1996 Sunbird Spirit 170

[rbruce63]

Dear Fellow iBoaters:<br /><br />I am looking into a 1996 Sunbird Spirit 170 with a 90 HP Evinrude of the same year how good was this motor probably a V4. I would like an opinion as for the in-shore sea worthiness of this boat, how well it fare the chop, how well will it fare swamping, will it capsize or will it sink all the way, is the floor filled with flotation foam, how hard it is to find parts for this boat? <br /><br />The boat is located in Maryland. Could you guys recommend a certified maritime surveryor to check this boat and motor?<br /><br />Could you also recommend as to exporting this boat from the USA through Chiquita Banana boats coming to Costa Rica?

 

[KCook]

Re: 1996 Sunbird Spirit 170

Well at least it has an outboard motor. Which is one plus in the seaworthy column. Not many other pluses for a bowrider this small though. Chop over 1 foot will be bad. Swamping will depend on the capacity of the bilge pump. I wouldn't expect it to be filled with floation foam like a Boston Whaler. The company has been out of business for several years now.<br /><br />In this size consider a center console fishing boat or RIB inflatable instead. Here is another thread on running small boats in the ocean - salt water/fresh water <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[rbruce63]

Re: 1996 Sunbird Spirit 170

Kelly:<br /><br />Thanks for your response! <br /><br />I look forward for the offer of the marine surveyors to take a look at this boat.<br /><br />I am thinking in taking this boat to the secluded but oftentimes treacherous waters of the Gulf of Nicoya and do some island hoping. Some of these "lesser" boats than the Whaler's have swamped due to captains errors. In some of these ocasions there have been casualties after the boat had run aground and the passengers panicked and abandoned ship. I think this is not my case.<br /><br />I do however, have not ventured yet into this waters with my Whaler. Some freinds have done it using personal watercraft which might not sink.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Robert

 

[rbruce63]

Re: 1996 Sunbird Spirit 170

The thing with the center consoles is that there is no comfortable space for the family and freinds. <br /><br />I haven't had the luck to download an article that appeared in trailer boats 3/97 regarding the safety of these bowriders...<br /><br />I wish I had the cash flow for another Whaler, but boy, these boats are quite pricey, even used ones, and don't even have seats.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Robert