I just got into water sports this year. Tried skiing for the first time in late September and wake boarding not too long after that. Now I’m hooked. I am NOT looking forward to winter, I have been trying to get out on the water with my wakeboard as much as work will allow the last few weeks. I figure if I can’t ride during the winter, I might as well to the next best thing and work on a boat for next season. <BR> <BR>My current ride is a 1979 Hydra-Sports Playmate 120 with a 115 Evinrude. Far from ideal, but the price was right. It was a boat my dad bought when he graduated from college and had been sitting in a barn since ’89. He said it was mine if I wanted it. <BR> <BR>Obviously I am a beginner, but I would like to get something that will last me a few years before I need to upgrade to somthing else. My budget is somewhat limited as my wife and I are saving to buy a house and this is just a “toy” I would like to find something in the $4000 - $6000 range, seat 6 comfortably and look somewhat “modern” Any suggestions on what to look for? What would be a far asking price for my boat? I’m hopping to get enough of out it to buy a tower and a swim platform.

Your problem is going to lie with the "seat six comfortably" and "look somewhat modern". In that price range you are probably looking at an old closed bow direct drive. You can get a very good wakeboat in the Naughty 2001, but they are limited on space, and you have to sac them out. You may be able to get lucky and find a Nauty Excell Vdrive, but I think they go for more than that.

You can find some 10 y.o. I/Os in that price range or some 20 y.o. direct drives. Obviously the direct drives will not be of similar vintage as what you have now and the I/Os will probably be a small step up. Think about keeping what you have for another season to save up for something that will last you for a while. You can try bumming rides behind wakeboats and using yours when you can't find a ride.

Jon, <BR> <BR>My buddy here in NJ has a classic 1978 Mastercraft Stars &amp; Stripes for sale in your price range. E-mail me for details. <BR><a href="mailto:pennprov@comcast.net">pennprov@comcas t.net</a> <BR> <BR>-Dave

Thanks for the quick responses. Would my choices open up any if I pushed the upper limit to $8,000? <BR> <BR>(Message edited by hunter660 on October 15, 2007)

Jon, <BR>There is nothing wrong with starting out with a newer I/O for dependability as compared to an older V or D drive. Yes the V&amp;D drives are superior in many ways to an I/O but if you are just starting and don't have a lot of cash buy a nicer I/O and spend your time on the water not in the shop..IMO <BR>Sack out the I/O and bring lots of friends

What about something like this? <BR> <BR><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;ih=011&amp;sspagename=S TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&amp;viewitem=&amp;item=32017008379 5&amp;rd=1" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;ih=011&amp;sspagename=S TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&amp;viewitem=&amp;item=32017008379 5&amp;rd=1</a> <BR> <BR>Although it would be tight on seating.

that looks way newer than a 1990? maybe it had some upgrades check uinto that

What part of the country are located at?

I'm in Western KY.

Jon I have a Nauty Excel that will seat 8 easy but I want 13000 or so for it

That supreme would make a good starter boat. get you a pole and some sacks and get on the water. looks immaculate for a boat of that age.

8 people in an excel is gonna be tight unless you have the open bow.

Hey Joe what par of western KY you from. Im in Gilbertsville.

jon, if you are willing to drive a bit, i know a dealer that has a two boats, both direct drive in your price line. one is a open bow and one is a closed. <BR> <BR>pm me on it.

PM Sent.

<a href="http://www.usedboats.com/powerboats/1977/18" target="_blank">http://www.usedboats.com/powerboats/1977/18</a>'-ft/correct-craft/southwind-18/fish--ski-runabout/inboard/40330/891683.htm <BR> <BR>I had one like this and loved it. Seats 9-10. Looks ok and the price is right. It is even in KY.

jon, did you get my email.

<a href="http://www.memphisboatcenter.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=09383356X10K22K2007J10I00 I01JAMQ2811R0&amp;veh=584657" target="_blank">http://www.memphisboatcenter.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=09383356X10K22K2007J10I00 I01JAMQ2811R0&amp;veh=584657</a> <BR> <BR>How's the wake and power on something like this? The Mastercrafts seem to hold their value.

hey jon i sold my 80 stars and stripes back in the sping to a guy he is already selling it ..got into sailboats ???? he said he would take 5000.00 for it ...great boat ,i had it 4 11 yr.

look for old hydrodynes....they were "ski" boats but the hulls were really deep...great wake outta our old one

What about a 1995 Mariah Talari 200? Sure, it's not a wakeboard boat, but is it a piece of junk or will it work for a couple of years?

no go, get a dd, bro. There are plenty out there, it is winter. Chec out the other link on ww regarding something like an american skier LTD (24ft with platform included) or something to the sorts..... it is a steal at 13k, someone is looking at it. Have you driven an i/o and an inboard? There is a huge difference. Personally I will never ever buy an i/o again, unless I am 60 and am looking at a fountain.