Boat Opinions

[8gv]

If you give a ball park budget, maybe some appropriate boats will come out of the woodwork. You never know...

[Dave R]

Regardless of the brand, I would look for a boat with a poly fuel tank, and a fully-lined fiberglass cockpit. I think you should avoid aluminum fuel tanks and carpet over plywood cockpit soles in boats that old.

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by 8gv

If you give a ball park budget, maybe some appropriate boats will come out of the woodwork. You never know...

Looking in the 5.5-6.5K range.

[Dave R]

I think the 1997 and newer (possibly older too) Four Winns 180 may be perfect for your needs. They made them with I/O and outboard power. I like the outboard ones best. They are nicely powered with a 150 hanging off the transom.

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by Dave R

I think the 1997 and newer (possibly older too) Four Winns 180 may be perfect for your needs. They made them with I/O and outboard power. I like the outboard ones best. They are nicely powered with a 150 hanging off the transom.

Dave you are correct but at this time no one has a Four Winns under 3500 lbs gross including trailer unless it is junk or was the small 16.5' QX that has a deposit on it. Ironically even though it is considered cheaper in some respects Glastrons are good quality and have a reasonably good reputation. They are owned by the same holding company as Four Winns and there appears to be a corporate influence in what and how they build similar to Four Winns. I have seen a few Glastron's around in my price bracket and will be checking one out soon.

[Dave R]

According to Four Winns: A 1998 180 weighs 2480 lbs with a 4.3 V6 engine, 2320 lbs with a 3.0 and 2100 lbs with a 130 HP outboard. The trailer weighs 800. All are under the 3500 lb mark.

That said, add fuel, food, drinks, lines, anchor etc, and the V6 will likely be over 3500, but not enough to matter much. Regardless, manufacturer tow ratings, like oil change intervals, are guidelines, not law.

see: http://www.fourwinns.com/upload/Docu...0Sportboat.pdf

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by Dave R

According to Four Winns: A 1998 180 weighs 2480 lbs with a 4.3 V6 engine, 2320 lbs with a 3.0 and 2100 lbs with a 130 HP outboard. The trailer weighs 800. All are under the 3500 lb mark.

That said, add fuel, food, drinks, lines, anchor etc, and the V6 will likely be over 3500, but not enough to matter much. Regardless, manufacturer tow ratings, like oil change intervals, are guidelines, not law.

see: http://www.fourwinns.com/upload/Docu...0Sportboat.pdf

Dave that's right. That model is the Horizon RX which is the "price" model with less features and I tried to find one but no luck so far. The Horizon RS weighs more at 2520. But here is an easier way to compare them from Four Winns. http://www.fourwinns.com/upload/Docu...Facts_1998.pdf Yes I have been doing my research.

[JasonG]

I had a 18' Maxum, 1999 Bowrider, with a 125 O/B Merc. Weight was 2100. Easy tow with my 6cyl grand cherokee.