I should also say that the wider beam really is appreciated in the long
term. Otherwise it can get a bit crowded if you anchor and relax after
skiing or if you ever have more than 4 aboard. Ours is 8'6' (about as wide
as you can get to legally trailer it as far as I know) and my wife is
grateful every weekend.

"Geoff 93 RRC" wrote in message
...
Do NOT buy any boat with the 3.0L engine. Underpowered and you'll hate
it.
The 4.3 V-6 if ok - what I have - but in an adequate sense. I think 19'
is
minimum, but 18' can work. Go for less of a "V" angle (flattest rear end
of
the boat) for best skiiing.

"G Evans" wrote in message
...
I have been doing a goof bit of research on boats. I am looking for a
boat
that my family and I can use on weekends during the summer...2 adults
and
2
teenagers.

An ad by Stingray for an 18' boat for $9999 started my interest. I have
since determined that this is probably not what I would like to own.

I have narrowed my choices to:

Stingray 180LX (18' Long 7' wide) w/ 3.0 Merc; Power Steering; CD;
Bimini
top; and a top speed of about 49MPH that I can get for about $13K

Bayliner 205 (20' Long 8' Wide) w/5.0 merc; Power Steering; Bimini Top;
CD
Player; and a 50MPH Top Speed that I can get for about $19K.

Glastron SX195 (18' 7" long 7'6" Wide) w/ 4.3L Merc; Power Steering;
bimini
top; cd player; No Wood construction; and a top speed of about 50 MPH
that
I
can get for about 19.5K

I like the price of the Stingray, but am afraid it will not be big
enough
and that it might be difficult to pull a slalom skier with the driver
and
2
others in the boat. The Stingray also looks good, but the stringers
(???)
are wood encapsulated in fiberglass, which I understand to be less
desirable
that an all composite construction.

For the money, the Bayliner looks like a good value. I am unsure if its
production includes wood or if it is all composite, but the warranty is
strong - lifetime to the original buyer on the hull, and 10 years from
date
of purchase is transferable.

Glastron is touting a new "VEC" construction process that is said to be
light and rigid. They offer a lifetime warranty. I don't really care
for
the look of this boat, and it doesn't appear as "plush" as the other
two,
but I like the idea of an all composite boat.

Any input on theses boats and recommendations for which to purchase
would
be
appreciated. Any recommendations against a particular boat would be
helpful
also. I'm ready to pull the trigger, but thought I'd reach out to this
group for some last minute advice.

Greg