"Robert M. Gary" wrote in message ...
I'm looking at buying my first boat. I'm looking at a "runabout" style
for family boating (tubing, cruising, etc). My wife and I looked at a
new 07 Bayliner 175 at the dealer for $14500. However, I hate thinking
about paying over $1000 in taxes on it.
I'm also looking at a 2003 185 Bayliner with 90 hours on it (both have
"family pack, stereo). The 185 has 190 hp fish/depth finder and new
trailer breaks for about $12,000

So I guess the question is how much difference does 4 years make on a
boat. It certainly looks like I get much more boat in the 185. Is 90
hours much? I looked at some 185's at the dealer (all new though) but
I'm assuming the 2008 185 is still larger than the new 175.

Also, since I've never bought a boat before I'm not really sure what
to look for when I take a look at it. I know some of the newer
Bayliner's come with lifetime hull warrantys but I'm not sure about a
2002.

-Robert



Might I suggest a pontoon boat for your needs.

Pros:

-PLENTY of room
-Able to tow tube/ski
-Low maintenance
-Safety/Difficult to sink
-Did I mention PLENTY of room?
-Nice deck to fish from
-Economical
-Sturdy

Cons:

-Drives like a "parking lot" (no big deal to me)
-Reduced "cool" factor (no big deal to me)
-?


We own a 20' Bennington and wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Its nice to cruise or anchor up and take a nap. We can invite
a few friends and take a Coleman grill along and we've got
an instant party. You can order them now with a head/changing
booth.

Oh,

If you get one and your brother-in-law asks to borrow it,
make up some excuse not too.

db