About Michael Bouchard Expertise Ski Boats and Wake Board Boats - Maintenance, Buying, Comparing. Questions on Barefooting, Waterskiing, and Wakeboarding.
Experience I've been skiing for 32 years, barefooting for 10, and wakeboarding for 10. I have competed in tournaments and have also run tournaments. I own a Ski Boat Dealership and have a lot of experience with many different types of ski boats.
Expert: Michael Bouchard Date: 7/14/2006 Subject: ski boat purchase
Question Live on a lake in Washington, need a boat. Right now my family is an 11 year old daughter, my wife and me. My daughter could be pulled out of the water by a strong wind and small sail. Me, I am 5'10" about 190 and 64 years. Still active still ski
Want an inboard direct drive, think it gives best performance, coupled with quick out of the box, reasonable economy, and can still take my wife for an evening cruise. Been looking at them all Mastercraft, Sanger, Malibu, Supra, Tige, etc. 19-22 feet is fine. Would rather buy used than new and do not care about the year, the condition will determine the buy no buy decision. Recommendations of what I ought to be looking for. While I am not a new boater it has been years since I boated, oh, my prime mover is a 2002 4WD Trailblazer.
Appreciate your insights and advice.
Steve
Answer First of all - I need to preface this response by letting you know I'm an MB Sports boat dealer.
Any reputable inboard is going to be able to pull you easily and pull your daughter with a consistent pull at any force you want. (and all your listed manufacturer's are reputable)
If your daughter is expecting to advance in the sport of wakeboarding or if you want to do wakesurfing yourself - you may want to consider getting a v-drive instead of a direct drive. Direct will give you a better slalam experiance but the v-drive will be better for other activities like wakeboarding, wakeskating, and wakesurfing.
Also realize that a new boat will come with warranties and typicaly a used boat will not.
If looking for used - hours would not be a main concern for me. I would be looking to ensure the engine risers are not at all rusted and that there is no water in the transmission or oil. Also - a compression test would be a good idea.
