buys his boat, and the day he sells it.

Boat:  noun.  A hole in the water you throw your money into.
6/3/2007 4:32:26 AM EDT
[#10]

Quoted:
You know what BOAT stands for don't you?

Bankruptcy
On
A
Trailer


Good luck.


I always thought it stood for:

Break
Out
Another
Thousand

for every time you have to take it to the shop (and I'm on about my twelth boat).  
6/3/2007 4:42:23 AM EDT
[#11]
We're planning on a boat next spring after my spousal unit gets out of school.  With fuel prices going up we're looking at a sailboat.  The wind is free.

Sure, we can't get in a hurry, but having sailed a couple times with friends, I like the casual pace.
6/3/2007 6:59:18 AM EDT
[#12]
 I haven't looked at the boat market much lately , but I'll bet there are some great deals to be had in Michigan with our Canadian Governor trying to drive every last business out of the state.

 To me, the ideal Great Lakes boat would be something like a 26+ foot Sea Ray Sundancer with a cabin, galley and head.

 

 
6/3/2007 7:01:08 AM EDT
[#13]

Quoted:
You know what BOAT stands for don't you?






Bankruptcy

On

A

Trailer






Good luck.


You mean

Bring

On

Another

Thousand
6/3/2007 7:12:53 AM EDT
[#14]

Quoted:
 I haven't looked at the boat market much lately , but I'll bet there are some great deals to be had in Michigan with our Canadian Governor trying to drive every last business out of the state.

 To me, the ideal Great Lakes boat would be something like a 26+ foot Sea Ray Sundancer with a cabin, galley and head.

 

 


very solid choice, Sea Ray

im on the ocean here on Long Island and im strictly a center console fishing boat guy
but those boats along with Four Winns , Scout are very popular here. usually
5.0 mercruiser I/0
6/3/2007 7:29:56 AM EDT
[#15]
If your going to take it on lake michigan it is recommended that you get atleast a 23+ footer also make sure you have sufficient power because being out there storms can come up on you fast don't ask me how I know.  You have all types of options out there four winns, tahoe, rinker, sea ray, and more check out your local marinas or look at a site call yachtworld.com they have some good deals there.  

Another piece of advice if you do go on like michigan make sure you have enough gas and food also a ship to shore radio and safety gear.

Other than that the two happiest days for a boat owner is the day they buy the boat,
and the day they sell the boat.
6/3/2007 7:35:47 AM EDT
[#16]
this is a pic of what to expect for 30K

this is the marina i keep my boat

25ft Crownline 2005 low hours, very good boat im told



6/3/2007 7:42:12 AM EDT
[#17]
Get something with a turbine.
6/3/2007 7:43:11 AM EDT
[#18]
38ft bayliner
6/3/2007 7:52:09 AM EDT
[#19]
Bayliner, Sea Ray, Rinker,  all are good options.  Have the boat professionally surveyed before laying any money down.

Since you seem to be somewhat new at this I suggest taking some boating classes.   Going in the Great lakes is not really all that different than going offshore here.  LOTS of ways to get into trouble in a hurry.
6/3/2007 7:58:08 AM EDT
[#20]
Go with outboard engines. Easier to work on, just pull up a chair. Inboards require you to break your back down in a little cramped engine compartment.
6/3/2007 9:16:28 AM EDT
[#21]
Sailing is out of the question with17 and 16 year old sons aswell as two 14 year old daughters. they like speed and power (atleast the boys do) and the girls like to....(IDK)...tan swim hangout with boys there age!?!?!?!?!


EBaymotors Formula 330 possiblity

I talked to this guy he told me that if it doesnt sell on ebay he is willing to bargin he wants around 40,000
6/3/2007 9:26:25 AM EDT
[#22]
Take a look at this site.  Very informative on all things boating:  http://www.thehulltruth.com/    They were very helpfull in helping me make my decision a few years back for a small center console fishing boat.