SantaCruzin
Member
- May 4, 2020
- 47
- Boat Info
- 1989 180 Bow Rider
- Engines
- 4.3 Mercruiser
Hey all!
So glad to have found this resource! I've given up the idea of buying another wakeboard boat any time soon, so I have been looking into getting an affordable runabout for the family (wife, toddler, newborn, and myself). Admittedly, with a newborn it's a bit premature but I'm hoping to get a boat now to use a time or two this summer then hit the ground (water) running next summer.
I came across a beautiful 2002 176 Bowrider with 156 hours and before diving in head first, I wanted to ask a few questions here:
So glad to have found this resource! I've given up the idea of buying another wakeboard boat any time soon, so I have been looking into getting an affordable runabout for the family (wife, toddler, newborn, and myself). Admittedly, with a newborn it's a bit premature but I'm hoping to get a boat now to use a time or two this summer then hit the ground (water) running next summer.
I came across a beautiful 2002 176 Bowrider with 156 hours and before diving in head first, I wanted to ask a few questions here:
- This will be a boat for lakes BUT I do live 10 minutes from the Santa Cruz Harbor here in California. On no-swell or low-swell days, would it be insane to consider taking the boat out on the bay in the more sheltered areas (within a mile of shore between the few towns dotting the coast)? I used to have a Proline Walkaround fishing boat in the harbor so I'm familiar with the bay and navigating the ocean.
- Anything specific to look out for on these boats in regards to potential money pit issues? Floor/transom rot, as an example?
- I found another post talking about the 3.0 in these and read the comments there, but any thoughts on this boat in general for a small family of 4?
- Does anyone ever put towers on these? I don't really envision wakeboarding but I also know myself and as soon as I'm back on the water I'm going to miss it. Haha
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