Help me find a family lake boat

[SJP]

Tasked with replacing the family runabout ski boat in Michigan.
* Current boat 2000 Larsen 18ft with merc 4 banger IO drive (she has been a great boat but floor rot from people not taking the plug out and multiple engine issues that render it down durning family renunions are putting it out to pasture) I am tasked with finding a suitable replacement (again its not what boat is good for me its what good for my wifes extended family).
* Location Grand Rapids, MI - Ideally we need to have service or dealership within 1 - 2 hour drive. With Lake Michigan shore 1.5 hour away there are a ton of dealers.
* Budget - this is tricky my inlaws think it is still 1995 when they last went boat shopping. I am going to give a range of 40k-60k
* It lives on a boat lift in the summer / sometimes gets covered / rarely gets washed - needs to be bullet proof - less frills the better.
* Needs to be extremely simple to drive and as bullet proof as possible. Driven by non boaters and cousins that think they boat (on the water once a year).
* shallow and sandy - but no direct drive or purpose built ski / wake boats - this thing spends most of its life towing multiple tubers and kids that are in no shape to water ski. See above comment.
* I am thinking something with a 4 stroke outboard. Over powered and propped to tow. Her nieces, nephews and cousins - lets just say they aren't training for any ironmans or triathlons.
* 1-4 year used ok - I am hesitant to go with anything older because if I am not there to service and pickup the pieces my cell phone will be ringing.

What do you guys think?

 

[pixrthis]

I like a v-drive wakeboard boat for what you describe, like a Centurion Enzo. Very easy to drive, tows everything, prop under the boat, fuel injection, and a roomy cockpit. Also easily serviced anywhere.
In the runabout style we had a lot of fun in a 20’ Searay when we were young.

 

[Todd Mohr]

Used Yamaha jet boat

 

[Todd Mohr]

 

[BHC Vic]

I’d get a bayliner. Maybe a rendezvous. No idea about dealers though. My first boat was a bayliner. Nothing but good times and reliability with it.

 

[SJP]

V drive is not going to work well there - it is super shallow and these guys will f it up. Have not driven a recent yamaha jet. I would imagine it will funnel gas. The Larsen has been such a great boat so expectations are high.

 

[Jay Dub]

I will second one of those Yamaha jet boats. almost indestructible.

 

[SJP]

I will second one of those Yamaha jet boats. almost indestructible.

The more that I think of it I am going to look into this.

 

[Todd Mohr]

I think the Yamaha's are pretty reliable and don't suck too much gas, they have small engines. At our local lake there a ton of them, always towing tubes and wakeboarders.

 

[BHC Vic]

I think the Yamaha's are pretty reliable and don't suck too much gas, they have small engines. At our local lake there a ton of them, always towing tubes and wakeboarders.

My buddy has one. Great boat but soooooo slow. He just meets us where we are going though. The price was right for sure

 

[SJP]

My buddy has one. Great boat but soooooo slow. He just meets us where we are going though. The price was right for sure

I kind of like the slow feature - it is a really small lake and I really do not want the kids ripping that hard. The sit down seadoos are already too fast.

 

[RandyH]

Family Lake Boat. Noted.

 

[boatnam2]

I would say what you are describing a Yamaha boat would be perfect, plus is has the rear seating and maybe a tower for towing, anything with an outboard can still hit bottom, cut ropes and end up hurting someone.

 

[BHC Vic]

I kind of like the slow feature - it is a really small lake and I really do not want the kids ripping that hard. The sit down seadoos are already too fast.

Yamahas are nice for sure. I think you have some good options in your price range. This should be pretty fun to see what you can find

 

[Outdrive1]

I like the idea of no prop also for inexperienced boaters.

 

[hallett21]

Yamaha jet boat. Your description of them gave me anxiety thinking about propellers lol.

 

[gqchris]

Love my 2001 Crownline! No stress express and just a solid boat.

 

[Outdrive1]

If you want a little outboard These look really functional and in your price range new.

Bayliner D20 – Explore Deck Boat Models | Bayliner

Explore the Bayliner D20. This deck boat features an outboard motor with side or dual console layout options. Great for cruising or entertaining in fresh and saltwater.

www.bayliner.com

 

[cofooter]

Another vote for Jetboat, Yamaha or Seadoo. Especially for a crew that doesn't boat much. No prop to worry about/tangle/ground out............

 

[gqchris]

If you want a little outboard These look really functional and in your price range new.

Bayliner D20 – Explore Deck Boat Models | Bayliner

Explore the Bayliner D20. This deck boat features an outboard motor with side or dual console layout options. Great for cruising or entertaining in fresh and saltwater.

www.bayliner.com

View attachment 1465959

Dont think you can go wrong with that, seems a solid deal!

 

[whiteworks]

Yamaha dual jet deal, takes a beating and just keeps going. Maybe 45mph when you don’t have 10 people in it pulling tubers and wakeboards. long warranty from Yamaha and not enough power to hurt itself rear egress is perfect for chilling or water sports activity’s. For a general all around boat that’s gonna get beat on by every cousin and uncle you got, I don’t think you can go wrong with one of these.

 

[Sherpa]

Think about newbies driving that Yamaha jet boat.

Panic situation and off the gas resulting in no steer. They drive straight into whatever….

 

[port austin pirate]

things maybe different now but, the early jets in sandy bottoms sucked up loose sand wore the hell out of the wear surfaces in the drives and may be improved now if closed cooling system, but used to fill blocks up when it was straight freshwater cooled, personally sterndrive or outboard would be my choice, and although Iam a carboatmotor guy outboards seem to be the way to go less service and generally cheaper maint

 

[BigAl96]

40-60k could buy a really nice 24-26' toon with decent power. Far less susceptible to rot and less maintenance intensive, plenty of power to pull kids on a tube, and tons of seating.

 

[C-Ya]

This is easy…….

Beachcat Saltwater Pontoon Boats – Wouldn't you rather be on the water?

Get the 23’ or 20’.

These boats have removable upholstery. No rot

They go super shallow. Don’t forget to ad a powerpole and upgraded boarding stairs.

I know you didn’t ask for a head……. But I am throwing it in!

You can treat this boat…….. LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

It can be kept uncovered, since all the soft items are removable.

They are extremely inexpensive too!

It should be noted……. These are terrible for the ocean. Not enough freeboard in bow, but perfect for the lake.

Problem solved…….. Mic drop

 

[MeCasa16]

I thought it was pretty funny the way you describe your extended in-laws. I triple the jet boat idea for that crowd.

 

[Orange Juice]

If it sits on a covered hoist, you probably want to stay under 22 . I like the ChrisCrsfts, and dealers are everywhere.

Probably going to need to need to drop that $40k into DOGE coin for a couple more months.

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2017-chris-craft-21-carina-9630610/

 

[FROGMAN524]

I will second one of those Yamaha jet boats. almost indestructible.

LOL. Almost. My buddy who’s never owned a boat bought one of these Yamaha twin jets last summer and sucked up his dock line in the impellers as he was leaving the dock. Ruined his day before it even got started.

 

[BHC Vic]

LOL. Almost. My buddy who’s never owned a boat bought one of these Yamaha twin jets last summer and sucked up his dock line in the impellers as he was leaving the dock. Ruined his day before it even got started.

I’ve seen my uncle do that more than once with his jet skis

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

Bayliner boats are not flashy but for the cost and they have been around for a long time

 

[Singleton]

Midwest boat, I would go outboard.
They are super easy to winterize and if shit hits the fan cheaper to replace outboard then a dual jet system.

 

[SJP]

LOL. Almost. My buddy who’s never owned a boat bought one of these Yamaha twin jets last summer and sucked up his dock line in the impellers as he was leaving the dock. Ruined his day before it even got started.

I’ve seen my uncle do that more than once with his jet skis

So last summer I get a knock on my home office door ( I already know what is coming because I can hear this kids from the dock). "Uncle SJP - Timmy ran over the ski rope and the waverunner won't start. Can you help us?"

I go down to my inlaws dock and crank the PWC up on the hoist. Big 3 seat newer waverunner on an older PWC hoist. Pullies are cracked and the steal cable starting to fray. I mentioned this should get replaced last season but apparently ownership group did not put it on the list. I look up under the ride plate and there is literally a whole rope pinned to the shaft pretty much againt the grate. I simply ask explain to me what exactly happened. Timmy " Well I was trying to circle the tube, shut off when Suzie could not get back on and then when I started back up I figured I could power thru it...." SJP - " So Timmy you decided to Capreson Throttle the Waverunner over the rope and it stalled out" Timmy -"Yes Uncle SJP - that is what happened. Do you think you can fix it?"

So after I take dock line to tie off the PWC lift encase the cable breaks (If I die who will fix this?). Taking off the intake grate and ride plate, .5 hour of cutting and getting a torch out to assist - yes it was that bad I get the waverunner back up so after these guys finish their lunch can go back out on the water. Guys mind you in the summer it does not get dark there until after 10PM. GiGi appreciates the time with her Parents, Aunts and Uncles basically multiple times a week - "I know you love me". I proceed to pass out. LOL

Honestly - I am kind of highlighting some of the f'd up deals and entertain the inmates. It is a super fun lake and a good time. My biggest thing is I just do not want anyone getting hurt. My blood pressure rise during the day - I have to still work remotely while I am back there. I also want my boys to have a good time and I cannot always expect them to tow everyone around and never get a tow themselves.

Let's just say our row of camps is known as the Californians (I am thrown in by marriage and association). Good times - good times.....

 

[Angler]

Bayliner boats are not flashy but for the cost and they have been around for a long time

I had a 19' open bow Bayliner as my 1st boat. One of the best things I ever bought.

 

[SJP]

40-60k could buy a really nice 24-26' toon with decent power. Far less susceptible to rot and less maintenance intensive, plenty of power to pull kids on a tube, and tons of seating.

So they have a toon for happy hour. It is under powered with a Merc 4 Stroke 65 for water sports. The one boat deal is not going to work for the diverse crowd. I have a similar toon with the same power package. Basically you fill the tank beginning over summer and at 6pm we idle it around the lake and take it to dinner sometimes at the Bar / Restaurant in the corner.

 

[Ziggy]

I like the idea of no prop also for inexperienced

Inexperience & jet bote steering don't mix well.....how many seado's in a panic situation at 30mph have you seen go straight with steering cranked?

 

[Ziggy]

This is easy…….

Beachcat Saltwater Pontoon Boats – Wouldn't you rather be on the water?

Get the 23’ or 20’.

These boats have removable upholstery. No rot

They go super shallow. Don’t forget to ad a powerpole and upgraded boarding stairs.

I know you didn’t ask for a head……. But I am throwing it in!

You can treat this boat…….. LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

It can be kept uncovered, since all the soft items are removable.

They are extremely inexpensive too!

It should be noted……. These are terrible for the ocean. Not enough freeboard in bow, but perfect for the lake.

Problem solved…….. Mic drop

Reminds me of the Hurricane. It a model you see quite a bit on the lower Colorado(martinez).

 

[Tank]

Perfect family lake boat go pick one up, they’ll Love it.

I kid I kid. We just alway joke “it’s the perfect family boat”. lol


Seriously though, those Yamaha jets are pretty cool and you should look at their center console model. Saw one at Barrett’s and I was impressed with the creature comforts. So cool.

 

[C-Ya]

Reminds me of the Hurricane.

The Hurricane doesn’t have a head and removable upholstery. Which truly makes the BeachCat a no frills boat. lol

 

[FROGMAN524]

I had a 19' open bow Bayliner as my 1st boat. One of the best things I ever bought.

My parents first boat, when I was a kid, was a 1994 Maxum 1800SR and boy we had so much freaking fun on that boat with the 4.3L V6 and an alpha 1 drive. Only issue was it got rough in the afternoon on Mohave and that boat didn’t take it very well.

 

[FROGMAN524]

@SJP , based on what you said you want, I’d be looking at one of these 3:

 

[jetboatperformance]

The more that I think of it I am going to look into this.

Just a hint I would check into someone local to you thats established and not only capable but also authorized by the manufacturer for service , not everyone can do much more than basic maintenance unless authorized

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Family Lake Boat. Noted.

View attachment 1465948

Many of us grew up with those and loved it. Well, probably not many on this site. I know, somebody will chime in that they burned themselves on the headers (because they're idiots).

 

[port austin pirate]

If some of the people today saw this, they would want you arrested for child endangerment, back in the day it was SHUT UP AND HOLD ON!

 

[BigAl96]

So they have a toon for happy hour. It is under powered with a Merc 4 Stroke 65 for water sports. The one boat deal is not going to work for the diverse crowd. I have a similar toon with the same power package. Basically you fill the tank beginning over summer and at 6pm we idle it around the lake and take it to dinner sometimes at the Bar / Restaurant in the corner.

Id be looking more along the lines of a play craft or older trifecta/bennington with 300+ hp.

If a toon is 100% out it's hard to go wrong with a hallett 240/255 with mild, big block power

 

[2Driver]

I like this Cobalt with the wacker

 

[Morehart]

Good for you for being selfless and pondering the best boat for inexperienced boaters, just to create memories!!!! I'd be happy with a canoe

 

[rrrr]

I had a 19' open bow Bayliner as my 1st boat. One of the best things I ever bought.

I worked in South Texas for a couple of years, living 30 minutes from Baffin Bay, which has great fishing. I bought a 17' Galaxie trihull with a Merc 140 to run the bay, and it was bulletproof.

Owning a simple boat like that is great for beginners.

 

[Angler]

I worked in South Texas for a couple of years, living 30 minutes from Baffin Bay, which has great fishing. I bought a 17' Galaxie trihull with a Merc 140 to run the bay, and it was bulletproof.

Owning a simple boat like that is great for beginners.

My neighbor had the same boat with a smaller motor...

 

[mash on it]

Outlaw Eagle mfg.
18' Bobcat V6
Aluminum hull
4.3 DFI V6
American Turbine pump
Virtually indestructible

Dan'l

 

[707dog]

i know it only checks a couple boxes for you but I Got a 2005 four winns 250 horizon open bow that might be coming for sale very soon, 496/bravo 3, around 195-200 hrs, nice sound system, fresh water tank, bathroom, shower head on the deck, gator step through out, upgraded the cool fuel system and plugs last year. will be asking 40k but RD price mid 30s