OK....which boat should I get???

[rb8484]

I have the opertunity to trade my travel trailer for either of these boats and need some more insite from you guys.
This is the first one that I posted on another thread.......http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/boa/1220895317.html

The other is a 19' 1996 Ebtied with the 305 alpha one with the thunderbolt ignition, (not sure what that means) power steering. He has had it for 4 years and bought it from the origianl owners. Says he put 40 hours on it since he owned it. I am still waiting for a email from him to see how many total hours are on it. Says all he has done is put a new prop and new battery. No soft spots in the floor.

The arriva has had some work done on it, which is a plus, and the ebtied, i dont think any major work has been done, but is 6 years newer than the arriva.

What do you think each of these are valued at?? what one would you choose???

Im trying to decide what to do very soon.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[rb8484]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

Anyone?? There are pros and cons on both, and need some help from you guys.
Thanks!!!

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

Anyone?? There are pros and cons on both, and need some help from you guys.
Thanks!!!

If it was me (its not) i'd get the one i liked best

 

[rb8484]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

If it was me (its not) i'd get the one i liked best

Haha.....yes, but Im looking for some insite on the values of each also. The guy with the Ebbtied doesnt even have it for sale, he just emailed me couse he saw I was looking to trade my travel trailer for a boat, and i dont know much about Ebbtied boats and what they are worth.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

The Arriva is a big boat. If you will be boating on a larger lake that may be an advantage. If you plan to be on smaller lakes or rivers that could be a disadvantage. Also, I would guess that the Arriva is heavier. If you have a big enough tow vehicle that wouldn't matter but if not keep that in mind.

Arriva was a short lived brand name that Bayliner only had around for a 8 years. They were really "sporty" looking boats. They were probably just as good or a little better than the Bayliners of the era.

Ebbtide is a brand that was around for a long time. They were decent boats.

They both have appropriate drivetrains for the size they are. Also, you can't go wrong with Mercruiser.

I would check over both boats very closely. If you are able I would get each of them on the water and find out how they perform.

What do you plan to use the boat for?

 

[rb8484]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

I will be using it for pleasure and maybe some tubing. The plus side of the 24' would be that I could also use it out on lake Michigan. What do you think each boat is worth for a fair price?

 

[rb8484]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

Ohh yeah.... I have a ford excursion, so weight is not an issue.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

I'd say the $7500 for the 1990 Arriva is on the high side. It isn't a bad price and in most times it would probably be a good deal. In this market I would say you could probably do better.

I would say the Ebbtide should be close in price....maybe a little more.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

That arriva is one sweet looking boat. It has very nice lines. Dont know what its worth, but it sure looks good.

 

[rb8484]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

I'd say the $7500 for the 1990 Arriva is on the high side. It isn't a bad price and in most times it would probably be a good deal. In this market I would say you could probably do better.

I would say the Ebbtide should be close in price....maybe a little more.

Thanks for the input. That helps me some. I'm just a little concerned that the Arriva is 19 years old, but it has had work done to it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

Both have good power for their size. Both are old enough that if improperly maintained they could have rot so I wouldn't use the age difference as much of a factor. Personally I can see the pictures of the Arriva and it looks friggin' sweet! If the Ebbtide looks as good then it's really down to whether you want a 19' or a 24'.

 

[rb8484]

Re: OK....which boat should I get???

Im kinda leaning twoard the Arriva. I has had the shift cable, all bellows, exhaust shutters and gimble bearings changed. Also had upper and lower units gone through, tested and re-sealed. So that is somewhat apealing. The Ebbtide has had no recent work, so who knows what may go out on it.

Is 500 hours on the Arriva avarage hours? low?? high??