The DARK SIDE; a powerboat for me?

[sailordave]

No, I'm not giving up sailing. Just want something to play w/ on those hot windless days of summer when I want to be on the water.
I came REAL close to buying a Ski Nautique that, while old, was in good shape. The deal breaker was the fact that it's not a boat for any kind of rough water. Pretty much a one use type of boat.
My criteria:
Must be able to pull 2 skiers.
While I primarily would use it on Lakes and Potomac River it must be able to take moderate water on Chesapeake Bay. IE the usual chop you get w/ 8-10 knots that fill in. Not when it's been blowing for days obviously.
But even the Potomac can get choppy, esp. when 40 other boats are burning fossil fuels too!
Must look reasonably good and be decent quality. NO BAYLINERS!
Something in the 18, 19, 20 foot range, Less than 8,9K?

What say y'all; I know you have an opinion!

[T37Chef]

Here ya go:

2003 Larson SEI 180 Bowrider Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

2002 Regal 1800 LSR Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

1998 Sea Ray 180 bowrider Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[lapworth]

I am guilty of sking this weekend.

[Tempest]

There's no Dark side.....if I could afford it, I'd have 4 or 5 boats in addition to my sailboat.

An offshore fishing boat, Like a blackfinn, an abermarle or a Viking.
A Trawler
A picnic boat
A Center console....

Then there's Kayaks, Canoes, Bass boats....I love em all.

Have Fun...

[bjung]

Sailordave, buy the Ski Nautique. You will be surprised by the way it handles in a chop. We have taken it out into the Gulf of M to go scalloping, and occasionally got caught in thunderstorms with pretty heavy waves, no problem.
It is built very strong, esp. the older ones, has plenty of weight with good distribution, tracks well, and has the power (standard V8) to get you out of trouble.
The build quality is second to none where ski boats are concerned.
Only drawback: prop and rudder can't be raised, so watch out for shoals.
Oh, btw, it won't choke the skier with exhaust, as an outboard will.
Bernd
PSC 31

[MarioG]

I thought I had it figured out so I gave one ski boat away and walk away from a real sweet deal on another because I have friends with power boats. one is even the" latest and greatest" but they are all driveway ordiments.
My friend with the "Latest and Greatest" is now looking to trade or sell so he can get a sailboat. (sorry I think its in the $35k range) LOL even the one I gave away is sitting behind my brother-in-laws work with little chance I'll waterski from it anytime soon.