@Lpennington I have actually posted 3 details word documents about my experience with the boat. They all are on the first post of this thread.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-me-my-attempt-to-concur-the-gulf-stream.14801/#post-255109
For what is worth, here is what I send to Jeff this afternoon.
Hi Jeff,
it kind of sounded to me that you and wife said, " let have a boat". That is kind of we did but we were very specific on what to do with it.
I always wanted to go to the Bahamas and I have been thinking to buy a sail boat or trawler to do that. Last October I found out that Jetboaders.net organizes an annual trip to Bimini on jet boats. So I was hooked. I did some research and it looked like Yahama jet boats are the ones with the lowest cost of maintenance. My wife liked a lot the fact that there is no propeller at the back . It is safer for the her, and the kids ( 4&6). For going to BImini which was our #1 priority the bigger the boat the better. SO I was looking for 24 footer. I came across a very good opportunity on a 2012 SX240 for $35K and I bought it. Our boat was in very good shape and had less than 27 hours on the engines. Needless to say, it was a an easy choice for us. The problems started after buying the boat though. The boat itself had a lot of upgrades, but I owned a honda pilot and everyone was telling me that a Pilot cannot pull 24feet of fiberglass. So I had trade in a 4 month old Honda Pilot for an F150. Tehn the boat could not feet out our garage. This meant that I had to keep in the backyard and raise the fence to 8 feet. Given that it is eally tight turn for our driveway, I had to buy a power dolly ( $2k). Long story short, I had to spend another 10K, just to be able to tow and store the boat.
then it came BImini preparation. Although my boat had lot of upgrades, it did not things needed for going to open seas. So here comes another 3-4 thousands. Then we went to Bimini and ended up passing through a storm, so we got some damage on the boat. I have not taken the boat in yet, but I am expecting about 1 to 2 thousands. So basically buying a boat is like a car that you buy it and then for the next 3-5 years is pretty much maintenance free. Typically people spend 10% to 20% of the boats value in upgrades.
My wife and I dont do any water sports because the kids are young, but if you are planing to do some, then that will be an extra cost in towers and other equipment.
An old man once told me. the problem with a boat is not buying, but maintaining it. So please keep that in mind.
Now in terms of what boat to buy.......
My research has shown that for small family ( couple+ 2 young kids) an AR190 is the best bang for your buck. You can tow, you can maintain 40 mph, get very good MPG, fit it any garage, and you can tow it with Honda Pilot or any other midsize SUVs. If you had to cross to Bimini, it can do it but it will be a bit rough. All this with less than $40K.
On the negative side, if you put 8 people on it and provisions, it does not move very fast. If I had not found that sx240, I would have most likely gotten either an SX190 or AR190. The exposure is small in case you decide that boating is not for you.
I, personally, am not so sure about the 21 footers. The only advantage a 21 footer has over 19 foot is the extra engine and hence power. But it is still problem for the gager and towing as it is taller and wider than a 19footer. So at the end of the day, you will need a real truck or SUV. if so I might as well get the 24 footer.
If I were in your shoes I will do the following.
I will arrange to spend a few days driving a few different boats and see what you like and you don't from each of them. If you guys where to drive up here in Dallas, I will be glad to go the lake with you for the whole day so can see how you like it. The closest member that I know with Scaraab is in Houston and I think Rick will be glad to show you his boat.
I have a Yamaha, but I have to admit that the Scarabs look way way better. I care more about the boat being reliable though than looking great.
Now if you are looking at the 240 limited etc, then you can start looking at other brands, especially if luxury is a big thing about your guys. My opinion, is that as soon as you get into boating, you realize that there is no ceiling. So for my is all about functionality that luxury. When I cross 60 of open seas for BImini, I would rather be in very good functional boat than a luxurious boat. The only time anyone is looking at your boat is at the ramp and when you are in cove or something. When you are fighting the 4-5 foot waves, nobody gives a shit how cool you look. They only care to make it without damage on their boats.
Just as you said, be patience, boat will come up for sale. After the Bimini trip, we even thought about selling our boat, but eventually decided to keep it. We would have lost 15k on it in one year, so might as well keep it for some time and have a good time.
Anyway, I hope this help. If you want to come up or have a question on cost please let me know. I keep a very detailed spreadsheet with all the coast.
Cheers,
betik
