I'm seriously considering moving up from a 37 Gibson Sport to a 60' or 70' aluminum "lake boat". I know what features I want, however I am not clear on the quality / reliability differences between makes/models. We've been on numerous boats and they are all starting to run together, plus with the current decorating schemes, its somewhat difficult to see the "boat beneath the shine". The price of these boats varies widely, so I'm trying to determine a good value from a bad deal, so I want to know which effectively are the Hyundai / Toyota / Luxus' of the bunch. (It doesn't appear that Consumer Reports has done a "Houseboat" review - or at least not one that I can find!). Seriously, are there any rating services available to the general public?

If not, in the world of PUBLIC OPINION, what has been the reliability of the following models:

Sharpe,
Horizon,
Lakeview
Sumerset,
Jamestown

Others?

FYI - I'm looking to purchase a late 1990's to early 2000's model 14 - 18 wide by 55 - 75 long  w/ 4 strm, 2 heads, twin inboards, gen set, inverter; "Nice to Haves" include slide, water craft ramps, bow or stern thruster, fixed hardtop, etc. etc (looking to house 6 to 8 people including kids)...so this is a floating playground that still needs to motor somewhat. We boat on a river / lake with active barge traffic so we need good maneuverability. Our budget is in the $125k - 150k range (if possible).

All opinions and specific experiences with the listed brands would be greatly appreciated

Regards

Not sure about the boats you are looking at, but your avatar looks like something I saw in Decater, AL at a Marina, and then I saw the same thing at a differant Marina in Pickensville, AL.

It appears to travel around, has it arrived near you??

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Banana Tom

Jamestown made a nice well built boat, and made the Monticello for KYS, but alas they went belly-up in 05(according to KYS it was due to a managment shake-up). Majestic now makes the Monticello for KYS, told they employ a lot of the pre-shake-up crew from Jamestowner.Can't speak for the other models.



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UC FANS
1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme
Port of Aurora IN

Edited: 04/23/2007 at 02:28:11 PM by MILLERTYME

Of the boats you mentioned, my preference in order would be Sharpe, Sumerset, Horizon, Lakeview, followed by Jamestowner. My observations are not only about quality of materials used but the quality of trim-out and reputation. jamestowner had some pretty goofy lines for some of their boats.

Har, the scoundral has stolen me Pirate. Where he be. We will send the lads after him for a keel haul.

Sharpe There are some nice Pluckabaums out there in that price Range.

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The pirate

As lists go, I'd closely agree with hb8972's (sure wish you guys would give at least a first name!) order of listing. Sumerset's placement can vary greatly from year to year depending on who was in charge. Problems come from the huge variety of custom built boats! Customer who came on to builder as a picky prig, but willing to pay for what he got, usually gets a better boat than inexperienced "mark" regardless of who builder is/was. In the end it all boils down to what suits YOU.

Bob

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I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.

This one lives permanently in the entryway to our home; it was a surprise gift to my wife a couple of years ago and it has served us well. I grabbed the gif file off of ebay, but I think someone mass produced the 7' tall statue years ago so I'm not surprised to see it known outside of our home waters.

thanks for the interest!

Given your requirements and price range, this wouldn't be a hard decision for myself. It would definately be an early 1990's Lazy Days highbow widebody. Even thou these are the years that the Lazy Days were manufactured as a division under the Summerset name and known as "Lazy Summers" during this time period, I believe that they still kept the Hull design from the original years. I haven't personally seen inside the "Lazy Summer" hulls but I would challenge you to take a look for yourself and compare the inside of a Lazy Days Hull to that of other even newer houseboats. You won't find a more reliable/sturdy aluminum hull if these have the same hulls as the original designs. Also, some will have the 3rd bedroom plus bow thrusters you will probably be looking for.

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1972 Stardust
53x12 OMC V-8


Edited: 04/24/2007 at 02:09:21 PM by SevenSlider

I didn't think about the Lazy Days. If that is an option, I know where a real nice 16x78 widebody is that can be bought very reasonable. has twin 454's, westerbeke generator, marine airs, party deck grill and bar, front and aft enclosures, electric davit, etc... let me know if you want the number of the owner

Go to Houseboatsbuyterry.com She sold us a Great Houseboat as well as her service, she has contacts, and broker services worldwide, and every manufacturer and location. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with this broker. Just a very satisfied customer.

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Edward F. Howe Sr. Chicago Fire Dept. 36 yrs.
Wendy L. Howe
1987 Stardust 62' Lake Cumberland Ky.

I'm going to dare to post an opinion here as I feel it is a touchy subject.  If you look at how those boats are built--3/16 aluminum double welded to a ladder frame(all of them) and then the use of an engine/outdrive combo made by someone else(mercruiser,ect) that is warrantied by that manufacturer(not the boat builder) The question answers itself. That is why there all running together on you. The real difference is quality of interior build.
I find myself partial to Lakeview. Company started in 1990 (in KY. of course.) Great price for what you get and high quality.

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Boatless at the moment
www.spboatsales.com

1fathomx15stones I have your Pirates twin Brother. must have been a good friend as I have seen a couple at well over $2000. I have mine at Pirates Marina Cove on the Tenn Tom. I did have him at pirates chest Marina in Decatur Al. He is very happy on the Tenn Tom. Much more loot down that way. I would go for a Pluckabaum if I were in your shoes as you can use that somewhere besides calm lakes and resale is great.

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The pirate

DAVE!!!!!!!!!!

Good to see you back!

Bob

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I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.

Hey Dave, good to see you back!!

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Riverliver

Thanks guys!! Much appreciated. I just don't make a good mute I guess. Deaf and dumb though-------

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Boatless at the moment
www.spboatsales.com

Hey Dave! Why would you dare to post an observation like that when it is a correct one? Good to see you back on. The main reason I think Sumerset is the best because I have one!!!

Thanks for the welcome houseboat! Have to admit Sumerset laid the foundation. Definitely a great boat. Many varieties out there. Seems like you never see 2 of the same.

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Boatless at the moment
www.spboatsales.com