NOOB introduction, and boat hunting begins...

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Hi everybody! I'm in Richmond, VA and looking for my first boat. I have been wake boarding and wake surfing for a few years now, and I want a boat so I can go more than 4 times a season. I'm 38, married, and have a 3 year old son. My son loves boats and my wife is cool with the purchase.

So the hunt begins, I've been looking for a used boat with lower hours but in this region there isn't much. I found MB Tomcat 21 loaded to the gills for $49k, an 08 X-1 for $42, and an 08 Malibu Wakesetter VLX for $42k. Can't get in touch with the X-1 or VLX people, been trying for 2 days. The other boats I'm finding are 23's and I'm kinda stuck on a 20-21. I've seen a few Centurion C-4 typhoons but they are 07-08 and asking 37-42k or more.

This brings me to the Axis A-20.
A) Am I a dumb ass for thinking about a new boat for my first boat?
B) Should I spend 35-38k on an 03-05 Centurion and just ad sacs to it?
C) I've been looking at Axis for a year or so, and it seems like bang for your buck, that's the boat to get...
D) I just priced out an Epic 21V with stereo package 1 for $65k and thats way over budget.
E) I found an 05 Enzo locally for $35k, that seems like a very large boat though.

My towing Vehicle options are as follows...
A) 2011 BMW X5 Diesel
B) 2011 Toyota 4 Runner
C) 86 Blazer K5 (not fun for long distance & kinda rusty)

Thanks in advance for your responses and advise. I can't wait to be on the water in my own boat!

Evan

STANG KILLA SS · Posted: Jun 05, 2012 1:04 pm Post subject:

what is your budget?
do you prefer to surf or wakeboard more? or exactly 50/50?

and i love K5s Very Happy

3MileBayWaker · Posted: Jun 05, 2012 1:57 pm Post subject:

Don't buy brand new for your first boat, look for a left over or a nice couple year old trade in. Saves you thousands.

Honestly l wish I had went slightly larger like a 22-23', but where my waterfront property is I had to buy a boat that only drafted soo much water and trimmed up. Dredging out front deep enough was the cost of a brand new Axis since its a limestone lake bottom. I currently have a 20.8' or 21' class with extended swim platform, with friends and gear it's still cramped at 5 people.

As for your tow vehicle, I'd use the K5 or 4 runner. IRS rear suspension in the x5 aren't the best for towing, solid rear axle is the better way.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

I found a mint condition 07 C4 lightning for 37k. Single ballast, 100 hours. Whats a good deal for that? 33k?

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

Any pics? I know 2 guys with C4s in that area, just wondering if it's a boat I know.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Its in DC...

http://onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=31977

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

I used to ride Lake Anna a lot when I lived up that way. I don't know the owner, looks like a NC registration. Anyway, on the C4s you really want one with the hydraulic wakeplate. The manual one was a pain to get set right and required A LOT of trial and error with different plate angles and weight configurations to get it right. Price wise it seems a little high, I've got a old email saved quoting me a price of 39K on a new 06 that I was looking at ordering at the time. I ended up going with a used Supra SSV instead.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Yea, I figured that was a little high. The search continues...

Broccoli B · Posted: Jun 06, 2012 5:20 am Post subject:

Go with the brand spankin new Axis. You will get a great boat with a warranty in your price range, can't beat that.

I boat my first boat brand new and have never regretted it, 8 years later I still own it, and it still starts every time.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Thanks Broccoli! I found a super sick deal on an A20. It's pretty loaded, tandem trailer, Plug and Play, Stereo package 2, Bimini, Custom cover, Tatami mat. List was $59k and I got them to $52k delivered 250 miles. I'm going to demo it tomorrow. It's 250 miles away... sux, but I don't think I should buy it site unseen.

Pop Addict · Criminal Joined: 25 Jun 2010 Posts: 79

Have you thought about Supra? We got a used 2011 21v loaded (except Z5 and the big engine) for $45k. Throws a sick wake, ViSiON dash, wake plate, progressive tower, everything. It's plenty big and we got 3 kids or sometimes go with anotherp couple or two. It's plush and perfect in every way for us.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Pop Addict · Criminal Joined: 25 Jun 2010 Posts: 79

Atlanta.

Pop Addict · Criminal Joined: 25 Jun 2010 Posts: 79

Let me clarify- we arent selling...I was just askin if u had considered supra yet.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

The used market in my region (Mid Atlantic) sucks.

Baltfrog · Addict Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Posts: 555 City: Baltimore

Do you work or own kulture the glass shop in Richmond and cville? If so, I am part of the reason you can afford that new boat haha.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Baltfrog · Addict Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Posts: 555 City: Baltimore

I frequented your Cville shop during the last year or two of my college career. It was a stones throw from my apartment. You had a great staff. Very friendly and knowledgable, good prices and a fresh selection. Also had a roor piece sent out on repair and it came back great. Thank you for clouding my last 2 years of school and making my pockets a little lighter haha. If Chip still works for you he needs a raise, he was the best.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Lol, Chip left and opened his own shop. It's called the Glass Stache in Alexandria.

Baltfrog · Addict Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Posts: 555 City: Baltimore

Sorry to hear that he left. You ride at Lake Anna? I'm down there every so often, such a great place

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Finally back at home... had to drive 550 miles today to demo an A20. It was the closest one to me. I really liked it but couldn't sign. Too many hours is the car and too much on my mind to sign. I needed to digest it all.

Speaker package 2, PNP, Tandem trailer, bimini, cover, BUT NO Bubb Rubbing DEPTH FINDER!!! WTF!?! How do have a boat like this with no depth finder? Got it down to 52,800.

So for the demo, I like the boat a lot! Perfect size for a family of 3 and a few close friends on the water. Very easy to drive and planned up quickly. Wake looked good and the surf wake looked fun. Need the extra bags for sure!

I'm gonna call in the AM and tell them I want depth finder over night and installed for Sunday delivery at no charge. Happy Birthday to me!

I did have one question, how are Moombas? Am I better off with Axis?

holdsworth · Posted: Jun 08, 2012 5:06 am Post subject:

You're way better off with Axis. Moomba quality isn't very good. The Axis is a solid choice though, I like them for the most part just some things bothered me when we had the A22. I'll talk with my buddy who helps with the dealer down here in Ocala to sell boats... might be able to find a nice Axis for you. MB isn't a bad one to go with either. The surf wake is very good when you load it right and I really liked the wake behind it. My buddy said stock ballast and a 750 in the bow had a really nice, long transition and a shape that was similar to an X-Star which is by far my favorite wake.

Here's the surf wake from an MB

The guy we know has a 2011 F21 listed for 58k but I'm not sure on options.

It wouldn't be too bad to keep looking for some VLX's in the 08-09 range, they're one of my top boats as far as interior comfort and wake go. Used X-Stars are always going to be my favorite but it will be hard to find a good, loaded 08+ for less than 60k.

Good luck with the search!

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Wow, that surf wake is HUGE! Thanks for the input, I called the Moomba dealer close to me. they admitted that they've had the boat on the lot for a few months. but sounded very uninterested in letting me demo it. The Axis I demoed yesterday was 52,8 out the door with stereo package 2. I was interested in an Epic, but out of my price range. Also no MB dealers anywhere withing 3 states of me. Axis dealer 90 miles away.

Think I'm gonna pull the trigger on the Axis.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

A20 Trigger pulled

I'm having a depth finder sent overnight for the dealer to install tomorrow. Before they deliver it to me.

Baltfrog · Addict Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Posts: 555 City: Baltimore

Congrats man, enjoy

FlyZone CR · Posted: Jun 08, 2012 8:34 am Post subject:

Congrats dude! Post some pics!

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

These are from the dealer yesterday...

Leaving to sign papers and send check overnight now...

This may be one of the dumbest decisions I've made, but hopefully one of the funnest!

This will be the tow rig for w while...

Baltfrog · Addict Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Posts: 555 City: Baltimore

loving the matte black tower and rims man, boat looks nice. Do you ride Lake Anna? I'll keep an eye out for it.

holdsworth · Posted: Jun 08, 2012 1:15 pm Post subject:

Congrats!

mgs917 · Addict Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 532 City: Spartanburg

Good looking boat. Congrats.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

I will be Riding @ Anna.

vastyle · Newbie Joined: 05 Jun 2012 Posts: 32 City: RVA

Ok, so my final out the door price was $54,961. I didn't realize that the boat didn't have board racks ($1,178 for swivel), and I had to pay for the depth finder ($500) and the shipping for the Bimini I requested ($200).

I still have to pay 3% sales tax plus registration fees when I get it. Sux

venko7 · Posted: Jun 11, 2012 11:37 pm Post subject:

Sweet boat and tow rig man! Congrats.