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

Hello Greg,
If you are rushing headlong into buying a boat. let me say STOP! HALT!
CEASE AND DESIST!

You should spend a lot of time doing the research, and a little bit of
time buying. There are a number of things to take into consideration besides
price and footage.

You mentioned it will be a family boat used to pull skiers. Perhaps you
should look at some alternatives. Deckboats are well suited for skiing,
fishing and cruising. You will still get 40-50 mph in comfort and have
access to a sink, grill and potty. The wife will love the potty and changing
room.

Catamarans handle rough water very well and need less horsepower to get
about. Therefore use less fuel. Not as fast as a paining hull but way more
efficient miles per gallon wise. With enough horsepower, will pull
water-skis without issue.

Then there are pocket cruisers. (my favorite) A pocket cruiser is like a
home that cruises at 40 mph. They also qualify as a second home, so interest
is tax deductible. If you use it to "entertain for business" you will get
even bigger tax breaks. (Thanks Mr. Bush!)

Some boats hold their value longer than others.

Bayliners will depreciate very fast. Glastron's hold their value better.
Searay, Formula (Thunderbird) and Larson hold their value well. Formula's
boats hold value best of all.

Cruisers and trawlers do not depreciate as fast as open boats.

Consider and evaluate your options before purchasing. Remember, you will
have this boat for a long time. Make sure it is what you want, not what the
salesman wants to sell.

Please PLEASE do yourself and family a favor. Take the USCG Auxiliary Safe
Boating Course.

http://www.cgaux.org/

You may find some useful information on my personal website. See
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks/solas.html and read about
children's and pet's lifejackets, abandon ship info and other safety related
items.
--
Capt. Frank


__c
\ _ | \_
__\_| oooo \_____
~~~~|______________/ ~~~~~
www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks


"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