>>> Help out a newbie...Skeeter?<<<

[mwheberger]

I will be purchasing my first rig, looking at 16-17 foot fiberglass boat that requires the least amount of maintenance and is reliable. Speed is the least of my priorities. I am thinking about a late model Skeeter SX170, maybe a Triton Explorer, Stratos, or Nitro?

Most of these inexpensive boats have low hp motors, either 2 stroke Yamaha or Mercury. Are these motors reliable and good for a first time boat owner? Or are they a horrible idea and update to the 2 stroke fuel injected motors such as Mercury Optimax or Yamaha Vmax which are very pricey? Are these pricey motors that much better for reliability and low cost maintenance?

Please help with some advice, thanks!

[Neilslure]

Reliabilility is pretty good on most late model motors, regardless of if they are carburated or direct injection(optimax, HPDI). Take care of it and it will take care of you. Maintnance wise they are about the same. Due to goverment regs, carbed motors are slowly disappearing.

If I were in your situation I would go with a direct injection or four stroke, they are more fuel efficient. I would also spend a little extra and max out the horsepower, dont be tempted by a low advertised price with inadequate power. Maxing out the horsepower will help you down the road when you are ready to sell. Though you say speed is not a concern, once the novelty wears off, you will wish that you had max horsepower, if you go with anything less. In the long run it is cheaper and you will be happier with your boat. Also a lower horsepower motor has to work harder to move the boat.

[donnieo]

I agree with Neal. Get the biggest boat and motor you can afford. I know it sounds crazy but in the long run you will be happy you did. You also need to think about your tow vehicle, you don't want to get a boat larger than you will be able to tow. Good luck, hope you find what your looking for.

[Ranger391v]

Very good advice from the 2 above ..... to add to them.

Lean toward a 17 (or even an 18' if you've got room and a big enough tow vehicle) over a 16' .......... you'll be glad to did on rough windy days

Again, I too would max out the HP and favor toward DFI or 4stroke .... all for the fuel economy.

[mwheberger]

thanks for the reply, very helpful to know that both the older carb models and direct injections are similar in maintenance. Do you think they are similar in reliability and life expectancy?

[Lea]

As stated earlier....carbs are on the way out. You will definitely appreciate the way better fuel mileage in the dfis....

Have you ever thought of a Champion? Unreal rough water performance and terrific customer service!! The 183 is a really great one!!!!

[mwheberger]

champion are nice, i just checked them out but there are no prices at all. I think the 183 model is there entry level one, do you know what the ballpark price is? is that another model that is slightly smaller or cheaper?

[davybay]

i would also suggest looking for a used boat. you can find great deals on craigslist this time of year. If you are patient you can find a well maintained boat for a fraction of the price. this way you get a lot more boat for your money!