Need advice re: used boat purchase

critrgitr · Newbie Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 City: Boring

I did a search and found this web site - so for my first post I'm hoping to get some advice from you experts on a used boat purchase.

First of all, Hi. Second, I am a comp boat virgin ( know very little about these boats). I need a wakeboarding boat for my kids (lots of em). They range (ages) 10- 24. They like to do all the tricks so I would like to buy a boat with a good wakeboarding wake. I will not buy any vehicle new because I will not take the depreciation hit. I am looking at a 1996 Maristar 225 v-drive, has a tower, no ballast system, upholstery pretty bad so I will have that replaced. Price hopfully around $19-20. Questions: How difficult is is to put in an aftermarket ballast system? Can I do it myself (I'm pretty handy with the tools)? Is there an aftermarket system that can be placed somewhere out of sight (not on the floor to be tripped on)? Cost? Brand recommendations? Will this year/model/brand of Mastercrat put out a good wakeboarding wake?

I can buy a 2002 Mobius completely loaded for about $25000. Friends are recommending that I look for an older Matercraft rather than the newer Moomba. By the time I "fix up" the old Mastercraft, I'll have close to the same moeny as the newer Moomba. Any and all opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Neognosis · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 17617 City: Webster

That sounds high. I almost bought a 97 Maristar in good condition with a tower for 25K, if I recall correctly.

It's not that difficult to put in an aftermarket ballast system. It can be as simple as some sacks on the floor or fully integrated. Depends on how comfortable you are with drilling holes in your boat and whether you can install plumbing and simple electric circuits.

austin11 · Criminal Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 74

yeah installing an aftermarket balast isnt too hard. Dependig on how much storage there is on the boat you can put sacks under the seats and stuff. The plumbing isnt all that hard. Just watch what and where your drilling!

malibu36 · Newbie Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 43 City: Crown Point

check out: http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=53696
it comes with the wedge so extra ballast will be minimal

critrgitr · Newbie Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 City: Boring

CRAMM · Posted: Jan 31, 2006 11:22 am Post subject:

Try rival systems. They sell everything you need.

DizzyG · Soul Rider Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 266 City: Oconomowoc

I'd advise a v-drive too if it's going ot be a wakeboarding boat. Also, before you go drilling into your hull, lots of people just put a T into the raw water intake and have no problems at all. Some people are very anti this, but I've done it, know several who do it and haven't had any issues.

The ballast part is pretty easy if the boat has enough storage compartments to hide sacks or lead or sand in.

bremsen · Outlaw Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 168 City: Charlotte

I would also suggest a v-drive if the primary use is wakeboarding.

Check out www.diytower.com. There are a couple DIY ballast systems there and a link to rival's site.

critrgitr · Newbie Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 City: Boring

Neognosis · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 17617 City: Webster