Which to buy?

[mdub777]

Hello,

New to Iboats so please be patient.
I need some advice on buying a used boat.

I am looking at four very different boats which one is a better buy? More reliable? GPH is important but I am looking for the best deal.

1977 Hawaiian Daycruiser 25ft 460 ford volvo penta 280 holley 750cfm carb dual 41gal tanks $4200
- Seems like alot of boat for the money?
- gas guzzler? How bad?
- Mechanically seems good

1989 Wellcraft 24ft Eclipse repowered to 1996 volvo penta 502/dps 415hp $7900
- Mechanically very good
- gas guzzler? how bad?
- Engine/Drive alone almost seems worth it?

1991 VIP 18' 4.3L OMC Cobra $4000
- Mechanically sound
- Better on gas but how much better?
- much smaller boat for money?

1992 Arriva 19' 5.7L $6000
- Mechanically sound
- Ok on gas?
- Doesnt seem like much boat for money?

What would you buy? Any other thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you!
-

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which to buy?

Which one can you see in person and water test?

rule our the OMC -- no longer in business, no longer supported, hard to get parts for. You said you need a good deal, so you obviously do not want a boat that is going to sink you to repair and maintain.

Not being familiar with the Hawaiian I google it, see a very similar craigslist ad in the Las Vegas area, deleted. HmmM -- watch our for craigslist scams where the boat will be shipped to you after you pay -- sure sign of a scam.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Which to buy?

rule our the OMC -- no longer in business, no longer supported, hard to get parts for. You said you need a good deal, so you obviously do not want a boat that is going to sink you to repair and maintain.

*sigh*

 

[mdub777]

Re: Which to buy?

OK OMC out check!

They are all real boats in the Vegas area and each one has offered to take me to Lake Mead...

The Hawaiian is real and yes I live in Henderson near Vegas. Was it a yellow one that you saw?

If the Hawaiian runs well is it a good deal?

 

[mdub777]

Re: Which to buy?

Well what do you know the guys sold the Hawaiian today....

guess that one may have been the good deal... shucks

2 down 2 too go lol

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/boa/1265361533.html

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/boa/1283278189.html

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Which to buy?

I have a 1990 Wellcraft 233 Eclipse and love it. With that said I just bought it so I better love it. Is the one your looking at a 233? With that engine I would expect it to guzzle gas. I have a 350 in mine and even then gas can be pricey. If gas prices play into the equation that is definitely one thing to consider. If you plan on taking a group out though you can always make them chip in. Another thing you will want to consider is whether you want a cuddy cabin or open bow. I like the cuddy personally but MANY like a open bow. Price wise they both seem reasonable but Im no expert.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Which to buy?

i had seen that yellow/orange hawaiian on there for a while, it looked pretty sweet. The arriva seems nice, but they are asking too much. the wellcraft looks like it might have been repainted...for what reason, i would ask if it indeed was.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Which to buy?

The Wellcraft looks like the best deal. Take them both to the Lake and give em a try.

 

[Viking...]

Re: Which to buy?

It certainly sounds like fuel consumption is a major consideration for you.
Perhaps it would be prudent to expand your search and insert a good helping of patience.
There are many many used boats out there.
Would a four cylinder I/O relieve a lot of your anxiety regarding GPH?

My own four cylinder Volvo pushes our 19' bow-rider around at about 30mph.
There's a bit of WOT left, but that's ok since we mostly pull the kids around on tubes, and are almost ready to invest in water skis...so the 19 pitch prop is perfect for our situation.

Regards, and good luck!

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Which to buy?

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/boa/1298284679.html

the hawaiian daycruiser is back for sale it looks like.....

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Which to buy?

based on the variety of boats you are looking at; do you know what type of boating you plan on doing? You have a 6' difference in the types of boats you are looking at, which is a lot. I would define that first, and then search for boats based upon that. There will be cost differences between an 18' and 24', storage, fuel, equipment, etc.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which to buy?

The Hawaiian sure has the most character of the boats you are considering. Also, having been on and around Lake Mead many years ago, it sure looks like what I consider a Lake Mean/Lake Havasu/Colorado River boat -0 but then again, I am just a redneck in Tennessee!

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Which to buy?

Im bias towards the Eclipse since I own one but that Hawaiian sure looks cool. You know what they say.... If you can't choose one then just get both Either way let us know what you decide.

 

[mdub777]

Re: Which to buy?

Thanks for the input guys!

Is the 460ford and volvo 280 a good combo?

Or is that 502/dps a better combo as far as reliability

I just simply wanted the best deal/ most boat for the money

bowrider/cuddy or 18' - 24' i really dont care too much i can see the advantages/disadvantages to both

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which to buy?

You would likely get more feedback on the motor combo in the IO section.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Which to buy?

$4300 for a 1977 , I would want it surveyed, transoms and stringers tend to go after 30 yrs. It could easily cost you another $3-4K if they are shot.

There was absolutely nothing in that video that said anything except it runs and its yellow. Don't be fooled by a shiny hull, that might just be vaseline anyway ,

you cannot see the important things.

Unless its already been done, I would expect the stringers and transom are shot or well on their way unless proven otherwise.
At the very least I'd want to pull the hatches , get a flashlight , ice pick probe the stringers and the lower transom from inside.

I get a kick outta these ads touting the stereo speakers, as if that matters compared to the substructure on an old boat.

 

[mdub777]

Re: Which to buy?

Thanks for the reply!

I have a variety of inspection equipment (My dayjob is an Inspector of various building components) pullers pokers prodders etc even a thermal imaging camera!

Since the boats dont cost a whole lot I would rather perform the inspection myself.

What am I looking for exactly?
Stress cracks on transoms stringers?
Fiberglass coming apart failing?
Material movement flexibility?
Discoloration?
Anything else?

Now for a really newbie question? I think I know what a transom and a stringer is but can you clarify that so I know exactly what I am looking at? Or point me in the right direction so I can do some research?
Is there a guide here on Iboats that outlines this info?

Thank you!