You'd be happy with either of those three boats.
The Stingray is the least expensive because it has the smaller engine.
Smaller, but adequate. Unless each member of your family weighs 200 pounds,
and you want to pull two skiers at the same time, that engine's OK. I have
the same engine in my 19' Bayliner bowrider and it handles the maximum load
of people and all their stuff with no problem, even getting my 200 pound
body up on skis.
I don't think there's much to be concerned about in the method of
construction in this size boat and your intended use of it.
As for top speed, you'll probably not get much chance to run over 30 mph, so
reaching 40 or 50 mph isn't important. Your speed will be limited by safety,
comfort, traffic and rough water due to breezes creating chop.
Since the prices are close, negotiate for a package to include a couple of
mooring lines and fenders and required safety equipment (life jackets,
throwable cushion, flares, etc and/or water ski equipment (vest, tow line,
skis, water toy).
And, take a Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron Boating Safety Class
now. They teach the same class and it's good stuff for a beginner to know
right away. It may also save you 10% on your insurance.


"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