2004 Crownline 180BR - Full Fiberglass Liner?

[DCMacGuy]

Hi everyone. I've been a long time lurker here - my partner and I both grew up boating and have the bug to finally get one ourselves. Part of me wants to go whole hog and just get exactly what we want (new Stingray 250LR), but the practical part says get something small and used for a couple of seasons to make sure we are actually able to use it as much as we hope. I've been looking around at the 18'-19' bowrider market - requirements are bucket seats, a rear bench and a 3.0L Mercruiser or Volvo (no 4.3s, no 5.0s).

We both grew up with Stingray and are looking heavily at them, however I found the Crownline linked below that looks pretty nice. The one thing I don't like about it is what appears to be glued down carpeting. I'd prefer snap-in as the boat will be used in the Chesapeake Bay and on the Potomac in addition to Lake Cumberland and Lake Anna.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-CROWNLINE-180-BR-102775779

Do Crownlines of this vintage have molded fiberglass liners, or is this carpet glued on wood construction? I can't tell from the pics, and I can't find anything worthwhile on the interwebs about the construction of the 180BR.

Thanks!

 

[spoilsofwar]

I will almost guarantee it is carpet glued over glassed wood. I think what you're really asking, since you mentioned snap-in carpet, is "is the carpet over glassed and gelcoated wood?" The answer to that is no, that technique is employed when using snap in carpet only, and is generally an optional feature available in these smaller, somewhat older and relatively affordable boats.

As an example, my 2012 stingray 195CX was available with glued in carpet, or (optionally) snap in carpet. If you chose the snap in, you got the full gelcoated fiberglass cockpit, which I did.

If you want to buy that boat, and switch to snap in carpeting, you will pull the carpet, remove all the glue residue and do some glass work on the floor, and then you can roll on gel coat or use a paint like bilgekote or similar. I'm over simplifying but that's the basic process. Then install the snaps onto the deck, matching up to your custom made snap in carpet, and you're good to go. The biggest expense would be of course having the carpet itself made, unless you can sew your own.

 

[thumpar]

I think you will regret not looking at a boat with a bigger motor. Crownlines are heavy. I can't imagine a 3.0l in one. I have a 5.7l in my 20' and wouldn't mind something bigger.

 

[R055]

I will almost guarantee it is carpet glued over glassed wood. I think what you're really asking, since you mentioned snap-in carpet, is "is the carpet over glassed and gelcoated wood?" The answer to that is no, that technique is employed when using snap in carpet only, and is generally an optional feature available in these smaller, somewhat older and relatively affordable boats.

As an example, my 2012 stingray 195CX was available with glued in carpet, or (optionally) snap in carpet. If you chose the snap in, you got the full gelcoated fiberglass cockpit, which I did.

If you want to buy that boat, and switch to snap in carpeting, you will pull the carpet, remove all the glue residue and do some glass work on the floor, and then you can roll on gel coat or use a paint like bilgekote or similar. I'm over simplifying but that's the basic process. Then install the snaps onto the deck, matching up to your custom made snap in carpet, and you're good to go. The biggest expense would be of course having the carpet itself made, unless you can sew your own.

Another option would be to keep searching for a boat with snap in carpet

 

[jkust]

The smaller crownlines in the early 2000's were just coming into their own. Still had some glued down carpet and narrow beams when some others were doing fiberglass liner and optional snap down carpet pieces and greater than 8 foot beams. That model looks to be around 2600lbs or so so relatively heavy for an 18 footer but still acceptable for a 3.0. Generally, a carbed 4.3 gives you over 40%+ more HP and a heck of a lot more torque for no more dollars in the used market. A 4.3 works so much less to do the job that they can get the same or even better Gallons per hour ratings. So you don't have to use all the power but it is there when you need or want it.

 

[DCMacGuy]

Good to know on the carpet... we are still going back and forth on how important it is to us - and if we can deal with glue down for a few years or not. I am keeping my eyes peeled for a nice Stingray still so I am not hung up on any one boat.

Regarding the engine - I know what I am getting into with a 3.0 vs a 4.3 - I can't stand how the 4.3 sounds, I don't like how it is packaged (particularly in what will be a small engine compartment already), and it's also 260 pounds heavier from the get-go. The boat will be used for puttering to and from sandbars, a little bit of tubing and kneeboarding with a max of 2 or 3 more people so I'm not concerned with needing to deep water start skiers or anything like that and a 3.0 will fit the bill nicely.

 

[jkust]

Good to know on the carpet... we are still going back and forth on how important it is to us - and if we can deal with glue down for a few years or not. I am keeping my eyes peeled for a nice Stingray still so I am not hung up on any one boat.

Regarding the engine - I know what I am getting into with a 3.0 vs a 4.3 - I can't stand how the 4.3 sounds, I don't like how it is packaged (particularly in what will be a small engine compartment already), and it's also 260 pounds heavier from the get-go. The boat will be used for puttering to and from sandbars, a little bit of tubing and kneeboarding with a max of 2 or 3 more people so I'm not concerned with needing to deep water start skiers or anything like that and a 3.0 will fit the bill nicely.

Fair enough....I can hear a 3.0 from a mile away as they have a very distinct sound. Lot's of boats that offered a 4.3 also offered a 5.0...not that this particular CL did but that would be a very tight fit. I hear lot's of 3.0's on our lake and they are having a great time just the same. At least the Stingray with the 3.0 will give you better performance given their hull design. Not great in a lot of chop but who really goes WOT for very long anyway.