True North wrote:
On Monday, 2 May 2016 21:09:32 UTC-3, Alex wrote:
Keine Krausescheiße wrote:
On Monday, May 2, 2016 at 9:23:44 AM UTC-4, True North wrote:
Wife, dog and I took a one day drive over to Charlottetown PEI to visit my new boat dealer and make a final choice between the Bayliner 175 BR I ordered at the Halifax Boat Show or the larger and nicer 185 BR. Both models are left over 2015 versions with the same motor.
the 185 seems like 30 per cent more boat for only 12 per cent more money
This really appeals to my Scottish side.

But......
The larger galvanized trailer on the 185 has brakes and measures about 105 inches wide...troublesome for my narrow driveway.
The boat sits tall on the trailer...looks like I'd need a 6 foot stepladder eveft time I wanted to board. In the showroom I used a four foot one with the salesperson holding it to get up on the swim platform and then into the boat. Nothing on the boat to hold onto. Since my legs still haven't fully recovered from my bout with PMR a couple years ago and now appears to be arthritis in my night knee, I felt shaky working my way up and then down into the cockpit.
Next surprise was the nicer more comfortable seat with bolster. Salesman said it was all the way down but the upper windshield frame was right in my line of sight. I couldn't imagine putting up with that every time I went out.

Went home to think about it overnight and emailed the dealer co-owner that I was sticking with the slightly shorter but narrower 175. Of course they said I could upgrade in the future if I wanted but we know the difference would be more that the $3500 it would cost me right now.

BTW. The bigger boat sitting higher on the trailer would be troublesome on a lot of shallow ramps around here.
Doesn't the swim platform have a drop down ladder? I would have to have used a step stool of some sort for the Key West without that. What type brakes would be on the trailer? Brakes are a bit of a PITA, but much depends on their type, drum vs disc. As you can keep the boat at home, the extra brake maintenance shouldn't be a big problem. If the boat sits a bit higher on the trailer, it would mean you'd back into the water a couple more feet. Does no one launch 18' boats at the launch ramps up there? As to the seat height, I'd never trust a salesman. Would want to check the adjustment myself. Also, I do most of my boating standing, so I can see more.

It seems like you'd be getting a lot for your money with the extra $3500.
The subject line concerns me since the "choice" to buy a Bayliner was
already made and now new considerations are just popping up. I'm sure
his buddy Harry is not loving it but what else can he do at this point
other than be a spectator? His repeated references "the salesman said"
in this and previous posts are cause for concern, too, but it's his problem.

The 175 is rated for a 135HP I/O and the 185 is rated for 220HP - that's
odd considering the negligible weight difference and both are low
numbers for a well-built boat. The 8" wider beam should not result in a
boat that sits that much higher unless it's the wrong trailer for the
boat. If I was buying what is likely my last boat it wouldn't be either
of these. An outboard would be tops on my list for Don's area and
budget. This is a good read to compare the two...

http://www.boatingmag.com/boats/boat...e-vs-jet-drive

Don, get out if you still can and enlist the help and experience of
other people. There are internet (not Usenet) message boards that
aren't infested with politics and bull**** that will steer you in the
right direction.
I was surprised to heat that 90% of the 185 BR boats that Quartermaster Marine brings in have the 3.0 engine. Maybe we're just not as power hungry as y'all down there.


"heat", Don?

That 185HP is close to 130HP in outboard horsepower.

Say what?
What 185HP?

On Monday, May 2, 2016 at 9:23:44 AM UTC-4, True North wrote:
Wife, dog and I took a one day drive over to Charlottetown PEI to visit my new boat dealer and make a final choice between the Bayliner 175 BR I ordered at the Halifax Boat Show or the larger and nicer 185 BR. Both models are left over 2015 versions with the same motor.
the 185 seems like 30 per cent more boat for only 12 per cent more money
This really appeals to my Scottish side.

But......
The larger galvanized trailer on the 185 has brakes and measures about 105 inches wide...troublesome for my narrow driveway.
The boat sits tall on the trailer...looks like I'd need a 6 foot stepladder eveft time I wanted to board. In the showroom I used a four foot one with the salesperson holding it to get up on the swim platform and then into the boat. Nothing on the boat to hold onto. Since my legs still haven't fully recovered from my bout with PMR a couple years ago and now appears to be arthritis in my night knee, I felt shaky working my way up and then down into the cockpit.
Next surprise was the nicer more comfortable seat with bolster. Salesman said it was all the way down but the upper windshield frame was right in my line of sight. I couldn't imagine putting up with that every time I went out.

Went home to think about it overnight and emailed the dealer co-owner that I was sticking with the slightly shorter but narrower 175. Of course they said I could upgrade in the future if I wanted but we know the difference would be more that the $3500 it would cost me right now.

BTW. The bigger boat sitting higher on the trailer would be troublesome on a lot of shallow ramps around here.

The secret to getting on, with a bum knee and arthritis, may be to sit on the transom and swing your legs over. Shouldn't be a problem, and it's a much safer way to board when the boat's rocking in the water.