Four Winns Horizon 190
You can own a popular Four Winns Horizon for less than $40,000. A 19-foot length provides comfortable space for up to nine people. Four Winns well-known Stable-Vee hull allows you to make tight turns easily, and the extended running surface means that the boat is more stable. Choose from a range of customizable engines, up to 260 horsepower, or add a Volvo Pento engine with 270 horsepower. Youll enjoy the comfortable bucket seats with wrap-around backs. The Horizon 190 is built for fun, with a large swim platform and deep swim ladder, as well as plenty of gear storage.
The 5 Best Types Of Boats For Gulf Coast Waters
If you live on the gulf coast, there is no doubt you will want a boat to make the most of your waterfront living experience. How do you know which type of boat is best? Personal preference plays a major role on your decision, but you should also consider where you live and what types of water activities you want to accomplish while you’re out there.
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Prior to purchase, you will need to decide if you are looking for a versatile boat that is able to be used for a wide variety of activities such as water sports, day cruising, overnight cruising, and fishing or if you are looking for a boat with one particular activity in mind.
Let’s take a look at the 5 best types of boats for use on the gulf coast waters and what they’re great at!
How To Choose The Best Bay Boats Buyers Guide
Bay boats are arguably the most versatile watercraft in existence. Whether you need a boat for fishing inshore/offshore or for family use, a bay boat checks all the boxes.
Picking the right one is, therefore, one of the most important decisions youll face. Weve outlined the most important factors to consider when choosing the best bay boats.
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Best Aluminum Fishing Boats Top 10 Picks For 2021
by Kyle WUpdated on July 2, 2021.
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If youre in the market for a new fishing boat and arent quite sure which one to get, have you considered buying an aluminum vessel? For one thing, theyre cheap certainly cheaper than getting any of the ones made from fiberglass. They are also quite light a feature youll soon appreciate the moment you have to push it off of or on to sandbars.
Theres also the fact that they can take more of a beating than boats with a polyester construction. Not to mention that they are extremely low-maintenance and corrosion-resistant. So, they typically dont have any lifetime limit to them.
Nonetheless, to reap these benefits, you have to ensure you get the best aluminum fishing boat for your angling needs. In this guide, weve reviewed the top 10 picks and put together a comprehensive buyers guide to help you choose the best one.
The Alumacraft Trophy 205 represents the next frontier in heavy-gauge aluminum fishing boats. It is built with the latest livewell technology, comes with spacious storage for all your fishing gear, as well as adjustable ergonomic seating for those long days spent out on the water.
It also has a lockable 8 in. rod compartment and several other fishing accessories guaranteed to give you a memorable experience while youre out fishing.
Best Boats For Beginners: 4 Affordable Options For Your First Boat
Our resident used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out for of the best boats for beginners from the likes of Regal, Beneteau, Channel Island and Karnic.
Its March, the evenings are beginning to get a touch lighter, we might be through the worst of the cold and the rain, and spring is finally beginning to creep into view over the horizon. Which means only one thing. Boat season cometh!
And not having, or never having had, a boat shouldnt be seen as an impediment because there are loads of great ways of getting on the water for the first time.
Ive lined up four of the best boats for beginners for you: a perfect little sportscruiser that will allow you to overnight in comfort a sporty open dayboat built for fast blasts to the beach and back a lovely solid twin diesel semi-displacement cruiser and a cuddy cabin sportsboat thats great for watersports but also has somewhere to put your head down. This is the year take your pick and join us on the water!
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What Size Boat Do You Need
Again, your primary use cases will drive much of the decision making here. If watersports are your main concern, smaller boats with enough power in the engines to pull skiers and wakeboarders is a common option.
If fishing is your aim, youll want to consider where you plan to do most of your fishing. For inshore fishing, smaller flats boats and bay boats are common options as they enable you to get to shallow, hard-to-reach fishing spots. If your goal is to get offshore, the deep-V hulls and outboard power of center consoles will get the job done. Depending on your comfort level and needs, the size of the center console you need will vary. You can go as small as 20 feet or go 30 feet and up. The larger you go, the more capabilities and the rougher seas you can handle, but of course, the price goes up as well.
For versatile family fun, bowriders and dual consoles of all sizes can work well . Dual consoles on the larger end of the spectrum will enable going offshore when handling rougher seas. If youre sticking to family fun on freshwater lakes, bowriders, deck boats and pontoons anywhere from 17 ft. up to 25 ft. can be sufficient.
Additionally, your price will vary widely based on the age of the boat. While newer boats will cost more, they also typically come with some form of a warranty that can be quite helpful.
Used Sailing Dinghies For Sale
If you are on a budget and don’t mind buying a used sailing dinghy, there are also a number of places to buy from.
Used Sailing Dinghies for sale on Facebook
When you are in the market and want a cheaper sailboat to buy, a great option is Facebook groups. There are loads all over the world where people are selling their dinghies.
As you can see in the screenshot above, they are pretty easy to find, just type in a search in the search bar on Facebook and filter by groups. The best part is you can really find some bargains in these groups which could potentially save you thousands of dollars.
Again, as repeated throughout the article, please be cautious whenever you buy a pre owned boat and assess it thoroughly before handing over cash. You may also have luck on Facebook Marketplaces where there are a lot of used dinghies for sale.
Used Sailing Dinghies for sale on Craigslist
Another option for finding used dinghies for sale is Craigslist. This can be hit or miss and will depend on you location. You could pick a bargain here but exercise caution when browsing craigslist and always check out the boat before ever parting with money.
Used Dinghies for sale at boat dealerships
You can find dinghies for sale at boat dealerships too. This is the safest way to find a good quality dinghy if you are new and on a budget. You will spend a little more than places like Facebook or Craigslist but dinghies from dealerships tend to be of better quality.
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Q: Can I Attach A Gasoline Engine To My Inflatable Boat
A: Theres a really good chance that you can!
Not all inflatable boats can have an engine attached, though so dont jump the gun.
To mount a motor or engine, youll need a transom board or transom mount. This is just a big mounting board at the back of the boat where a motor or engine can be attached.
Of course, theres a limit to how much power can be added to any given boat. Make sure to check your owners manual for horsepower limits before you just strap up that 25 horse outboard and rip your boat in half!
Another thing to keep in mind is that the motor on your boat counts toward the weight limit of your boat.
Add up the weight of all the people, gear, and motors on the boat to make sure youre within the recommended limits of your boat.
Storing Your Inflatable Boat
Making sure your boat lasts long enough to enjoy is probably important, right? I mean, afterall, you invested a lot of money into your boat so it stands to reason that youd want to take care of it.
Your boat should be stored out of the sun. As weve mentioned, sunlight can be harmful to inflatable boats.
On top of that, storing your boat in a cool and dry area is important. Make sure that there is some ventilation to allow air movement. This will help prevent mildew which can severely damage inflatable boats.
Before storing you should clean your boat and let it dry. Be certain to only use cleaners approved for PVC use. Harsh chemicals like bleach can quickly cause the rubber on these boats to decay and crack.
Taking care of your boat can dramatically increase its lifespan!
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Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795
The versatile Merry Fisher range is one of the most popular all-round motorboats on the market, as well as being great for families. The 795s cockpit is a good size and provides shelter when it starts to get chilly, but there’s still plenty of space in the sunshine. There’s a snug cabin down below so the children can sleep or get changed as well as a galley and a toilet. Lastly, there’s a small swimming platform off the stern to get in/out of the water with ease. It’s easy to see why this is one of the biggest selling family boats out there!
Prices: Brand new from £60,000, second hand from £15,000 – Visit Trafford Yachts
What Are Some Boat Manufacturers Currently On The Market
There are a surprising amount of boat manufacturers currently on the market. Some specialize in one type of boat while others focus on many types of boats. Some are considered affordable while others are considered a luxury.
- Princess Yachts
- Hatteras
This is not an exhaustive list of all the boat brands that are currently on the market, but it is a good starting place to do some research. For a full list of all boat brands available, head over to Discover Boating.
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Family Boats Worth Considering
Versatile Bowrider: The Cobalt 23SC
The 23SC is a perfect blend of style, size and performance. This mid-sized, outboard bowrider is created to do it all well! With either a Yamaha or Mercury outboard, you can get into the shallowest of waters while not sacrificing performance and all the while keeping maintenance to a minimum. This vessel offers a built-in head under the port console to make sure your time on the water is not cut short, and in addition, offers not only a bow ladder for beach landings but also a stern ladder for easy access in and out of the water. .
Watersports: Cobalt R7WSS
The Cobalt R7WSS Surf boasts a massive cockpit, achieved by Cobalt’s ‘Free Space Reclamation’. With the plush, sporty performance you’ve come to expect from a Cobalt, the Cobalt R7WSS Surf certainly holds its own w/ a deep V hull design that’s as much at home in choppy intercostal waters, as it is for your favorite water sports. With the WSS Surf package the boat becomes even more versatile and gives you functionality water sport enthusiasts crave, including ballast tanks & one touch Surf settings. Building the perfect wake with the push of a button to Surf left or right. Simply engage Performance Mode, and the Surf system adjusts, and you’re enjoying the smooth, stable running of a deep-v Cobalt! .
Versatile Dual Console: EdgeWater 248CX
High Performing Center Console: EdgeWater 230CC
Versatile Center Console: Everglades 235CC
Comfortable Cruiser: Carver C34 Coupe
Choosing The Perfect Boat For Your Family
In most cases, one of these seven types of boats will prove ideal for you and your water-loving family. Of course, there are other, more highly-specialized boats that you may find tempting. If bass fishing is your true love, bass boats will be impossible to beat. Speed demons will naturally gravitate towards high performance boats. And if wakesurfing is your sport of choice then getting a dedicated ski boat/wake boat may be in the future.
But in every case remember one thing: find a boat that makes both you and your loved ones happy, and spending time on the water will draw your family closer togetherand thats one thing that we can guarantee.
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Boats More Fun For You And Your Family
At iboats.com we help you to have more fun on the water. For over 22 years we have served both recreational boaters and marine businesses. We offer the lowest prices on over 150,000 OEM and aftermarket boat parts and accessories with the largest selection of quality items found anywhere. We also continually offer discounts and blow-out specials. Be sure to check out our daily, weekly, and monthly deals such as our MONTHLY IBOATS MOST WANTED LIST, so you can take advantage of these major discounts on top-quality items.
Many Fishermen Particularly Those With Children In The 8
Kids and spouses love water, love fishing, love cruising, and love water sports. For them, a truly versatile family-first boat fits the bill.
This is why many boatbuilders now consider families when designing even the most dedicated fishing vessels, installing convenient cupholders, grab rails, even cushioned seating.
Family-friendly models prove perfect for folks whose sport fishing still dominates their boat use, folks who occasionally entertain onboard or take their kids to a sandbar.
Here is a list of family-friendly boats that will not break your bank:
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Best New Boats Under $20k $30k $50k
CoverQuest Apr 24, 2018
Not everyone has a six-figure savings account to spend on a new boat. And theres no need to pay out that kind of money to get a great boat! Whether you’re buying your first boat or you’ve bought and sold several boats, you want to make sure to get the best bang for your buck. Weve done the research for you. This post shares our top picks for boats under $20k, $30k, and $50k.
What To Think About While Youre At The Boat Dealership
When you are at a dealership and think you have found the boat for you, it is your responsibility to ask for a sea trial, if appropriate and to conduct a marine survey.
What is a sea trial?
A sea trial is a marine equivalent to a test drive, with a few key differences. Most boat dealers have to schedule a sea trial days in advance so they can be sure to prep the boat for usage and have all the proper safety guidelines fulfilled. For this reason, it is frowned upon to take more boats than necessary on a sea trial. Most people take the boat they are seriously considering purchasing out for a sea trial. When you are on a sea trial, this is the time to look for any red flags. Do the things you plan to do with the boat yourself while out on the trial run. Bring the boat up to at least 30 mph, make some sharp turns, test the boat in waves, practice tying off the boat at a slip, sit in different positions, make a note of anything you find out or out of place. Test the sound system, the steering, the get-up, and really anything else you can think of that would be important to you as a boat owner.
What is a marine survey?
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From Your Water Activities To Your Cruising Specialties Here Is A List Of Things You Should Consider When Buying Your First Family Boat
Theres no feeling quite as wonderful as a day out on the water, the waves sparkling off of the boat and the sun on your face. From tubing and fishing to floating and enjoying company, spending time out on the boat is a fantastic way to spend a warm day any time of year. Plus, spending time with family seems even sweeter when youre on a boat, which is why we understand how fun it is to have your own.
However, being a first-time boat buyer raises a lot of questions. Whether youre unsure about the kind of boat you need or youre simply unsure of the process to buy one, our first-time buyers guide is a great resource for you as you set out on your journey to buy a family boat.
Step one: Know what youre looking for
The first step to buying a family boat is knowing what youre looking for, so there are several things to consider. First off, answer these questions along with your family:
Once youve determined what kinds of things youll do on your boat, youll be able to narrow down the category of boat youre buying. From speed boats to fishing boats, there are tons of options on the market. This way, youll go into the process knowing what category of boat you want to buy.
Here are some of BOATsmart!s top choices for great family boats:
