Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

[SeanT]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

Is the stingray an open bow? I can't really tell from the picture. That would be a consideration for me.

I think the Chris Craft is nicer looking than the Stringray, and it sounds like the interior is in about the same shape (you need to see to know for sure, people have relative definitions for what needs work).

Also, the 90HP outboard on the Chris Craft probably has the same jump as the I/O Stringray, it comes down to if you want an IB or OB.

Maybe check with someone on how much it would cost to reupholster the Stringray to come up with your offer. Not that you would go retail and have someone do it all for you, but it would give you an idea how much reupholstering would cost when you make your offer.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

I don't think I'd go over $1500 on that one. I'm really concerned about hidden rot given that it's been exposed to enough weather to trash the interior. And yeah, that painted fully boxed trailer is going to rot out on you quick in saltwater.....

It's a nice looking hull but with the condition of the interior it's bordering on "project boat" material and should be priced accordingly.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

The Chris Craft looks like a good deal........

 

[jonathaninsc]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

The Chris Craft looks like a good deal........

It seems that someone else thought so as well. It sold before I had an opportunity to look at it.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

Don't worry - there'll be more if the StingRay doesn't pan out. I know it's tough, but don't rush! I very nearly bought a different boat this summer than the one I ended up with - had I acted hastily I would have regretted it I think.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

Did you mean it uses 10 GPH at 32 mph? Isnt' that quite a bit of fuel? I'm out the biggest part of the day and use less than that.

 

[jonathaninsc]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

Did you mean it uses 10 GPH at 32 mph? Isnt' that quite a bit of fuel? I'm out the biggest part of the day and use less than that.

Yeah. In other words 3.2 mpg at cruising speed. Is that not within the usual ballpark?

 

[jonathaninsc]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

What do you think about this 19' 1985 Searay?

4 cyl 140hp Mercruiser. Motor rebuilt 4 years ago. Outdrive rebuilt 3 years ago. Always garaged and covered. Issues: cd player doesn't always work, shifter sometimes is stiff going into neutral. It needs adjustment. New shift cable put on 2 or 3 years ago. The trim button does not work but the tilt button does. No leaks, no rattles, runs good. $2600

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

You can't tow it unless you buy a different tow vehicle. That is what I think.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

What do you think about this 19' 1985 Searay?I don't like it:redface: Stick with a newer model.

You can't tow it unless you buy a different tow vehicle. That is what I think.

What are you towing the boats with, I must have missed it somewhere.

 

[jonathaninsc]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

What are you towing the boats with, I must have missed it somewhere.

I'm towing with a Subaru Outback. It's rated at 2k. If I put a tranny cooler on it then it's 3k. If I have trailer brakes then it's the weight of the car. The book weight of that boat/motor is 2k. Add trailer, fuel, coolers, and you get the picture.

The thing is I live in the Lowcountry. The boat ramp is the only hill around here for about 60 miles. I'll be launching 3 miles from my house into the ICW. The top speed on the road from my house to the ICW is 45mph. The Outback has 4 wheel drive and is an automatic, so I don't foresee any problems pulling the boat out.

What do you think about that year Sea Ray?

 

[SeanT]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

Remember you're also pulling the trailer - you've quoted the dry weight of the boat. I really hope it doesn't drag you down a ramp....

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

If I have trailer brakes then it's the weight of the car. The book weight of that boat/motor is 2k. Add trailer, fuel, coolers, and you get the picture.

What makes you think that just because you have trailer brakes your tow capacity is the weight of the car? Your car's manual says that? I don't think that is correct or safe. Darn glad I am only there one week a year if you are towing around the weight of the car and I am driving anywhere around you.

That older boat, trailer, gear, fuel, coolers, etc, and you are now at your 3000 lbs max.

Don't get me wrong, I towed for 2 years exclusively with a Honda Odyssey minivan. I am not some Dude you need a truck to tow it guy.

You need 17 feet or less with an outboard. Why: 1- your low towing capacity and 2- the salt water and muck around there if you get stuck in a low tide situation.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

I'm towing with a Subaru Outback.
I looked at the subaru outbacks 2000, 2009 and they look a little small, I'de have have to see the terrain but I agree with SeanT, just seems a little small, But you would know what ya can handle (I hope)
What do you think about that year Sea Ray? It's probably just me but I am partial to 90 and above models, they are just sleeker looking to me.

What year subaru??

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

I'm with sickwilly. I am also not a "you need a truck to tow guy". I towed my boat with a 3.8L V6 powered Buick for 2 years. The car towed the boat OK though I think it was pretty hard on the trans. Our biggest problems were on the ramp. The car being lower to the ground did not allow us to back the boat in as far as we would have liked for launching and retrieving. As it was, we were submerging the tailpipe and some of the rear tires just to get in as far as we were. After one particularly difficult day at the ramp I decided we needed to get a truck. We ended up getting an inexpensive base model older full size chevy. It has made towing and launching so much easier as well as being quite handy for household hauling. I had never had a truck before. So again, I'm not saying you need a full size truck, but I don't think you're going to be happy towing with the Subie. My boat is considerably lighter than the ones you've been looking at and I still had issues.

Anyway...that SeaRay will be underpowered with only a 3.0. The 3.0 is a great motor in an little bit smaller boat but 19' is pushing it.

 

[DavidW2009]

Re: Which used boat would you buy? (Pics included!)

1988 SeaRay with 135 HP SeaRay O/B.

Here's one I looked at. Nice looking boat with lots of extras. The motor needs work. Some instruments don't work, or didn't when lake tested. I think it can be purchased for much less cash.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/1390361280.html

Upcountry S.C.