Buying first boat

KingDick · Newbie Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 2 City: bakersfield

I am going to ask the question I am sure has asked a thousand times . What would you buy? We have been towed behind bayliners and tahitis since kids and finally rented a Tige' and found what a joy boating can really be. But before I bight off such a large hunk of cash I would like opinions from people who are driving and riding behind these boats right now. Currently We are looking at the following boats the Calabria ProV nice boat killer resale value, Sanger V230 easiest on the pocket, and the malibu wakesetter Wifee thinks it's so comffy. She wants a Mastercraft but not unless she plans on selling one of the kids. Looks like high 30's low 40's as far as pricing it's a couple of g's between each of them. So fellas let me have it. THANKS

chaz28o · Posted: Jun 13, 2004 8:10 am Post subject:

I would suggest buying a used boat - for your first boat

As a new boat owner, you're going to make some mistakes (we all did) and it's alot easier to goof up a used boat over a new boat

Another thing about boats - your marriage better be sound - cuz a boat will test your marriage (I've got friends who have divorced because of arguments / fights that started from a "relaxing" day on the water

Bowen · Posted: Jun 13, 2004 9:27 am Post subject:

I too know someone who got a divorce over the boat and wakeboarding. With that said go with the Sanger, its the best bang for the buck out of all those boats you mentioned.

FatBoy · Outlaw Joined: 27 Feb 2004 Posts: 143

Correct Craft. Built for a lifetime.

Bowen · Posted: Jun 13, 2004 11:22 am Post subject:

FatBoy, He won't find one in that price range, unless he goes about 4 years old

Calabria man · Posted: Jun 14, 2004 12:58 pm Post subject:

I own a Calabria and couldn't be happier. I too shopped the boats around to see which one I wanted. You can't go wrong with a Calabria. Very well made boats and a great price. I got to take a tour of the Calabria plant in merced and I was very impressed by the way these guys put together boats. There is a lot of care in putting these boats together. The malibu boats are very nice but I think are a bit overpriced. Now, this is my opinion so don't everybody jump me at once. I don't like the Mastercraft boats at all. I think the top of the line wakeboarding boat is the Super Air 210 Nautique. Those go for around 56 grand out the door. The Calabria Pro V you can get into for about 45 out the door. I think is a great deal and the boat is huge. You can fit a lot of people on that boat and it puts out a great wake.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

KingDick, go visit all 3 factories one day and your decision should become a little clearer.

You have that luxury given your location.

Sanger:Fresno Area
Calabria:Merced
Malibu:Merced

Also, test drive all 3, and if possible, get a pull in behind each. Any reputable dealer should be able to accomodate a test drive.

BTW: rode behind the Pro-V this weekend. Good stuff!! That being said any of the above will provide a way above average experience in the water.

WakeTEX · Newbie Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 13 City: ATX

Just purchased a new 03 Wakesetter D-drive for under 34K, and could not be more happy.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

WakeTEX, please indicate D-Drive or V-Drive when making such a statement.

WakeTEX · Newbie Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 13 City: ATX

D-Drive

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

WakeTEX, thanks. Had you said V-Drive I would have a pile of questions about who you robbed. Mr. Green

Bruky · Guest

Fatboy, I second checking out some Nauti's. They can be found (Air Nauti DD's) for around the price of a Calabria Pro-V. With most of these boats, you are getting what you're paying for, so pick out what FEELS best, and you should be good to go. You can be seen in any of the mentioned boats and most definately still be cool. Wink

HyperRash · Posted: Jun 14, 2004 4:27 pm Post subject:

My parents bought a sanger. I get the sanger.

davidgree1 · Newbie Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 29

I was quoted 37k for a 2004 wakesetter ddrive. Is that too high?

redhededstepchild · Criminal Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 52 City: Austin

i know a lot of you guys give Moomba a bad wrap, but I LOVE MINE!. the XLV is a 23 ft with a 16 person capacity. i upgraded to the fuel injected 320hp (indmar), tower, tower speakers, sub, amp, perfect pass, wakeplate, cover, bimini, strainer, depth guage, cd w/ transom remote, dual axle trailer w/ brakes, 3 bag ballast (big bertha) and 6 year extended warranty for 42K. it has everything but a shower and heater, and for what some of the other boats cost, i could still buy a new tow vehicle to pull it. skier's choice has done an excellent job turning the Moomba line around. great resale, great wake, no problems, i recommend at least checking them out. all of that said, this is my 2nd boat and i'm very glad i didn't buy new to begin with. get your learning dings out of the way with one that already has some, they're MUCH easier to swallow! if your wife drives, GET A PERFECT PASS!

chaz28o · Posted: Jun 14, 2004 6:45 pm Post subject:

kennethl · Addict Joined: 08 Aug 2003 Posts: 635 City: Champaign

Wakeupdude, your comparing apples to oranges.. The Pro V is a V-Drive.. hence the V in the name. Yes you could have a nautiqe ddrive for the same price.. you just wont have anywhere near the wake, interior room & overall boat size. dont get me wrong Nautiques are nice, its just a poor comparison.

KingDick, You've listed some nice boats and look like you've been doing your homework. Each of these boats has its own unique strong points that seperate them from the competiion. Since your close to the factories defiitly go pay them a visit and definitly drive as well as ride behind each of them & definitly make sure you get perfect pass on anything you buy.. its called the "marrage saver" with good reason and will improve your quality time on the water.

I have had my 04 Pro-V for 7 months and wouldnt hesitate to buy it again.

Bruky · Guest

kennethl, I don't know what you are talking about because I wasn't comparing anything. I WAS giving him the base price points between two brands, hence a Nauti DD costing as much as a Calabria V-Drive. As for you telling me what a Pro-V is, that really isn't neccasary because I have been in them many times before. Rolling Eyes

I'm also sure you wouldn't hesitate to buy it again, but how many boats have you ridden behind? Neutral

If I were in KingDick's shoes right now, I would definately get the Pro-V. Huge boat with a wide beam, yet it will still fit in a smaller garage, which is a big plus for a lot of people. The boat is of GREAT quality, up to par with Nautiques in my opinion, and I have yet to see any one of my 3 friends that own one have a problem yet. The wake is pretty wide, but of course any comments on wake size/shape/etc are preference. Mr. Green

KingDick · Newbie Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 2 City: bakersfield

A couple of new Boats. I talked to a guy Who has 1 MB Sport B52 team edition Triple up the works $46 Calabrias are$42 Snoozed on the sangers two sold 23' scorpion motors wakeboard package $38 vaporized same day.(Centurion air warriors???nice price) I don't have any knowledge of the MB other than it is Mike Brendella's new company looks pretty sweet though. Worth the extra coin?

Diggs · Addict Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 627 City: Portland

All the boats are great, might as well check them all out. I noticed you did not mention Moombas or Supras. You can defintely get in the price range with those. Check them all out and pick the one you like.....

colefooter · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 11:48 am Post subject:

I think malibus are great. Mine has not broke down or anything and we have had it for 3 or 4 years.