BoatTZ
2-Jun-23 10:58am
#1 loztdogs
Hey all - Wife and I our looking to buy our first boat. We’ve always been passengers never the captain. Primary looking for 16’ - 19’ for now just to get our feet wet (pun intended
)
This isn’t the first time we’ve considered buying a boat but a recent move put us approx Half a mile from one of the largest fresh water lakes west of the Mississippi. I’m going to see a 2003 Seadoo speedster 16’ jet boat. Looks super clean but I’ll find out more later today. I’m concerned tho, since this particular model has the mercury v6 optimax which I’ve read good and bad things about. I’ve had these Seadoos on my radar for at least 5 years. Anybody have any experience with them or more importantly the merc v6?
I’m mechanically inclined. I’ve owned my fair share of hot rods, VDubs and motorcycles. Tho I don’t really want my first boating experience to be more wrenching then boating. I would prefer to find something considered reliable.
Any suggestions or experiences you can share would be appreciated and if you have any experience with these jet boats please share.
#1 loztdogs
Hey all - Wife and I our looking to buy our first boat. We’ve always been passengers never the captain. Primary looking for 16’ - 19’ for now just to get our feet wet (pun intended
)This isn’t the first time we’ve considered buying a boat but a recent move put us approx Half a mile from one of the largest fresh water lakes west of the Mississippi. I’m going to see a 2003 Seadoo speedster 16’ jet boat. Looks super clean but I’ll find out more later today. I’m concerned tho, since this particular model has the mercury v6 optimax which I’ve read good and bad things about. I’ve had these Seadoos on my radar for at least 5 years. Anybody have any experience with them or more importantly the merc v6?
I’m mechanically inclined. I’ve owned my fair share of hot rods, VDubs and motorcycles. Tho I don’t really want my first boating experience to be more wrenching then boating. I would prefer to find something considered reliable.
Any suggestions or experiences you can share would be appreciated and if you have any experience with these jet boats please share.
2-Jun-23 4:05pm
#2 Tony
You've probably heard these:
The two happiest days of a boat owner's life: 1.) The day he buys it. 2.) The day he sells it.
The definition is boat is "a hole in the water that you pour money into".
#2 Tony
You've probably heard these:
The two happiest days of a boat owner's life: 1.) The day he buys it. 2.) The day he sells it.
The definition is boat is "a hole in the water that you pour money into".
2-Jun-23 4:48pm
#4 loztdogs
Tony wrote:
You've probably heard these: The two happiest days of a boat owner's life: 1.) The day he buys it. 2.) The day he sells it. The definition is boat is "a hole in the water that you pour money into".
Lol yeah I get it. They’re so much to explore out here. It’s definitely been a headache thinking about it but the whole fam is ready to take the plunge(oops I did it again), who am I to say no. We always have a blast when we’re out with friends; I want the freedom to go whenever I feel like it.
#4 loztdogs
Tony wrote:
You've probably heard these: The two happiest days of a boat owner's life: 1.) The day he buys it. 2.) The day he sells it. The definition is boat is "a hole in the water that you pour money into".
Lol yeah I get it. They’re so much to explore out here. It’s definitely been a headache thinking about it but the whole fam is ready to take the plunge(oops I did it again), who am I to say no. We always have a blast when we’re out with friends; I want the freedom to go whenever I feel like it.
2-Jun-23 6:18pm
#5 Alaisiagae
My parents have a boat. The motor can be troublesome, particularly due to the hygroscopic nature of the high ethanol content of usual gasoline. Can ruin the motor over time (this can also be true of lawn mowers and generators). So, maybe drain it all out/purge it in between seasons, I dunno. My parents take their boat to the local lake, it's not a sea-going vessel.
Other headaches: may depend on the state, but need to register the license plate of the trailer (just like you would for a car) and registration for the boat, excise tax (?), and paying to winterize it between seasons. Get a boat cover, be mindful if you go to multiple locations to scrape off any weeds (could be invasive species). May be required to have life vests and marine fire extinguisher. And you may have a learning curve to drive with a trailer attached.
#5 Alaisiagae
My parents have a boat. The motor can be troublesome, particularly due to the hygroscopic nature of the high ethanol content of usual gasoline. Can ruin the motor over time (this can also be true of lawn mowers and generators). So, maybe drain it all out/purge it in between seasons, I dunno. My parents take their boat to the local lake, it's not a sea-going vessel.
Other headaches: may depend on the state, but need to register the license plate of the trailer (just like you would for a car) and registration for the boat, excise tax (?), and paying to winterize it between seasons. Get a boat cover, be mindful if you go to multiple locations to scrape off any weeds (could be invasive species). May be required to have life vests and marine fire extinguisher. And you may have a learning curve to drive with a trailer attached.
2-Jun-23 6:27pm
#6 loztdogs
All good points, especially the call out on gasoline. I read that as well. In Montana you do have to register the boat and the trailer (maybe all states?). 13+ years old in MT I believe you can get permanent reg. Winterizing is a whole different can of worms. I still think the pros out way the cons but who knows I’m a noob for sure.
#6 loztdogs
All good points, especially the call out on gasoline. I read that as well. In Montana you do have to register the boat and the trailer (maybe all states?). 13+ years old in MT I believe you can get permanent reg. Winterizing is a whole different can of worms. I still think the pros out way the cons but who knows I’m a noob for sure.
2-Jun-23 6:35pm
#7 bill
Have you considered a pontoon style boat? Those seem popular. I guess they are more about having some space vs. going fast.
#7 bill
Have you considered a pontoon style boat? Those seem popular. I guess they are more about having some space vs. going fast.
2-Jun-23 8:24pm
#8 Alaisiagae
loztdogs wrote:
All good points, especially the call out on gasoline. I read that as well. In Montana you do have to register the boat and the trailer (maybe all states?). 13+ years old in MT I believe you can get permanent reg. Winterizing is a whole different can of worms. I still think the pros out way the cons but who knows I’m a noob for sure.My parents love going out on the boat - for them, the costs are outweighed by the enjoyment they get from lovely sunsets, time on the water, etc. It's not my scene, but I'm glad they have fun.
#8 Alaisiagae
loztdogs wrote:
All good points, especially the call out on gasoline. I read that as well. In Montana you do have to register the boat and the trailer (maybe all states?). 13+ years old in MT I believe you can get permanent reg. Winterizing is a whole different can of worms. I still think the pros out way the cons but who knows I’m a noob for sure.My parents love going out on the boat - for them, the costs are outweighed by the enjoyment they get from lovely sunsets, time on the water, etc. It's not my scene, but I'm glad they have fun.
2-Jun-23 8:43pm
#9 SublimeFan
Buy used. New boats have an insane price tag right now, and it's likely not going to get better anytime soon since they are almost completely discretionary.
Definitely weigh the option of a pontoon, especially if you plan on having friends out alot. 16 - 19 feet doesn't sound small, but you get so much more real estate with a pontoon.
#9 SublimeFan
Buy used. New boats have an insane price tag right now, and it's likely not going to get better anytime soon since they are almost completely discretionary.
Definitely weigh the option of a pontoon, especially if you plan on having friends out alot. 16 - 19 feet doesn't sound small, but you get so much more real estate with a pontoon.
2-Jun-23 9:30pm
#10 loztdogs
Pontoon boats are crazy expensive. I have buddy that has one and I agree the space alone is with the price of admission… to some degree.
We went ahead and pulled the trigger and bought a 03 speedster 240hp. Clean, shows it’s age though. Seem to ride really well. It’s totally a gamble; I really don’t know boats.
#10 loztdogs
Pontoon boats are crazy expensive. I have buddy that has one and I agree the space alone is with the price of admission… to some degree.
We went ahead and pulled the trigger and bought a 03 speedster 240hp. Clean, shows it’s age though. Seem to ride really well. It’s totally a gamble; I really don’t know boats.
2-Jun-23 9:56pm
#11 KCPenguins
Tony wrote:
You've probably heard these: The two happiest days of a boat owner's life: 1.) The day he buys it. 2.) The day he sells it. The definition is boat is "a hole in the water that you pour money into".
BOAT... Bust Out Another Thousand.
In Missouri you need to register the boat, trailer AND motor. Or at least you did when I lived there. Leaks and electrical would be my biggest concerns. If the motor fires and runs solid, should be OK there with what sounds like your background.
#11 KCPenguins
Tony wrote:
You've probably heard these: The two happiest days of a boat owner's life: 1.) The day he buys it. 2.) The day he sells it. The definition is boat is "a hole in the water that you pour money into".
BOAT... Bust Out Another Thousand.
In Missouri you need to register the boat, trailer AND motor. Or at least you did when I lived there. Leaks and electrical would be my biggest concerns. If the motor fires and runs solid, should be OK there with what sounds like your background.
3-Jun-23 12:43am
#12 Chad
I'm looking for a boat too. Something to fish the straits of juan de fuca. Salmon and halibut, maybe crabbing and shrimping too. Hard to figure out what I need. I want something with a cabin, but prices jump fast with a cabin.
#12 Chad
I'm looking for a boat too. Something to fish the straits of juan de fuca. Salmon and halibut, maybe crabbing and shrimping too. Hard to figure out what I need. I want something with a cabin, but prices jump fast with a cabin.
3-Jun-23 5:18pm
#16 loztdogs
back4more wrote:
That looks like a fun boat @loztdogs
Thanks! We’re hoping to get it registered and in the water again by next weekend.
#16 loztdogs
back4more wrote:
That looks like a fun boat @loztdogs
Thanks! We’re hoping to get it registered and in the water again by next weekend.
3-Jun-23 5:23pm
#17 loztdogs
bill wrote:
Are you planning to water ski with it?
It has a built in pole so it’s feasible. My 15 year old daughter will want to give it a shot I’m sure. Me lol not so much, had both my hips replaced a few years ago so I tend to shy away from stuff like this.
I bought primarily just to be out in the water, fish, swim and explore the area. There’s an island near by that’s called wild horse island and I’d like to go check it out.
#17 loztdogs
bill wrote:
Are you planning to water ski with it?
It has a built in pole so it’s feasible. My 15 year old daughter will want to give it a shot I’m sure. Me lol not so much, had both my hips replaced a few years ago so I tend to shy away from stuff like this.
I bought primarily just to be out in the water, fish, swim and explore the area. There’s an island near by that’s called wild horse island and I’d like to go check it out.
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