first boat. believe I am settled on supreme s226 or s238

panhandle · July 11, 2019

Ok, you all have probably seen this similar thread a hundred times...

My wife and I have been talking about a boat for a decade now, but this is the year. I have read so much online and considered many boat brands that I feel I'm going a bit mad (all used for budget sake). recently we have actually gone out and looked and felt real boats (very exciting). used malibus, MCs, Supra, centurion, Tige...all 6-10 years old for our budget. many beat up and may hours. Moomba's, very nice, attracted to the fit and finish and the helm. Axis, I actually liked but didn't seem as nice as moomba/supreme. Supreme, I am in love. feel that the 2017 to current (with the new helm) is my boat. I have an opportunity to buy a beautiful 16' s238 for reasonable price although not the color scheme we would ever consider and without the dash we now want after seeing the 17-on. As well, Despite being ready to buy now, I have no where to put the thing, no moorage/slip available. So now I am thinking keep my cash down until this winter, figure out logistics of storage/moorage, and by for next spring.

Am I crazy to think that a 17 will come available, or an 18', for 60-70k, by next spring?

We are on a big lake with BIG storms/chop, depths over 1000' (Pend 'Oreille, ID). I want the biggest boat I can find (S238) for this reason but I know that also pushes up price and fuel costs. The s226 seams like the next best option at almost 23' for bigger water. S232 is beautiful but even more expensive and looks like came out for 19' as a new design.

Purpose: Surf (main activity), occasional tubing, anchoring to swim (three kids under 10), maybe skiing. No wakeobarding

Are there other boats I should consider? I see older centurions on these posts, really want something surf designed and post 14' do to what seems like the industry really became more surf focused around this time.

So much appreciate any insight.

Jake707 · July 11, 2019

Well if the prices are going to go down it will be in the fall into winter. That’s usually best pricing for boats. Come spring prices will actually go up across the board. It’s a seasonal item so it follows seasonal pricing.

Getssum · July 15, 2019

IMHO the fuel consumption concern beween the S226 and S238 is minscule at best. That will be the least of your worries. As someone who had a SMALL boat (2004 Supreme V220) and now a HUGE boat (2019 Fi25) there's no way I can ever go back to the cramped older boat. We're going to be heading into the sales slide time of the year, as usually sales fall off of a cliff after July 4th. Keep your eyes peeled, keep those search engines humming, and you should be able to find exactly what you want.

Getssum · July 15, 2019

There are a few that hit your price range out there on the internet.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/boa/d/denton-2017-supreme-s238-wakeboard-boat/6927169628.html

https://albanyga.craigslist.org/bod/d/macon-2018-supreme-boats-s238/6914777120.html

https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/d/palm-harbor-2019-supreme-s238-surf-boat/6915384333.html

Another option is to look at new ones as well, As we're going into 2020 the dealers don't want to be stuck with unsold "out of season" inventory. Here's an awesome looking boat. It's also great to have full warranty and to know that there won't be any damage or issues with the vinyl, etc. And often times banks will be slightly more aggressive on the interest rate for new boats vs new. Peace of mind is worth something!! https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bod/d/lakeport-2019-supreme-s238-ski/6921181793.html Ask for Travis.

I know if it were me, and I was making such a large purchase, I'd at least feel out the dealer to see what they have to offer, and at what price!