1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

[sierrak9s]

Hi all, I am a total boating infant, I know nothing, nobody I know has ever owned a boat and I have dreamed about owning one my whole life. I am looking at buying a 1991 Sunbird runabout with an inboard OMC drive. Dealer says they've done a compression check and it's fine. The upholstery and floor are in excellent condition, which tells me it was covered and taken care of. (They're obviously not brand-new replaced, just in nice shape for the age.)

Am I setting myself up to hate this boat? Are Sunbirds terrible? It's a cute little boat, fits all my needs, and the price is right. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Welcome to the site and the past time! It's a great way for family and friends to spend time together, get away for some alone time, or just plain putter. It's an even better way to turn money into water vapour.

Glad you are finally getting your first boat. You will find lots of friendly folks here to answer questions on all sorts of topics.

As for the boat you are considering, I heartily second the recommendation for a sea trial and also strongly suggest having a marine mechanic look at the entire power package. There's a lot more than just compression to consider. The thing that will far outweigh the initial build quality of the boat is how well it was taken care of and serviced. Even the nicest yacht can be turned to trash through neglect.

Also, get yourself enrolled in a boating safety course and read up on handling and maintenance issues. Troll through the various threads on repair and restoration to get an idea of what kinds of things you should have some awareness about.

Good luck with the decision and keep asking questions.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Thanks to you both! I am scared to death, but absurdly excited and happy to be finally making the plunge. I have heard all the sayings, about the happiest day in any boat owner's life, and a hole in the water you throw money into, etc. Money is tight, but life is so damn short. I finally decided not to be scared away anymore.

The dealer is asking about twice what NADA says it's worth, but I expect that from a dealer, and especially given the shape it's in. I am shocked - in a good way - at the condition of the upholstery and floor.

I am sure I will be back here with many, many questions. I am not the least bit mechanical -- can't even change my own truck oil, don't know how. But three years ago I decided to build a deck. Hadn't ever built anything before. And I bought books, did my homework, and two years later I had a 24x25' cantilevered deck with broad custom stairs. I think I can do this. With all your help.

 

[cpubud]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

good luck and welcome aboard.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Sunbird is an entry level boat, but at 19 yrs. old, how well it's been looked after is more predominant than how much it cost when new. The bigger worry is the outdrive. OMC haven't been around for some time and parts are getting quite scarce. I wouldn't be paying much over NADA knowing this.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Thanks to you both! I am scared to death, but absurdly excited and happy to be finally making the plunge. I have heard all the sayings, about the happiest day in any boat owner's life, and a hole in the water you throw money into, etc. Money is tight, but life is so damn short. I finally decided not to be scared away anymore.

The dealer is asking about twice what NADA says it's worth, but I expect that from a dealer, and especially given the shape it's in. I am shocked - in a good way - at the condition of the upholstery and floor.

I am sure I will be back here with many, many questions. I am not the least bit mechanical -- can't even change my own truck oil, don't know how. But three years ago I decided to build a deck. Hadn't ever built anything before. And I bought books, did my homework, and two years later I had a 24x25' cantilevered deck with broad custom stairs. I think I can do this. With all your help.

Sierra9 if you were the do it yourself type I would say go for it but... be warned that OMC drive is obsolete, parts aren't readily available and qualified omc mechanics are few and far.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Okay, OMC being obsolete is a little scary, and I'll definitely take everyone's advice about a run on the water and a mechanic once-over. But it's nice to not hear a unified chorus of "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Thanks!!

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Thanks to you both! I am scared to death, but absurdly excited and happy to be finally making the plunge.

I assume you mean that figuratively!

No need to panic about the OMC drive. Parts aren't that scarce, and there is a company (Sterndrive Engineering Inc.) that makes a conversion kit to allow the use of one their drives if the OMC becomes irreparably damaged.

But do dicker on the price!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Hi all, I am a total boating infant, I know nothing, nobody I know has ever owned a boat and I have dreamed about owning one my whole life. I am looking at buying a 1991 Sunbird runabout with an inboard OMC drive. Dealer says they've done a compression check and it's fine. The upholstery and floor are in excellent condition, which tells me it was covered and taken care of. (They're obviously not brand-new replaced, just in nice shape for the age.)

Am I setting myself up to hate this boat? Are Sunbirds terrible? It's a cute little boat, fits all my needs, and the price is right. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

I would not get it due to the OMC outdrive. However, I'm biased against stern drives to begin with. Labor at marinas is already incredibly high. I'd think it would be hard to find someone who would work on it at any price, and I hear OMC outdrives will wind up requiring some......
JMO,
JBJ

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1991 Sunbird runabout - buy it?

Okay, OMC being obsolete is a little scary, and I'll definitely take everyone's advice about a run on the water and a mechanic once-over. But it's nice to not hear a unified chorus of "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Thanks!!

Okay, I'll sing it by myself (in a baritone voice), "NOOOOOOOOOOO!"