1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

[leroyd]

Hi there - I'm in Cape Town , South Africa and have got an option on a 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin.<br />I can't find any info on this boat and am thinking it might be the Corsair that is referred to in these posts or is there just a 196 Cuddy model?<br />The inboard engine details are as follows : Engine serial numbers: 30GSMBYMCE, 4110169171, 3868747, Volvo Penta, 3lt staight 4 cyl.<br /><br />The boat looks externally in very good condition - I still have to have a more detailed look at the internals etc. What I'ld like to know is the general opinion of this particular model of boat. The posts here range from bad workmanship to good value for money. If looked after will this boat last, also is the hull foam filled for buoncy or not. <br />I'ld like to use the boat as a dual purpose (fishing and family fun) vessel out in the open sea - is it seaworthy, not for miles out in rough seas, but in fair weather, will it handle the chop / swells.<br />Any opinions on this boat would be much appreciated.<br />Thanks<br />Leroy

 

[leroyd]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Hi again - if no-one has any info about the specific model mentioned above, can someone give me some general info regarding Sunbirds: Like are their hulls foam filled or not (It is becoming a pre-requisite here in South Africa for a seaworthy certificate) and are they structurally well built. ALso, are they considered sea going boats or more for inland waters - the V does look like it could handle moderate seas ?

 

[alden135]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Hi, <br /><br />Yes, Sunbirds have flotation foam under the floor. Mine seems to be a reasonably well constructed boat and will handle moderate sea conditions fairly well. I use mine as transportation to my island home off the coast of Maine. <br /><br />I would consider my hull to be a near-shore type and would not take it to far out. <br /><br />If I were looking for a boat for mainly offshore use, I'd be looking for a Grady White, or other similar with a lot more freeboard and a wider flared bow.

 

[leroyd]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Thanks for the reply.<br />Unfortunately imported boats are a lot more expensive than local ones - the above Sunbird is for sale at $22500 (140000 South African rands), I see it's around 7500 dollars in the US. <br />The reason I quite like the Sunbird is that our local manufacturers don't really have small cuddy boats - they do have small full cabins, but then I'll lose a lot of deck seating space and one of my requirements is a cabin (to please the wife), so I though the cuddy looked perfect - it has the cabin for her with enough deck space for me to fish off and to use as a run around with friends.<br />It still sounds like it could be the boat for me, as even though I would fish off-shore, I would'nt be going out further than 1 mile, and mostly it would be in a lagoon area, which can get quite choppy, but with sensible use, the sunbird should handle it.

 

[alden135]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Originally posted by leroyd:<br /> as even though I would fish off-shore, I would'nt be going out further than 1 mile,

I guess I mis-understood you earlier. I'm ex-Navy and never considered 1 mile to be "offshore". <br /><br />Those prices are nuts

 

[leroyd]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Anywhere further than I can swim in any direction, is offshore <br />There is a different seaworthy certificate needed for further than 1 mile "offshore", so the mile is a theoretical limit due to licensing, but I can't imagine myself going much further away from shore in any case.<br />Yup - the prices are crazy - a 1989 2150 Bayliner cuddy is approx $35000, so compared to that - this Sunbird looks like a good price.

 

[alden135]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Originally posted by leroyd:<br /> a 1989 2150 Bayliner cuddy is approx $35000,

Sounds like you and I should go into business together. I'll find these type of boats, as many as you want, for $2,500 or less and you sell them over there. Even if it cost $15,000 to ship one, we'd still make a killing. <br /><br />This will make you feel even better. I bought my '90 Sunbird for $400. <br /><br />I did have to sink $1,200 into it though.

 

[leroyd]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

I was thinking along the same lines, I'm trying to find out why they are so expensive over here - I think that there is a 100% import tax to be paid on certain imported "luxury" items.<br /><br />Sorry to keep bugging you, but it seems as if you're the only other active Sunbird owner out there - but do you think the 3.0 Litre volvo 4 cylinder (130hp) motor would be adequate on this particular boat. From other posts it seems as if more power would be preferred, but as long as I can plane her with 4 or 5 poeple - I'll be happy.<br /><br />If I buy this boat it will also be my 1st experience with an inboard motor - any pitfalls to an inboard vs outboard that I should be aware of?<br /><br />If you have a look at the following url: http://www.taitmarine.com/supd/preowned.php and scroll down you'll see the Sunbird that I am interested in, you'll also see the other crazy prices for some of the boats (It's about 6 of our rands to your dollar).

 

[alden135]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Originally posted by leroyd:<br /> <br /><br />Sorry to keep bugging you, but it seems as if you're the only other active Sunbird owner out there - but do you think the 3.0 Litre volvo 4 cylinder (130hp) motor would be adequate on this particular boat. From other posts it seems as if more power would be preferred, but as long as I can plane her with 4 or 5 poeple - I'll be happy.<br />

You're not bugging me. This is why I spend so much time at this site. It's cool talking with so many other boaters around the world.<br /><br />As far as the engine thing, you could get more info if you post a thread over in the I/O or boat topics and questions forum. Those guys would know better than I. My Sunbird has a 120 hp Johnson on it and seems to have decent power when loaded.<br /><br />Nice boat in the link.<br /><br />Alden

 

[Toronto boater]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Just curious - did you ever buy this boat? I am considering a 1991 Sunbird Corsair 198 Cuddy and am looking for opinions. thanks.

 

[Mscanon99]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Hi,

I saw your post in another section and thought I would offer my advice...

I am on my second boat, my current one is a Sunbird. Nice boats, not the quality of my last Sea Ray, however I only have 1/3 the cost in it, so I am happy.

I know your looking for a Cuddy, I happen to know where one is in PA that is a decent deal. I think its like 18 feet, has an Evinrude 115 outboard and is in overall good condition. It has an area on the floor towards that back that needs minor repair, but otherwise, a nice boat. I almost purchased the boat, but decieded to just get a bowrider. I was at 5,000.00 for this boat, they were going to take it, I just backed out and went with a cheaper bowrider becuase I was concerned about trailering it with my small SUV.

Whatever you buy, make sure the floors are solid, or you understand what is needed to correct them. Get an inspection from a dealer if your buying private, this is critical.

I am a big fan of outboards over I/O's. Less weight, less service, easy to maintain, longer boating season and you can change it out.

Best,

Mike

 

[Mscanon99]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

BTW...This was for the Toronto Boater......

Mike

 

[Toronto boater]

Re: 1998 Sunbird 196 Cuddy Cabin opinions

Mike,

thanks for your advice. I will have it checked by the dealer. I would tend to agree about outboards (although much louder) but these are hard to find on a used cuddy.