First-time boat buyers, read this

So many

story by Bill Bauer

2020 Bryant Calandra

ummer is here and boating is in full swing. In fact, boat dealers across the country are reporting increased sales due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With vacations cancelled, sporting events suspended or abridged and entertainment venues still pondering how to operate safely, people are looking for other ways to relax and have fun. One popular way is buying a boat.

Dealerships report a spike in first-time purchases, but note that many customers do not know what type of boat they want. As there are many options depending on what your primary interests are, this article will provide an overview of some of the most popular boats used on lakes and smaller bodies of water in the region. Also included is a list of the major manufacturers and local dealers that carry those brands. Not all types or manufacturers are listed; so would-be buyers are urged to do their own boat research before heading to the showroom.

First, what is it you want to do with your new boat?

FISHING

Most bass/fishing boats range from 14 to 23 feet long and are used for freshwater fishing. They sit low in the water and have littleto-no windshield. They are usually outboards, but they also include trolling motors for moving quietly and easily while fishing.

Brands: Xpress boats, Tracker, Skeeter, Ranger, Stratos

{BE} LONGING FOR HOME Lake Keowee

PONTOON This Godfrey tritoon (pontoon) is sold by Keowee Marina.

Center console boats are so-named because the helm is in the middle of the boat. These are usually 13 to 45 feet long. The walk around makes it easy to walk from bow to stern while fishing. These use outboard motors and, depending on size, can be used for offshore fishing as well. Tubing isn’t out of the question.

Brands: Finseeker, Xpress, Sea Pro

ALICIA KEYS 864-324-1668

aliciakeyswh@gmail.com

RECREATION

These fish-and-ski boats are multi-purpose. They usually are 16 to 24 feet long and have comfortable seating, but also of2020 scarab jet boat fer live wells and rod tie downs as well as elevated tow bars and ski lockers.

Brands: Crownline, Ranger, Bayliner

Bowrider boats come with an open bow for extra seating. They usually run 17 to 30 feet and are powered by stern drive or outboard motors. These are great family boats and good starter boats that can be used for cruising, tubing and water skiing.

Brands: Crownline, Bryant, Cobalt, Chaparral, Four Winns, Bayliner, Tahoe

Deck boats are designed with more deck space than a typical recreational boat and are usually 25 to 35 feet long. They are equipped with outboards or stern drives and are great for larger families, especially those interested in cruising or tubing.

Brands: Hurricane, Bayliner, Sun Tracker

Jet boats have single or multiple jet drives that allow them to venture into shallower water than many traditional boats. They have no propeller, are usually 14 to 24 feet long and can be used for cruising, tubing or water skiing.

Brands: Scarab, Yamaha, Chaparral {at top right} This Scarab jet boat is available at Performance Powersports. 2020 super air nautique

{at right} This 2020 Super Air ski/wake boat is made by Nautique.

bass boat Bass Boats comes in many colors, shapes and sizes. Ranger produces this one.

2020 crownline finsetter 230 Crownline boats manufacture this center console Finseeker.

CRUISING

Cuddy cabin boats are usually longer (22 to 30 feet) and have a small storage area that may contain a berth (fixed bunk) or a head (toilet). They are closed bow and can provide a place to duck out of the elements, but are not large enough for overnight stays.

Brands: Crownline, Bryant, Cobalt, Chaparral, Bayliner

Cabin Cruisers are designed for longer trips and/or overnight stays. They are generally equipped with sleeping quarters as well as a small galley (kitchen), berths and an enclosed head. They are taller and longer boats, running 21 to 45 feet in length.

Brands: Crownline, Chaparral, Cobalt, Regal

Pontoons/Tritoons boats provide a relaxing day on the water with larger groups. Supported by two or three aluminum tubes, the broad platform can be simple or luxurious.

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Local dealers Below are local dealers with their contact information and the brands they carry. Dealers also carry multiple brands of used inventory so be sure to contact them when looking for a particular make or model.

WATERSPORTS CENTRAL

Brands: Nautique, Bryant, Crownline, Excursion, South Bay 466 US-123, Seneca, SC; 864.886.2748 www.watersportscentral.com

LAKE KEOWEE MARINA

Brands: Sweetwater, Godfrey, Monaco, SanPan, Aqua Patio, Sunriser 150 Keowee Marina Drive, Seneca, SC; 864.882.2047 www.keoweemarina.com

JC SPORTS

Brands: Malibu, AXIS, Avalon 10475 Clemson Blvd. Suite A, Seneca, SC; 864.882.4212 www.skijcsports.com

PERFORMANCE POWERSPORTS

Brands: Tige, ATX, Scarab 329 US-123, Seneca, SC; 864.888.8123 www.performance-powersports.com

UPSTATE MARINE

Brands: Centurion, Supreme, Cypress Cay 516 W. North 1st St., Seneca, SC; 864.844.8455 www.upstatescmarine.com

STRICKLAND MARINE

Brands: Chaparral, Hurricane, Ranger, Crest 1771 Blue Ridge Blvd., Seneca, SC; 864.885.0777 www.stricklandmarineandrv.com

CLEMSON MARINA

Brands: Xpress Boats, Veranda, Tracker 150 Clemson Marina Dr., Seneca, SC; 864.653.6767 www.clemsonmarina.us

SINGLETON MARINE

Brands: Cobalt, Barletta, Hurricane 15597 N. Highway 11, Salem, SC; 864.523.0418 www.singletonmarine.com They can also be outfitted with fishing equipment or upgraded motors for faster speeds. They feature outboard or stern drive motors that vary in horsepower. Cruising, tubing, skiing and fishing are all in play with these boats.

Brands: Excursion, South Bay, Godfrey, Sweetwater, Bennington, Barletta, Cypress Cay, Veranda, Avalon, Sunchaser

SPECIALTY BOATS

High performance boats are built for speed and are best suited for larger lakes and open water. They range from 25 to 60 feet and typically seat only 2-6 passengers. Powered by high horsepower outboards, stern drives or surface drives, they sometimes come equipped with cabins.

Brands: Baja, Donzi, Formula

Ski/wake boats are built for watersports. These boats are usually 20 to 25 feet long and are powered by inboard motors. Some provide a small flat wake for water skiing, and others are equipped with ballast and surf systems to provide ideal wakes for tricks. Crossover models are geared to do both types of water sports.

Brands: Nautique, Centurion, Malibu, Mastercraft, Tige, ATX, Supra, Moomba, Axis, Supreme n

sports series crownline This bowrider is produced by Crownline Boats.