noob that needs help

(gainsb) · (gainsb) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 02-15-2009, 4:31 PM

my dad bought a lakehouse in CT....

so my brother and I are going to buy a towboat. we are complete noobies to the sport. I am having trouble finding info on buying a boat and what to look for etc. we basically can spend 25k max. so if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated.

(tl_hereford) · (tl_hereford) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 02-15-2009, 4:37 PM

Wakeboard , surf, ski?? Family? Depends on what your needs are.

(grant_west) · (grant_west) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 02-15-2009, 5:09 PM

Mastercraft 300

(lowend) · (lowend) **Join Date: Jan 2009** 02-15-2009, 5:33 PM

^^^^ hahaha

(aarond0083) · (aarond0083) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 02-15-2009, 5:51 PM

For 25K I'd look at Nautique Super Sports or early Super Airs and first era MasterCraft X-Stars.

Assuming you are going to mostly be wakeboarding, those are two of the best hulls in the history of the sport. You'd be happy with either.

Welcome to WW.

(jackeh) · (jackeh) **Join Date: May 2008** 02-15-2009, 6:40 PM

1999-2002 mastercraft xstar.

1998-2002 nautique super sport/ super air nautique.

1998-2003 malibu wakesetter/ sunsetter.

those would be my choices.

(ncboarderboy) · (ncboarderboy) **Join Date: Aug 2007** 02-15-2009, 6:44 PM

2002-2004 supra ssv

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 02-15-2009, 8:03 PM

If you have 25k max then make sure you spend a few thousand less than that. You are likely to want some ballast bags, cruise control, tower, racks or stereo. Test drive any boat you are interested in and see if you can get rides in other boats to give you more understanding. Get the driveline checked by a marine mechanic in case there is a major problem.
Look at the condition of the floor and stringers that support the driveline. Things like faded paint can be brought back with some polishing but it's nice if it's already shiny.

You'll get lots of good advice on this site but you will notice that everyone likes there own boat. (well, of course, why else would they have it)

(99_slaunch) · (99_slaunch) **Join Date: Oct 2005** 02-15-2009, 9:14 PM

^^^ Good advice from Art. Ask to see any kind of maintenance records. There are a lot of clean boats out there for good prices. Don't get in a rush.

(zach2orjack) · (zach2orjack) **Join Date: Dec 2008** 02-16-2009, 7:29 AM

For a little more you can get a boat that is ready to take out. If I were you I would find a way to make it at least 30k$ and find a used Supra, CC, or Bu. If you can't look into used Sangers or Moombas. You can probably find one with everything you need to get started already on it for 25k.

(bill_sloan) · (bill_sloan) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 02-17-2009, 5:23 AM

It's really good time to buy.

(afwakepilot13) · (afwakepilot13) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 02-17-2009, 6:51 AM

2nd Jack's recommendations, don't be afraid of direct drive sunsetters/sport nautiques/MC Prostar 205s, they have great wakes with a little weight, and cost a little less, also they're great options if you are concerned w/skiing. If you have the $ and mostly wakeboard, any of the 3 Jack said are awesome, and like the others said, it's a great time to buy.

(denverd1)

Sanger Vdrives fit into that budget all day long.

And a Bu VLX can be had for close to that

(pri3st) · (pri3st) **Join Date: Aug 2007** 02-17-2009, 12:24 PM

http://hartford.craigslist.org/boa/1017464294.html

(wakemikey) · (wakemikey) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 02-17-2009, 3:21 PM

If you are n00bs do you really need a $25k boat?

(bmartin) · (bmartin) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 02-17-2009, 6:00 PM

Not necessarily in your area or still for sale, but these are the kind of boats I would be thinking about. Some will like one over another, but I have been behind models with these same hulls and all will make good wakes.

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/642579.html?1232328723

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&i tem=130268467179

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/669686.html?1234735845

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/635832.html?1228088548

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/669902.html?1234663481

(gainsb) · (gainsb) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 02-18-2009, 10:01 AM

Thanks so much for the input! I really appreciate it. There is a boat show here in Boston which I will check out tomorrow, just get more familiar with the different ski/wake boat manufacturers.