Newbie Looking for purchase. Need advice

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wittock08

New Member
Apr 2, 2009
2
My name is Joe i am 23 and new to the sport. I am military and new in savannah georgia. I plan to do alot of riding in the ocean. "no lakes around here" I was looking at 2 boats here, the 1997 sea ray fx16 and the 1998 fx16 sea ray. The 98 has 120 hours, 175mer engine and is in pretty good shape with bimi cover, cover and trailer for $5300. The 97 has 100 hours, dont know the engine, good shape, bimi cover and trailer and for $4800. I have no knowledge about these boats, i am wanting something zippy in the water yet a nice overal ride for most of the day. I dont know if these are bad for ocean or not. Someone please give some advice about them. Thank you
 
You said you are planning on going on the ocean - in a bay or cove or out in the deep water? My first thought is that the 16' may be too small to enjoy on the ocean most days. You could do it, but you would have to be picky about what days you go out, otherwise it's just too rough to be comfortable or safe. Also, who do you plan to go boating with? Kids, friends, wife, and how many people most of the time?
 
No experience with that model but I wouldn't feel comfortable taking that style boat out in the ocean. You see those around me in the sounds which are very sheltered but even the rental companies don't rent the smaller jet boats if it's too windy. I'm sure a lot of that is the typical renters experience (or lack of) and their insurance policy.

On the price - did a quick search and found one at half the price: http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/1100537287.html
 
berth control said:
You said you are planning on going on the ocean - in a bay or cove or out in the deep water? My first thought is that the 16' may be too small to enjoy on the ocean most days. You could do it, but you would have to be picky about what days you go out, otherwise it's just too rough to be comfortable or safe. Also, who do you plan to go boating with? Kids, friends, wife, and how many people most of the time?
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i am not sure where i will ride in the ocean, i am not very familiar with the area. i would like to ride with my wife "pregnant" and i know waves can get big riding ocean. I wish there were lakes around my area
 
IMHO - A 16 footer would just to be to small & light for your area. The sounds/bays can get rough pretty fast in GA. You could use it on some of the protected rivers, but even then you have to cross the sounds.
 
A 16' is to small to be safe any distance out in the ocean, weather can turn before you know it (remember the football players recently). Keep close to shore and monitor weather, wind and wave if you go out. When a storm kicks up here even the harbor and rivers can get pretty rough. Congrats on the future addition to the family!
 
Nice toys, make a nice addition if you already have a cruiser. The 16 ft/175 hp model will absolutley fly............and it will also absolutely hammer you with its rough ride. None of the Mercruiser sport-jets are known for their dependability and they tend to burn a lot of fuel.
 
In that size range, you might want to take a look at a Whaler-type boat that’s designed for near-coastal use. There are a few manufactures that produce 15’ – 17’ boats with outboard power that might suite your needs. That being said, you’ll still really have to watch the weather and sea conditions on any small boat.
 
The Savannah River is navigable all the way to Augusta - about 90 miles. That is a place to go in days when the ocean is rough. +1 on thanks for your service.
 
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