Boat Engine Comparison: Outboard vs Sterndrive vs Jet Drive

When Glastron said it was making a runabout available with three different power types we jumped at the chance to pit: outboard versus sterndrive versus jet drive.

Outboard, sterndrive or jet drive: These are the available power choices in today’s runabout market. Glastron recently achieved a trifecta of sorts, becoming the first boatbuilder to offer the same 18-foot bowrider with each power option, which presents us with a golden opportunity — the chance to finally mount a real head-to-head comparison of outboard, sterndrive and jet propulsion. Glastron provided an outboard-powered GTS 180, a sterndrive-powered GTS 185, and a jet-powered GTS 187 for trial on the same day at its test facility in Cadillac, Michigan. We compared performance, dimensions, features and cost to see if one power option would prove superior. We encountered the expected compromises with each powertrain, but there were a few surprises too.
Boat Basics
From the aft seat forward, each of these Glastron boats is exactly the same except for slight differences in controls and instruments. The 18-foot Glastron is a sharp-looking bowrider. It’s designed to compete in the affordable segment of the price spectrum. The fiberglass deck incorporates the bow seating and aft seat base but does not feature a full-cockpit liner. A separate floor, or cockpit sole, is bonded to the top of the fiberglass stringer grid that’s bonded to the hull. The exposed areas of the inner hull are covered with attractive “chain weave” vinyl material. Instruments are presented in deep aluminum bezels above a spider-spoke wheel; the bucket seats have flip-up cushions; and positive pin latches secure the lift-off cushions over stowage in the bench bases. These boats are typical of the breed, but well executed.
You’ll note that the length overall for each boat is slightly different. The outboard’s transom makes that boat 2 inches shorter than the sterndrive. The jet is 18 inches longer than the other two because its extended swim platform is a standard feature. The jet also carries three more gallons of fuel because it has a different tank shape to accommodate its required in-tank fuel pump.
Our test boats were rigged with the power option that is most popular on each model. The GTS 180 featured a 3.0-liter V-6 Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard. The GTS 185 had a 220 hp MerCruiser 4.3 MPIC under the hatch. The GTS 187 was powered by the 250 hp version of the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder Rotax 4TEC engine, which is supercharged, intercooled and catalyst-equipped. That’s a big spread in power, but testing would reveal that actual performance was pretty close. We conducted performance testing with crew and ballast totaling 700 pounds.

Outboard vs Sterndrive vs Jet Drive

Weight
We used Rec Boat’s tech-center scales to weigh the test boats. There’s a spread of 610 pounds between the outboard, our lightest version of the boat, and sterndrive, the heaviest version, with the jet weighing 60 pounds more than the 2,120-pound outboard-powered boat. This weight difference will affect every aspect of performance and economy.
Performance
Top speeds for the outboard and sterndrive were very close, at about 49 mph. The jet ran 43.5 mph, handicapped despite its power advantage by its lack of trim, which on the outboard and sterndrive let us raise the bow and reduce drag. It’s important to note that the running surface of the jet-powered GTS 187 is specific — Glastron did not simply drop the jet drive into the sterndrive hull and call it a day. There’s a huge weight difference between the two powertrains, and the thrust angle makes the boat handle differently. We were told the jet hull has much less deadrise forward and less lift aft.
The jet has a clear advantage in acceleration. We tested 0 to 25 mph “light” with one person on board and “heavy” with the equivalent of six 175-pound people on board. The jet simply lifts and leaves when the throttle is punched, blasting off with no bow rise. The outboard exhibits slight bow rise but is only about a second behind the jet to 25 mph. Bow rise blocked our view forward for a moment when the sterndrive accelerated, and with the heavy load the sterndrive was a slug, struggling to get on plane.
Fuel Economy
That the outboard proved most efficient is obvious — with just 150 hp it can match or exceed the performance of engines making more than 200 hp, as our performance charts show. At cruising speed the outboard manages 5.0 mpg, 25 percent better than the sterndrive and 52 percent better than the jet. We don’t have a good explanation for this beyond the fact that the sterndrive boat weighs 600 pounds more than the outboard, and the jet drive system is less efficient than the outboard’s propeller. Also, while the jet’s appendage drag is less, since no gear case is being dragged through the water, this may result in increased wetted surface of the hull, since it offers no ability to trim the boat.
Note that each of these engines has a different operating range — wide-open throttle is 5,000 rpm for the sterndrive, 6,000 rpm for the outboard and 8,000 rpm for the jet — so each also has a different cruising rpm. For this comparison, rather than select each boat’s best possible cruising speed, we picked a “pleasing” cruise speed, because in the real world you are not going to want to wobble along just on plane. At speeds below 7,000 rpm, the jet-powered Glastron felt like it was wallowing just a little. It likes to have more pressure under its hull to feel planted in the water. That happens to be about 35 mph, so we compare the other two boats at a similar speed in the water.
Sound Level
This is another easy win for the outboard. At cruising speed the outboard is 6 decibels (dbA) quieter than the sterndrive and 11 dbA quieter than the jet. The dbA scale is logarithmic, so a change of 10 dbA is a change by a factor of 10. Which means the jet is more than 10 times “louder” than the outboard. An outboard engine has many design advantages that keep sound levels low in the boat cockpit. It’s located farther away, on rubber mounts that isolate its vibration from the boat. It’s also enclosed by a tight cowl and can be fitted with an attenuator tuned to significantly reduce intake noise. Both the jet and sterndrive have to comply with U.S. Coast Guard flame arrestor regulations that essentially leave the intake unmuffled. The jet is further disadvantaged because its entire powertrain is mounted within the boat hull, so part of the noise of a jet drive is the flow of water through the pump and the sound of cavitation on the low-pressure side of the impeller. The jet also runs at much higher rpm, and this higher-frequency sound is more irritating to the human brain.
Aesthetics
Choosing a boat is not always a rational decision, and the look often trumps performance, economy and noise. There’s no question a lot of people really like the classic lines of a sterndrive runabout with a big sun pad over the engine and a full-width swim platform. An outboard motor ruins that clean profile, breaks up the platform into a pair of small shelves, and often requires a motorwell that intrudes on lounging space aft. The jet is also inboard, but its little in-line triple engine is much more compact than the V-6 sterndrive engine, and has a lower profile. This creates more styling possibilities aft, and in place of a sun pad, the Glastron GTS 187 has a pair of aft-facing seats with bottom cushions just above the level of the boarding platform. The jet powertrain is rather long, and the area below the center aft cockpit seat is devoted to service access to the front of the Rotax engine and the electric fuel pump, rather than stowage.
Operation
It took a sandbar on Lake Cadillac to remind us of a key virtue of jet power. We “polished the prop” of the sterndrive when we hit bottom. The jet, which draws just 14 inches at rest and perhaps 6 inches on plane, would have skimmed right over the bar. Research shows that owners also value the simple operation of a jet-powered boat — controls are limited to forward and reverse, and steering. There’s no trim to think about, no prop to ding up. Compared with the outboard and sterndrive, the jet is mechanically simple. However, because the jet pump has no rudder, it does not track well at no-wake speeds and, until you get the hang of it, can be much more difficult to control around a dock or when loading a trailer. The jet has very quick steering — just 270 degrees lock-to-lock on the wheel compared with 3.6 revolutions for the outboard and 4.5 for the sterndrive — which requires some reflex adjustment. The jet is willing to make buttonhook turns that would send your crew crashing across the cockpit. Let’s just say it’s very agile.
The trimability of the outboard and sterndrive enhance performance and economy, but the aluminum props on our test boats would blow out if we tried to make an assertive turn without first trimming back down, so that’s one more thing to think about at the helm. Submerged sandbars, rocks and stumps pose a potentially expensive risk to props and drives. You are less likely to suck sand or gravel into a jet pump and damage the impeller and sacrificial wear ring.
The outboard is so quiet you can have a normal conversation at cruising speed. The V-6 sterndrive engine vibrates quite a bit at low speeds and sounds relatively coarse at all speeds. The jet is obnoxiously loud, unless you’ve being riding a personal watercraft and don’t know any better.
Conclusion
On paper, the outboard power system is a clear winner. In this comparison, the Glastron GTS 180 with a Mercury 150 has the lightest weight, the best fuel economy, the quietest cockpit, and performance that matches or exceeds those of the sterndrive and jet. But the outboard loses big points for looks and the “livability” of its stern area. The jet is the least expensive, accelerates fastest, is easy to operate and has a clever lounging area, but it’s thirsty and noisier. In this comparison, we think styling is really the only reason to choose the sterndrive-powered boat. We say, “Wise up, America!” and buy the outboard.

By Chales Plueddeman  Boating Magazine online

Posted by: Bill Schrama

Need a boat loan to purchase a boat or repower your current boat visit www.boatfinance.com  

Ten Tips For Selling Your Boat.

1. Market it!: Advertise heavily. Place ads in local boating press, the big daily newspaper and, if it’s a large boat or one of limited availability that buyers will likely travel out of state to see, place ads in the pricier regional and national venues. Picture ads draw more traffic. Rent space at some highway-side lot where hundreds of passers-by can see it—more than in your driveway.

2. Fired-up!: Start the engine and warm it up an hour before a prospect comes to see the boat. A dead battery or balky start—even for an excellent engine—turns buyers off.

3. Pledge of Allegiance: Looks are important. Spray-on furniture wax can be applied and wiped-off quick and easy. The gleam doesn’t last more than a day, but it’s perfect for that prospect who calls and says he’ll be over in an hour.

4. Empty Promise: It’s better to show empty stowage areas and remark how spacious they are then to have all your gear jammed in them to the point of overflowing. Remove your crap.

5. Touch Points: A professional detail job makes sense for a boat in pristine condition. If your boat rates “average” or “good” focus solely on the more glaring blemishes. Compound-out rust stains bleeding from fittings, re-tape shredded boot stripe, de-grease the engine, clean the bilge, etc. If the cabin is musty, surreptitiously place air fresheners.

6. Fogged-out: If clear curtains are scratched or clouded by age, remove them for the initial viewing.

7. Bottom Job: If the boat is bottom painted, apply a fresh coat. It makes the boat look sharper. Also spray paint outboard and stern drive skegs that have the paint worn-off.

8. Sea Trial: With the canvas removed, all but safety gear stowed ashore and light in fuel and water, your boat will plane easier, handle more nimbly, and attain a faster top-end speed. Try to convince the buyer to limit ride-along friends and family to as few as possible, for the reasons above, and so the true “roominess” of the boat isn’t painfully obvious.

9. Paper Chase: Have all title, registration, extended warranty and, if available, service records on hand in a binder. It’s impressive, even if the buyer's initial reaction to it seems ho-hum. See how much a boat lender will finance for a potential buyer.

10. Be Realistic: Figure out your bottom–line price well in advance of meeting the first buyer. Consider the dollar costs of advertising, storage and maintenance while it's for sale as well as the time costs involved in showing the boat.

By: Bill Schrama

If the buyer needs a boat loan please visit www.boatfinance.com for loans from $5,000 and higher.

National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign.

 

(OMAHA, Neb.) - The National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have teamed up with boating safety advocates across the U.S. to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, 2014.

National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of life jacket wear by recreational boaters.

Before casting off for a day on the water, boaters should take appropriate precautions. File a float plan with a friend or family, get a vessel safety check and take a boating safety course. Boaters should also check the weather forecast and make sure everyone on board is wearing the correct type and fit of life jacket. Boaters can develop “boater’s hypnosis” a condition in response to sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, which causes fatigue and slows your reaction time. Combining this condition with alcohol or drugs greatly reduces your coordination, judgment and reaction time, which could lead to deadly consequences so please boat sober.

“Throughout the year hundreds of people drown or die in boating accidents and the majority of the deaths could have been prevented,” said Pam Doty, National Water Safety Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.   “We want you to come out and enjoy your national lakes and rivers and return home safely, so please wear a life jacket and boat friendly.”

 

 

–U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 

By: Bill Schrama

 

                   Get out on the water and start practicing safe boating. Need a loan?

                                                www.BoatFinance.com

Tips on Buying a Used Boat for Water Sports

Boat Buying Guide - Part II

USED BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST

TEST DRIVE - You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first, would you? Same holds true with a boat, even more so than a car. Boats are finicky animals. They tend to require more attention and maintenance than cars. When you test drive the boat pay close attention to the following things while underway:

Vibration
If it vibrates it could mean a variety of things like a bent propeller. A vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.Functioning Trim
If you're looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works, which allows the motor to move from the down position to the angled position.
Response
Rapidly, but carefully, test the steering from one direction to another to see how long it takes the boat to respond.
Planing
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Shifting
Does the boat slip smoothly into gear, or does it jump?
Reverse
Make sure the boat works in reverse. You never know how important this is until you have to dock.
Gauges and Instruments
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
Bilge
Make sure it is doing it's job. If your test ride is not long enough to tell, when you get back to the dock run some water in the engine hole with a water hose until the bilge kicks in.
It's a good idea to take along several people on the test drive. Added weight in a boat can affect it's performance and quickness.

Check to see how many hours are on a boat. You measure a car's use by miles and a boat's use by hours. If a boat has more than 500 hours you can expect to pay some money in upgrades and maintenance.

Wood and water don't mix, especially in the floor of a boat. Carefully inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot. Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and smell for floor for mildew.

Ask for a maintenance history on the boat. Find out what major repairs have been made to the boat. If a lot of work has been done to the boat, chances are there will be lots to come, which translates into dollars. Ask if the boat is still under warranty. Also, ask who the boat owner used for repairs and make a point to talk to them.

It's a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. If you are going to do it yourself check the spark arrestors and plugs, alternator, belts, hoses, strainer, blower, shift cables, engine alignment, etc. Analyze the oil and make sure it is not cloudy or gritty Cloudy oil can mean the engine block is cracked.

Take a walk around the boat and inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition. Feel free to tap on the hull all the way around and make sure the hull is consistently solid. Mismatched paint is a sign the boat has been in an accident. Also check for gel-coat blisters and dry rot.

Check the prop for warping, cracks, or nicks. Any of these things can throw off the performance of the boat.

How has the boat been stored while not in use? Was is stored outside and exposed to the sun and weather? Or was it kept in protected dry storage? 

Depending on how the boat was stored can affect how the upholstery has held up over the years. Check for ripped seams and color fading. Also check the boat cover if there is one. 

It's nice if the owner will sell the boat with a few extras which are probably already on the boat. In my opinion, a depth finder is crucial. You don't want the boat to run aground, much less let your skier run aground. In most states a marine radio is required by law. A stereo is a nice thing to have so you can listen to tunes. Also see if the boat owner will throw in some life jackets and an anchor. And if you are a lucky slalom skier they may throw in a speed control device. 

If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly. They are not cheap to replace. 

Locate the boat in the N.A.D.A. Guide to find out the price value range for the model and year. Remember, if the boat is priced at the low end or lower than the low end it's likely the boat's had a history of problems and there is a reason the owner wants to get rid of the boat.

By: Bill Schrama

                              Get money you need to buy a used boat
                                    https://www.boatfinance.com

Need a Boat Loan?  

Boat Finance is your money line!

Finance your boat before you negotiate the purchase price!

You can be approved for up to $35,000 to buy a new or used boat, motor, equipment upgrades, anything you need for your boat and the proceeds will be deposited into your checking account in as little as 48 hours from approval.

Boat Finance offers 3 or 5 year unsecured personal loans with low interest rates starting from 6.73% APR.

It’s a simple free online application. Visit www.boatfinance.com for your money boat line for anything you need to boat.

Everyone knows how difficult it is to get a loan from a bank today and using credit cards for large purchases just isn't a smart financial move with all the gimmicks attached to a credit card.


Boat Finance LLC connects you to a new loan Marketplace of 3 or 5 year unsecured personal loans with low interest rates starting from 6.73%.

You can be approved for up to $35,000 to buy a new or used boat, pay for boating related expenses and the proceeds will be deposited into your checking account in as little as 3 days.

You can finance your boat before you negotiate your purchase price!

All loans are fixed term, fully amortizing, unsecured personal loans. Your monthly payment will be spread out evenly over the term of your loan and will always be the same amount each month. There are no penalties or fees for paying off your loan early or for making extra payments to reduce your balance. We also do not charge any application fees.

Applying for a loan will allow you to check your rate before you decide to accept our loan offer. You will be presented with an interest rate quote for your loan, as well as a full payment schedule over the 3 or 5 year loan term you select.

You may apply for a loan and check your rate without affecting your credit score. A "hard" inquiry will appear on your credit report only if you decide to finance your boat with us and accept the loan offer which we present to you.

By Bill Schrama

Finance your next boat at http://www.boatfinance.com/

Tips on Buying a Boat Suitable for Boat-Towed Water Sports

Boat Buying Guide - Part I - Avoid disappointment and do your homework.

Once you fall in love with power boating there's no turning back. It's in your blood forever. Shopping for a new boat can be challenging. So many decisions to be made and so many things to consider. It's often a bigger decision than buying a car, which is essentially a means of transportation to get you from point A to point B. A boat is usually a multipurpose investment that can be used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, barefooting, tubing, jumping, fishing, riding to your favorite hangout, weekend getaways, and more. And each of these events sometime require different qualities in a boat to get the best performance.
Before you take the boat buying plunge let me clue you in on two of the most widely spoken quotes in the boating world. "The happiest day of a boat owner's life is the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat" and "Boats are nothing more than holes in the water, into which you throw money."Sounds so gloomy, doesn't it? It doesn't have to be. That's why it is so crucial for you to do your homework prior to purchasing a boat. Most people who are about to buy a boat have visions of nonstop fun on the water, but the reality is boats can be lots of work and require extreme care and regular maintenance in order for that fun on the water to be long lasting.If you're still up to the challenge and responsibility of being a boat owner, use following checklist to go by when purchasing a boat.

Once you fall in love with power boating there's no turning back. It's in your blood forever. Shopping for a new boat can be challenging. So many decisions to be made and so many things to consider. It's often a bigger decision than buying a car, which is essentially a means of transportation to get you from point A to point B. A boat is usually a multipurpose investment that can be used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, barefooting, tubing, jumping, fishing, riding to your favorite hangout, weekend getaways, and more. And each of these events sometime require different qualities in a boat to get the best performance.

Before you take the boat buying plunge let me clue you in on two of the most widely spoken quotes in the boating world. "The happiest day of a boat owner's life is the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat" and "Boats are nothing more than holes in the water, into which you throw money."Sounds so gloomy, doesn't it? It doesn't have to be. That's why it is so crucial for you to do your homework prior to purchasing a boat. Most people who are about to buy a boat have visions of nonstop fun on the water, but the reality is boats can be lots of work and require extreme care and regular maintenance in order for that fun on the water to be long lasting.If you're still up to the challenge and responsibility of being a boat owner, use following checklist to go by when purchasing a boat. BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST - PURPOSE OF THE BOAT
Decide what your main purpose(s) for the boat will be. Do you want it strictly for tournament waterskiing or strictly for recreational wakeboarding? Or do you have kids that like to do a little bit of everything behind the boat? Will it mainly be a fishing boat that you'll occasionally want to water-ski behind? These factors will determine your engine type (inboard, inboard/outboard, or outboard). Boats.com explains some tips in its article, "Choose the right type of boat for your needs."

BODY OF WATER YOU'LL BE USIN

Larger, more wide open bodies of water require bigger boats, or those with V-drives or inboard/outboard engines. Larger boats handle rough water better than smaller boats. Direct drive boats are good for smaller lakes that generally have smooth water. Serious slalom skiers usually prefer direct drives and serious wakeboarders prefer V-drives. If your body of water is large and often chops up a bow-rider may not be the best choice. You don't want to run the risk of water coming in over an open bow.

COSTS

How much can you afford? Saving money on a purchase up front can cost you in the long run. Be sure to buy quality. Remember to take into consideration the following costs beyond the actual price of the boat and your monthly payments: insurance, boat and trailer registration fees, taxes, fuel, docking/mooring fees, storage, and equipment such as lifevests, fire extinguishers, flares, marine radio, anchor, dock lines, and a trailer if needed. When the boat is not in use you'll want to give it proper storage. Boats.com explains storage options in its article, "Learn the best way to store your boat."

Don't over look maintenance and repair costs to the boat. This can be the most discouraging factor to a boat owner. On average these annual costs averages around $50 per foot (boat length), however they can be significantly higher, depending on if you do the work yourself, or you let a marina do the work for you. This is not an area in which you want to skimp. Good maintenance habits can add years to your boat and save you many pounding headaches.

Also consider these optional items, depending on your water sports preferences: water skis, wakeboards, wet suits, towables (tubes), tow ropes and gloves, weight system for wakeboarding, pylon, boom, tower, etc.

WARRANTIES
Extremely important. No matter how new your boat is, warranties can vary tremendously. This is an area in which you do lots of comparison shopping. If purchasing a new boat be sure to go with a boat manufacturer that stands firmly behind their product and is going to rise to the occasion when things go wrong. Boatbuying.com outlines things to consider when dealing with warranties.

NMMA CERTIFIED
Make sure the boat is certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The NMMA standards exceed the basic regulations set by the U.S. Coast Guard.

DEALER REPUTATION
Extremely important. This could make or break your boating experience. Make sure their service department is reputable and have quick turn around on repairs. To find a dealership in your area see the Dealerships / Sales links list.

WORD OF MOUTH
Find other people who own or have previously owned the brand or model of the boat you are considering purchasing. They can shed light on areas you may have never considered. Other boat owners will tell you the truth.

BOATING SAFETY
Take a safe boating course BEFORE you hit the water. The Water and Boating Safety Resources links page is an excellent source of boating courses and has great links to start instilling boat and water safety in your mind. Make sure that everyone who will be operating or just riding in the boat takes a safety course as well. Don't over look knowing the proper way to tow a skier and how to retrieve a downed skier safely. Also see Drivers Corner, Boating Tips, and the article, "How Fast Should You Go?" which explains boat speeds for different boat towed sports.

PROPELLER TYPE
Three or four blade? Four blades are more expensive, however they have a quicker hole shot and has a smoother spin. Three blades allow a little more top end speed. Prop manufacturers.

ATTEND A BOAT SHOW
Boat shows are a great place to start your boat shopping. For starters, there will be lots of manufacturers under the same roof, saving you travel time to multiple dealerships. Dealers often offer boat show discounts. Popular times of the year for boat shows are in the beginning of the year and the fall. To find a boat show in your area see the Boat Shows links list.

TIME OF YEAR TO BUY A BOAT
Buying at the beginning of the year will allow you to have your pick of the litter. You'll get more choices with colors, features, and special orders. Buy in the spring when everyone is getting boat fever and expect to pay more for your boat. Larger demand, larger price tag. Buy in the fall or later and you'll get lower prices when dealers are looking to unload boats before the new models hit the showroom.

Part 2 in a future post soon!
Don Schrama

Finance your next boat at http://www.boatfinance.com/

The Guide to Buying a Bayliner Boat

August 23, 2013 - Kylie Crescent

So you've had your first boat ride. You're now able to tick it off your bucket list. But you enjoyed the experience so much; you're ready to give up your right arm to get yourself one.
But before you jump in and purchase the first boat that you see, here are some things to consider:

What will you use the boat for?
First thing is to determine what you'll use the as there are many boats on the market designed for particular activities. Do you want to use it for fishing? Do you want it purely for cruising? Will you want to go skiing? Working out why you want the boat is central to purchase the right boat.

What boat size?
Next thing to consider is the size of the boat you want taking into consideration the number of passengers and load capacity.

What about boat transportation?
You will need to transport the boat around so you will need to have the right vehicle and trailer to do this. Do you have a suitable car with suitable towing capacity? This will affect the size of the boat you want to purchase, unless you decide to upgrade your vehicle to a four wheel drive and get a better trailer.

What should the boat be made of?
Depending on why you want the boat may also determine the materials it will be made out of. Boats can come in fiberglass, aluminum and wood.

Where will you go boating?
This will determine what boat you need as some boats are not designed for coastal waters and are designed to be driven inland.

What boat can you afford?
Just as with cars, boat prices can vary depending on the model, brand, size and features of the boat. You should also consider purchasing a used boat if you're budget doesn't allow for the purchase of a brand new boat.

After careful consideration, you still can't get passed that first boat ride - that experience has left a lasting impression on you.

So you decide that you will probably go with that boat brand - Bayliner.

Truth be told, anyone who has ever stepped foot in one is unlikely to forget the experience. 

Bayliner boats have an unrivaled reputation for exuding luxury, class and beauty. In addition, the brand can also count one of their boats as America's number one, outselling every other boat model on the market.

Other key features of a Bayliner boat include:
Sports performance
Different engine configurations
High standard of quality
A broad range of models
Built to last
Safety features

Although it is an American brand, Bayliner is popular with boating enthusiasts the world over. And Hunts Marine, one of Australia's most trusted boating businesses with 70 years experience, sell a wide range of Bayliner boats. So turn to Hunts Marine for Bayliner Boats For Sale - they'll help you get your dream boat!

About the Author:
John Foster has had more than 25 years Bayliner Boats For Sale experience and currently runs fishing charters on the NSW Central coast. He also serves as the President of his local fishing club and loves sharing his knowledge on the best fishing spots. Having spent countless hours on his father's Bayliner Boats as a child, he became obsessed not only with fishing as a sport but developed a love for yachts as well. When he is not busy with the full time demands of his job, John spends as much time on the water as he can, preferring to travel to remote fishing areas to relax and haul in a good catch.