Anyone into boating?

[Mark B]

Hey everyone,

I want to get a boat. I have never owned one before and I know nothing about them. Before I buy anything, I would like to get some information on different types of boats, sizes, and boating in general. Anyone know of any websites I could visit that would give me good information? The boat is going to be used primarily for pulling skis, tubes and some fishing.


Thanks in advance, Mark B

[LTb1ow]

Sure, whatchu wanna know?

[Mark B]

Is "everything" too vague? haha

I guess a good start would be the costs and upkeep that come with getting a boat. I plan on keeping it on a trailer at a local storage unit. The storage place charges $50 a month to keep it there. What kind of maintenence & upkeep do boats require? If found a 21' Larson Bow Rider that I am interested in. Is this a good choice?

[LTb1ow]

Outboard or sterrndrive?

[Mark B]

"Mercruiser V-6, Inboard/Outboard, New Outdrive Installed At The End Of Last Season,"

I guess that means inboard?

[LTb1ow]

Sterndrive. And thats not to bad at all if you do all your labor.
Oil change, cap/rotor, block drain plugs, its prob salt water cooled so you may wanna ask when the riser/manifold was last changed. Spark plugs etc, simple stuff. Thermostat. Shift cable/throttle cable depending on how stiff they are.

The O/D is 6 bolts, for an Alpha make sure you put it in forward when you pull it.

Basically, a boat is a black hole. No way around it. If you do your own labor its not so bad.

[LTb1ow]

And of course, make sure all the DC works, I doubt a boat that size has AC but check for it. Check the battery charger etc. Go over the boat with a real fine comb. Nav lights/anchor light. Radio. GPS. Depth finder. Etc etc.

[LTb1ow]

And try to find out why the O/D was replaced. They are not like optis, and they more often than not need operator error to kill them.

[Teds89IROC]

That would be a good size for what you're looking to do, we have a 20' pursuit and its the perfect size for fishing down the shore and some watersports.

[LTb1ow]

The V6 will struggle a bit with towing anyone. But agreed, nice little boat to have. If you plan on towing a lot, find out what prop it has, you can get a 4 blade to help it get up on plane by sacrificing a little top end that a three blade would give you.

[Mark B]

The O/D is 6 bolts, for an Alpha make sure you put it in forward when you pull it.


I didnt understand that entire line. ahah

[bobb1589]

Originally Posted by Shownomercy

The V6 will struggle a bit with towing anyone. But agreed, nice little boat to have. If you plan on towing a lot, find out what prop it has, you can get a 4 blade to help it get up on plane by sacrificing a little top end that a three blade would give you.

no way... we have a 150 hp yamaha and it pulls fine

[mtg6486]

did you take a boaters safty coarse yet because you need that before you can even drive 1

[Mark B]

Originally Posted by mtg6486

did you take a boaters safty coarse yet because you need that before you can even drive 1

No, where can I find one.

[mtg6486]

theres usually adds at boating stores for classes where are you located

[sweetbmxrider]

doesn't the MVC carry the handbook? i think they have info about it too.

[Mark B]

Im in Martlon. Also, what is required as far as registration, titles, and licences?

[mc73nova]

My friend recently took the course, Ill ask him for the info. I got mine when I was 14, so I didnt have to worry. A Larson is a good boat. We had a 236 LXi Bowrider with a 350 Magnum MPI with a Bravo Three outdrive (special ordered 1 of 1 in '97) it went 66 MPH! My father sold it 2 years ago

Anyway, a v6 I/O with an alpha drive is a great starting point. Boats require a decent amount of attention, the better you take care of it, the longer it will last. Saltwater requires more upkeep than freshwater. It is also extremely fun. We started with an 18' Century with a v6 OMC, which was great because it was older an gave us experience on a beginner lever without being nervous about any mishaps(skeg/prop). We spent 90% of the time in lakes, about 10% in the bay/ocean.

If you need anymore specific info, just let me know. If I cant answer, my father will definitely know.

[LTb1ow]

Originally Posted by bobb1589

no way... we have a 150 hp yamaha and it pulls fine

V6 outboard is much more powerful than a merc V6 inboard.

And the O/D is connected to the stern of the boat by six bolts. You can remove them pretty easy, just remeber to put the shifter into foward. And you should change that oil every season too.

[LTb1ow]

A V6 OMC eh? Thats a classic.... lol

[mc73nova]

Originally Posted by Mark B

Im in Martlon. Also, what is required as far as registration, titles, and licences?

Registration for boat and trailer, boats do have titles, the lisence(certificate) will be given to you at the end of the boating course, then you go to the DMV with it so they can put it on your actual license.

[mc73nova]

Boat Insurance is also something I would strongly recommend. It is relatively inexpensive and worth every penny.

[35thls1ss19]

go for a v8! I have a big block and love the sound and power! But not a great fishing boat. It loves to pull tubes and party lol. Where are you planning on boating? First thing i am goign to tell you and i was told and didnt believe it. BOAT stands for break out another thousand! And dam do they cost money. I might be looking to sell mine this spring due to just that. Looking for a 223ls Formula with a 454?

Also check out speedwake.com if your into speed boats very good site.

[LTb1ow]

What year is that formula? When did they make one with a 454?

[35thls1ss19]

87 which was also the last year with the alpha 454 combo figures. 88+ they went to bravos on all big blocks. I did a high rise intake and some heads got the boat up to 58 gps. Its a heavy boat. This year i want to try and dump it, 1 bc of the economy and me having no work 2. eventually get into a 22 cat type boat. I am just worried about sacrificing the cabin, i've had alot of fun in there but i think i rather be doing 70mph+