old boater wrote:
Ok, perhaps this sounds like dumb questions but I've been outa the
boat scene for a long time (a lot of years) and I'd love to in a few
years get back into it and have a comparable small boat like what I
had. I'm not into big boats.

I have no specifics yet so please bear with me. I'd like about a 18'
fiberglass boat with about a 200 to 250 hp outboard (say for skiiing
and fishing). I'm not up on some details like gas tank size (used to
be 6 gal or 12 gals then). Lets assume I want a middle to upper
quality boat with the normal accessories (cover, galv. trailer, electr
tilt on outboard, etc...).

What are some decent boat brands now and more or less what would a new
boat equipped as above cost me out the door (excluding tax since I
guess that varies state to state) ?

I probably have other questions but I'll read more first and then ask
them if necessary. thanks.

ps-- ok, one question.... what type of gas consumption for a 200hp 6
cyl outboard nowadays say at 1/2 speed (vs. cruising speed) per hour?


Very few boats in the 18-20' l.o.a. category come equipped with
outboards in the 200-250 hp range. There are some, especially when you
get up to 20', perhaps mainly the bassboat or "fish'n'ski" types. More
common is a 150 hp engine.

Where do you plan on boating? Small lakes and rivers? Sal****er? That's
kind of a determinant for the style of boat.

Most of the boats I've seen with 200 and up outboards have built in fuel
tanks holding 100 to 200 gallons. I have a 21' center console boat with
a 150 hp outboard. The fuel tank holds 100 gallons.

For a new rig, you're talking $30,000-$60,000, fully equipped.