Is bigger better?

[jadunbar]

I am looking to buy my first boat ever. People have been saying that its best to buy the biggest boat you can afford.
We were originally looking at 24-26' 2005 or newer. My question is, is it better to buy a larger boat that is a little older, or is it best to stick with something relatively newer?

Buying in MN.

 

[beerman]

I believe there is more to it than just buying the biggest boat you can afford, like how the boat is going to be used and where the boat is going to be used. Just a couple examples. We boat on an inland lake and would like to move up to a 340. I keep mine in a slip and would like to have stern drives because we are in extremely shallow water when we raft up. I could stay out further and probably buy a nice 380 or 400 but i feel it is just getting a little big for our lake, We have a 44 with Zeus drives at our marina and there used to be a 44 Sedan. Sometimes size is just a preference. Maybe getting the biggest boat that will keep you from getting 2ft itis in a year would be best. Good luck on your search.

 

[VinceR]

The bigger it is the more expensive to maintain and operate.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

There is lots to consider. What is your base boating knowledge? Are you brand new to boating or do you have several summers of First Mate experience? Are you trailering you boat? Do you have a tow vehicle capable of towing your vessel safely? Are you going to keep it in the water or dry stack at a marina - they generally charge by the foot? What are you going to be using your boat for- skiing/ tubing, cruising, overnighting? The answers to these questions will all vary depending on the size of boat you purchase and where you will use/ store it. If a boat looks big on a trailer its probably still going to feel small on the water.
I always suggest you get the largest boat you feel comfortable with. You will gain familarity with time and you can always upgrade. Its better to make a mistake with a 24 ft used boat then a 24ft new boat. Buying a used boat isn't unlike buying a used car- there is just much more to be aware of.
I wish you the best in your search and welcome to boating.
If you are very new to boating please check out the rules and regulations for the Minnesota water ways and be sure to check out the specific rules that apply to your favorite destinations. There are several boating classes/ on water training opportunities that you can take advantage of so that you feel more comfortable and safe on the water. I hope to see you on the lake!

 

[320Bob]

I am looking to buy my first boat ever. People have been saying that its best to buy the biggest boat you can afford.
We were originally looking at 24-26' 2005 or newer. My question is, is it better to buy a larger boat that is a little older, or is it best to stick with something relatively newer?

Buying in MN.

I believe you mentioned having 2 or 4 adult children you wanted to have aboard. As you can see from my signature the 320 is a replacement for a 28' boat which my wife and I considered too small to comfortably overnight with our two dogs or entertain. The 28 footer had a V berth while the 320 has an island berth that is larger and more comfortably to sleep. More important than length to me is width. The Mariah was only 8'5" wide while the 320 is 11'6" which contributes more to comfort than the extra length. However, as others have mention, bigger is more expensive to buy for the same age and more costly to maintain 2 engines instead of just one which is a tradeoff.

 

[katricol]

bigger is better if you can afford it

 

[jadunbar]

Wow, this site is fantastic and I thank each of you for the responses. I am a total newbie- never driven or docked one - my husband has grown up on the lake and has a lot of experience with speed boats, pontoons and fishing boats but this is our first actual boat purchase. As I said before, we originally were looking at 24-26 ft. We plan to keep it at a marina on the St. Croix river for the first year and perhaps try Lake Minnetonka the second year. Not sure if we'll wet slip or dry dock yet but will definitely not be trailering it (although we'd like the option of taking it on the road if we want to). That said, we'd like to stay in the $50-70,000 range so we have a choice of a newer smaller boat or an older bigger boat. So many people have advised to go with bigger so I'm really wondering if its better to go with something older. We do have four adult kids and three grandkids. While we would like to do some boating with them (not all at the same time) we would probably only do overnights with the two of us. I did take the online MN boating class and learned alot but have no actual experience behind the wheel. I want something that I can learn to take out with girlfriends and not depend on my husband always being with me. Again, I appreciate all suggestions.

 

[Alegria]

Since your husband has some form of boating experience going bigger say in the 280 range is understandable. A key factor to consider is the beam of the boat. I believe you mentioned that you won't be towing it, so more beam will give you more room also and make the cabin comfortable and the cockpit.

My first boat was a 280 sundancer, older 1990, back in 1997. I never owned a boat before and only spent time with my dad on our 22' single engine boat down the shore. It was a learning experience for me, but nothing I could not handle. Professional instruction goes a long way also.

I say get the biggest boat you can afford if that is a 26' boat go for it. If its a 28' boat great, a 35' boat super. Just make sure you factor in the key costs of ownership and are able to really use the boat.

Also need to consider where you are going to use the boat. If you are on a small lake then a 28' boat might be the largest you would need or want to use...

Every boat is a compromise, as long as you know the compromise and can live with it you are ahead of the game.

 

[Mick & Denise]

Well said Alegria. I had the most fun and usage in the 27ft Sundancer. (prior to the 50 ft). It was large enough for weekend trips and ample room for entertaining. The advise above on the maintenance is a major factor IMO. I know plenty of people that have a larger boat that sit at the dock because they cannot afford to use them. When you figure in Fuel,zincs,oil changes and about 100 other general maintenance items it adds up quickly. The only way I can have mine now is that It stays at our home at our own dock and I do all my own repairs. All things to keep in mind. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Whitenights]

I agree with most comments, bigger is better.....to a point. Beam is everything when you are not going to be towing.

You will get confused looking at older boats as many that look the same are called different lengths. That is where comparing beams comes in, 10'-11' allows much more inside room than the towable 8.5'. 12'+ is great but then you are into gas hogs, but again the gain in space is great.

Probably our best all around boat was our 1990 280/300 with 10.5' beam and twin 350's. Still had good speed for the wind in your hair, and yet got decent mpg with the engines. Had enough room below to be able to spread out a little bit.

Your agility drops as you go up. Your gas consumption increases greatly too

We would not want to go larger at this point, unless it was for diesel powered 46'.

Lots of nice used boats on the market now so it is a good time to be buying.

Good luck.

 

[dantheman]

And remember, they look huge on land, put it in the water and it suddendly shrinks, then each year it shrinks a little more, especially around the 4th of July.. when footitis is at it's peak.

 

[rcknecht]

You should buy the biggest and newest boat you can afford. Consider the cost of ownership, will be great than the purchase price of the boat. I prefer inboards because of where I boat (salt water), and the simplicity of the maintenance. Expand your search to include boats that you may think are out of your price range, incase a good deal comes along. Some of the older boats (10 years old) if well maintained will give you less problems that newer boats. Take your time and use the entire country to get a true value of the boats your are interested in. Enjoy your search...