Looking for a 17-22 ft boat for tow sports

[Doug_FL]

I would like to take some youngsters in my family skiing and tubing. I'm think that a 17-19 ft boat w/150 hp
outboard, would be one option. A bigger boat, like 20-22 ft, I would think a 200 hp outboard would work well.
Back in the 1980s, I bought a used bow rider w/115 hp Mercury outboard. I had nothing but trouble with it.
Back then, everyone said go with an i/o.

Now, outboards seem to be the way to go. Thx to Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki & direct injection. My understand
is that Nissan makes Mercury outboards, and all the Japanese makes are very good. I don't see any advantage
to a 2-stroke. Nor do I see used being a good value compared to new. Unless you already know someone with
a boat for sale. So, you can be fairly sure what condition the boat is in. I have noticed boats have increased
in price, since I last looked in about 2004. Back then I saw ads for 17 ft boats with 120 hp for like $15,000.
Now, it looks more like $25,000, plus tax & trailer.

Any suggestions on where to look for sales, or what boat brands to consider?

[RonT]

I will be kind, but in this forum I think you will find similar advice from everyone here, want to tow watersports for under 15K dependably?? 1990-1995 direct drive inboard tournament ski boats rule all day long. You can tie 2 or 3 18' 120 hp disposable outboards back to back with a real ski boat & she will tow the outboards or tear their transoms off.

[Doug_FL]

I will be kind, but in this forum I think you will find similar advice from everyone here, want to tow watersports for under 15K dependably?? 1990-1995 direct drive inboard tournament ski boats rule all day long. You can tie 2 or 3 18' 120 hp disposable outboards back to back with a real ski boat & she will tow the outboards or tear their transoms off.

I did say I wanted to spend under $15K for a boat. What I did say is that boats have gotten expensive. I also feel $30K
(by the time you add tax & trailer etc) is a lot for a boat. And $25K is where they start, many are considerably more. I
suspect it is possible do better than $25K, but probably not by a lot. I really think it is a reasonable question. To ask
about upcoming sales and that kind of thing.

[RCoyne]

Agree with Ron; inboards are the way to go for water sports. I've owned two I/O's and now an American Skier Advance and there is nothing like being effortlessly pulled by a well tuned inboard. I think your doing the right thing by asking your question on American Skier forum. I don't post much but I find the site's posters really care about their boats and can offer some good advise. I picked up my 88 Advance and trailer a couple of years ago from Ron and it has given my family many hours of worry free enjoyment with routine mx. Maybe also post your question on the Mastercraft and Ski Nautique owners site's to widen your network to find a well maintained early 90's inboard. I've found that ski boat owners who routinely review their respective owners sites for mx tips and other upkeep suggestions are a safe bet to buy from Good Luck!

[PaulM]

Doug,

One of your key criteria I noticed in your initial post was "skiing". 

If one wants a real quality ski boat, the only alternatives are the new products offered by tournament ski boat manufacturers and/or their used boats, as mentioned by the previous posts on this site.

Other boat/engine manufacturers, probably making an otherwise sea-worthy product and perhaps claiming their product to be a "ski-boat", are marketing products neither really intended for, nor ideal, for water skiing. 

My suggestion is if one desires a "cost-effective" ski boat, select a well-maintained vintage skiboat manufactured by a skiboat manufacturer.  Additionally, contract with a qualified marine surveyor to assess the condition of the vessel prior to purchase.

Check around your local area.  You may be able to find serious, and perhaps tournament, water skiers that can lend assistance providing information assisting your quest to purchase a quality skiboat.  I have found the water skier community to be a friendly resource for boat purchasing information.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted!