Looking for a boat need some advice

[axisg]

I grew up an inner-city kid. I've never owned a boat, family never had a boat and none of my friends have a boat. So I am at a loss when looking at boats but I always thought it would be kind of cool to own one.
So I got $2k back from an old loan that I wrote off so its like free money so $ 2k ish is my budget for a boat + trailer.
I need a boat with room for 4 of us + 2 dogs and I would prefer a bimini top ( I get sunburnt really easy so if I buy I boat without one I hope they are easy to install ). I am thinking 14'-18' so I can tow it easy with my van. It will be for day-trips only. I dont know if I need an in-board or an outboard motor or if it make a difference. I am thinking a wider bowrider or twin hull may be big enough to get out on lake Ontario on a calm day ??

I have the following earmarked from Kijiji. Any suggestions, things I should look out for or avoid ??

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z479268008

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z479057928

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z478685328

 

[axisg]

So I bought a boat

So I bought a boat
1987 Bayliner, Capri, Bowrider. 18.5ft
Seats 8 ( although I find it tight with 4 of us LOL )
2.3 Volvo Penta Inboard. Interior was redone last year. Body is holding good. Its no prize winner but seems pretty solid for a 25 year old boat LOL

Guy I bought it from had it for almost 20 years and although seaworthy it needed some work and cleaning. The radio was the orig AM/FM cassette which was tossed day 2 in favour of a CD player. The fresh water impeller cools the engine with lake water and it broke apart the second time out about 10 mins from the dock. Luckily he had left me a spare that I installed in the middle of the lake to get us back. It has a seeping rear main seal ( which I may deal with this winter). I hope to get some fishing and tubing done this summer. The learning curve is pretty steep, and I am getting used to the terms. I am finding the parts are quite expensive ( $45.00 for a little neoprene impeller and $40.00 for a marine themostat + gasket ) but hopefully thats it for maintenence this year.

These are the only pics that I have. We had just launched it for the first time. Family on board waiting for the Captain to return so we can head out on Lake Ontario LOL



Interior Shot


Previous owner removed the heat exchanger ( the white hose is where the lines are looped to use lake water to cool the engine with an inline filter further back by the sterndrive ). I have since found a replacement unit and installed that last night


We have spent 4 afternoons on-board fishing and cruising now. Seems to be working out great.
However the poor Monte sits neglected in the driveway next to the new toy. Paint is oxidized and there is bird crap on it. By now I normally have the Monte ready for the season. It soooo needs an oil change, washed / waxed and detailed. Man I wish I had a garage !!

 

[DRIVEN]

Those Capris were really popular in that era. We did a lot of skiing when I was a kid -- probably 3 times a week in the summertime, and I remember them all over the river. Most of them seem to have aged just like yours. The hull and mechanicals are fine but the interior is shot. You got lucky to get one that had that covered. Those Volvos are extremely reliable and pretty good on fuel too. You did good. Have fun out there!