Boat question...

[MKW]

First, let me say that I know very little about boats.
I am considering buying a bowrider, pleasure type boat for the family. My question is about the pros and cons of inboard engine types(Chevy 4.3) and outboard engines. Which is better for a pleasure boat that will see some salt and some fresh water. Specifically concerned about maintenance, upkeep, and longevity.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[Gone South]

Outboards cost more up front but the maintenance on an inboard/ stern drive never ends. I'd say unless the boat has a complete closed cooling system then an inboard isn't a good cannidate for salt

[Relentlous]

Get yourself a hurricane deck boat.

[MKW]

Get yourself a hurricane deck boat.

Why?? I need reasons.

[Relentlous]

My bil has one and it's perfect for cruising. His is 23 ft I believe with a 250 on it. It has a head. It also has a lot of storage and room. It also handles real well if it turns nasty while your out on the water.

[Gone South]

What are you wanting to get out of the boat? A deck boat has seating like a pontoon, plenty of people and storage and it rides like a shallow v bow rider. Most come with a 115-250hp outboard.

I think it's hard to beat a Yamaha four stroke for that type of use

[USMCsilver]

Depending on price, you could get a nice center console that is very family friendly. Mines got nice bow cushions and even has backrests for front seat riders. I can comfortably seat 8 in my boat, and it is good for salt and freshwater. Plus, I'd day a 4-stroke Yamaha is relatively low maintenance.

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[MKW]

Depending on price, you could get a nice center console that is very family friendly. Mines got nice bow cushions and even has backrests for front seat riders. I can comfortably seat 8 in my boat, and it is good for salt and freshwater. Plus, I'd day a 4-stroke Yamaha is relatively low maintenance.

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Willing to go about 17-18k. Looking at your typical bow-rider ski boat. Will mostly be in the river, but we may occasionally take it in the inlet.

[USMCsilver]

River? Many rocks?

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[MKW]

No rocks.

[willyworm]

I too will say deck boat over bowrider. I have a 21.5' and the open layout and space is nice.

[rrconductor]

Knowing where you are and what you might do , I would go with deck boat, go and play around Sandy Island . It is in your backyard. You can put in at WW and go north or south.
When you start back with trumpets, I want and a lesson.

[MKW]

I do not want a deckboat. That is just a pontoon with a different bottom. I want a faster, more agile boat.
But yes, Sandy Island will be a frequent destination.

[ecu1984]

I do not want a deckboat. That is just a pontoon with a different bottom. I want a faster, more agile boat.
But yes, Sandy Island will be a frequent destination.

Yes you do, you just wont know it until after you buy a bowrider

[Luvin' Labs]

There are plenty of deck boats that will scoot. Do a little searching on the www

[Moonlight Hunter]

Yes you do, you just wont know it until after you buy a bowrider

Pontoons are great. In a river, eh... but otherwise pontoons are great.

[Goin Coastal]

Here is Hurricane DECK boat. Nothing like a pontoon. Times have changed.


2011 hurricane deck boat

http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/4999493261.html

It has a Yamaha four stroke 115 hp

[Gone South]

You may want to look into a dual console as well. I had to work on and lake test a smaller 18" scout with a Yamaha v4 130 and it would fly. That family used theirs for tubing and skiing but you could set it up for fishing too if you needed.

Seahunt makes one I believe they call it the escape, but I've never driven one. Prob rides smooth like a comparable 20' center console hull. Goin coastal can prob fill you in on the dual console made by Sportsman.

The only thing I'd recommend is if you plan to pull a tube or some kind of water sports I'd go with a 150hp minimum.

[Towman]

unless you know how to work on inboards stay away trust me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have worked on a many and owned one.

[Gone South]

I agree with towman. The only work that would come in the shop for outboards is changing spark plugs or doing an annual service/oil change. Inboards would range from starters getting wet in the bilge and going bad, boots and bellows dry rotting and causing the boat to leak, and they get covered in filth and grime unlike the inside of a cowling on an outboard. Not to mention you have to drain the block and winterize an inboard.